Choose a person, an event, a social movement, or an idea that we studied in HIST-121 that you believe had the most significant impact on the development of the United States, today. Make an argument for your topic’s importance. Contextualize: who or what is your topic? Why was your topic important to Americans in its time of prevalence? In what ways do conditions that exist in the nation today reflect the lasting influence of this person, event, social movement, or idea? How does your chosen topic impact Americans, today? How do you believe your topic will continue to impact the nation going forward, over the next fifty years? Please directly quote at least two primary sources assigned within this semester, as well as the textbook/Class Guide, to support your answer.
What I will be looking for:
A thesis statement.
This should answer ALL parts of the final essay prompt in 1-3 sentences. BE SPECIFIC! This should be an argument–do not be afraid to take a stance.
Underline your thesis statement!!!!!
Your thesis statement should appear at the end of your first paragraph, and no where else!
Here is an example thesis statement: “This specific event (name of the event, person, movement, or idea) was crucial for Americans, today, as it transformed the social (or political or economic) stance of the nation, evident in example a, example b, and example c.” BE SPECIFIC!
Three direct quotes to support your argument.
Quotes need to come from at least two different primary sources, as well as at least one quote from the textbook or class guide.
DO NOT CONSULT OUTSIDE SOURCES UNLESS APPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
Explicitly answer all questions listed in the prompt above.
In what ways do conditions that exist in the nation today reflect the lasting influence of this person, event, social movement, or idea?
How does your chosen topic impact Americans, today?
How will your topic continue to impact the nation?
Be clear – start your sentences throughout your body paragraphs with “(My topic) impacts Americans in 2024, evident in…”
Be specific and thorough!
Organization and presentation.
A clear beginning, middle, and end. Clear connections between ideas. Use transitions. Context and analysis around quotes.
Your body paragraphs relate back and prove your thesis statement.
I strongly recommend following the “Suggested Essay Organization,” listed below.
Double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font, with a header and title – not “Final Essay”!
3-5 pages.
Some type of citations – just be consistent and accurate.
Proofread your essay – preferably out loud – to spot small errors in grammar and spelling.
Remember – you can 100% use one of the ideas/quotes you talked about in your Discussion #11 (as well as any quotes you get in the replies from your classmates) if you want to!
Suggested Essay Organization – (do it this way)
Paragraph 1:
A strong introduction – a few sentences that offer a taste of background information that contextualizes who or what your essay is about.
A thesis statement – a strong, provable, specific argument that takes a stance and directly answers one or more questions listed in the final essay prompt. Your thesis statement should appear at the end of your first paragraph, and no where else! Underline your thesis statement.
Paragraph 2:
Background information – who or what is your topic? How, and under what circumstances, did this individual, movement, idea, system, etc, come to serve the American people? Why is your topic important? Describe and introduce your topic thoroughly – to someone who is not a member of our class. Always connect back to your thesis statement – prove yourself!
A quote from 1 source assigned within the semester – either the textbook or one of your chosen primary sources – that supports what you are describing. Plus, analysis in your own words.
Paragraph 3:
Answer – In what ways do conditions that exist in the nation today reflect the lasting influence of this person, event, social movement, or idea? Explain the cause and effect of your chosen topic. Be specific!
A quote from a second source assigned within the semester – either the textbook or another primary source – that supports what you are describing. Plus, analysis in your own words.
Paragraph 4:
Answer – How does your chosen topic impact Americans in 2024? Be specific! Are all Americans impacted? Certain regions of the country? A certain gender? Will your topic impact Americans going forward?
Another quote from one of your chosen assigned sources – either the textbook or a primary source (3 sources total) – that supports what you are describing. Plus, analysis in your own words.
Paragraph 5:
Conclude – Reiterate your main argument, recap your evidence, and conclude your essay.
