Essay Exam – 100 points, Due April 9, 11:59 pm, via Canvas
900 words minimum (this is about 3.5 double-spaced typed pages). Longer papers are accepted.
Question: Describe the major developments of the 1950s that illustrate what a contradictory period it was. Some argue that the 1950s was a “golden age” of prosperity and consensus (agreement about ideal American norms), without a lot of disruptions. Others argue that there were many disruptions during the period that challenge the notion that this was a smooth decade, particularly if one looks beyond economic growth and prosperity on average.
Your answer could address to some degree all of the following: the economic boom, lifestyle changes (hint: new products), population change, suburbanization, desegregation, consensus, fears of communism, etc. You may address other issues as well.
I am looking for scope and completeness, details, and specificity. Review the exam prep assignment you recently completed.
GUIDELINES
1. Paper should include an introduction.
Example, you might state something along the following lines: (but choose your own ideas and statements)
Broad statement of thesis: The 1950s were a contradictory time, full of prosperity and growth as well as challenges to traditional ideas.
Statement stating what paper addresses: This paper addresses some of the developments characterizing prosperity, as well as some of those disruptions.
Sentences suggesting what you will address and argue: Specifically, the paper first examines the economic boom, the growth of suburbanization, and population growth to show why some call this a golden age. Despite there being some positive aspects there could be also be problems with these developments, such as racism in suburbia. Then the paper dives into specific developments that illustrate that there were problems in America…. (name what you will discuss).
2. Each paragraph should address a specific development and point. Don’t skimp on the details. Provide the historical context: this should be a blend of facts and analysis. Think about what you wrote for the exam prep, addressing a mix of description, importance, and the historical facts and context.
3. Paper should include a conclusion. It should in general terms restate what you discussed. It might also state conclusions about the importance of the topic or its meaning. You can be a bit more freewith your ideas here than in the introduction.
4. Attribution and citation: if you use a quote from or paraphrase a specific idea from the lecture, PowerPoints, or textbook, you must put quotes around exact wording used. If you quote or paraphrase, you must state where you got the idea. After the quote or paraphrase, put must in parentheses list the source and page number: e.g., “There were cracks in the consensus during the 1950s.” (Berlage PowerPoint, 3/21/2024); or (Foner, Give Me Liberty, p. 236).
