Document #38 Abraham Lincoln on the Mexican-American War (1846-48)
Document #38 Abraham Lincoln on the Mexican-American War (1846-48)
Short Essay Instructions
Read each of the documents and think about them. Who produced this source? What does it say? What is its main argument? When was it produced? What was the historical context that may have influenced its creation? Why was the source made? For what purpose? Where was the person at the time the source was made? Who is the audience? Think about the perspectives and biases of the person who produced the source. Students should consider all of these factors and more about each source and then ponder the relationships and connections between them.
This essay should have a strong introduction, multiple body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should draw the reader in. Its last sentence should be a thesis statement that clearly states the student’s argument. The body paragraphs use the available sources as evidence to craft a logically organized and convincing argument even as they acknowledge conflicting views. Direct and indirect quoting is encouraged. The conclusion wraps up and restates the student’s argument, preferably with some reference to material from the introduction. Students should proofread the essay prior to final submission.
Essay Needs to be in: Times New Roman, 12pt-font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins all around, Chicago Manual Style Citation
Main Prompt:
Read the two documents and analyze the perspectives of President James K. Polk and Abraham Lincoln regarding the United States’ War with Mexico. Keeping in mind society, and politics during this era, compare and contrast the two documents and highlight the underlying differences between both of them. Finally, use evidence (including direct quotations) from the pair of documents to justify whom you believe to have conveyed their argument the best.
Words: 700-1000
