For each topic, use your own words to do three things:
identify the topic
explain how the topic relates to important themes of US history in the late 1900s and early 2000s
show how the topic connects to one piece of linked content in a module (any readings, videos, or other source). Engage with what the linked content says about the topic you chose. How does this source reveal something meaningful or interesting about this topic? Explain. Then — in writing — reflect on how that adds a brick to our body of historical knowledge. If you’re referencing a text chapter, identify the chapter and a sub-heading.
Each topic should be identified in a separate paragraph. See the Sample Identification provided in the module.
Topic 1: Progressive Environmentalism
Topic 2: Impact of the Great Depression on Asian Americans
https://www.encyclopedia.com/economics/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/asian-americans-impact-great-depression
Topic 3: Anti-American Boycott
Topic 4: United States v. Wong Kim Ark
https://encyclopedia.densho.org/United_States_v._Wong_Kim_Ark/
Topic 5: Gentlemen’s Agreement
Here is an example for you:
Identify the topic: The 13th amendment was a constitutional amendment passed in 1865. It forbade slavery in the United States except if the person was convicted of a crime.
How the topic relates to US history: The 13th amendment had enormous historical significance. It abolished slavery in the United States, except as a punishment for a convicted crime. This ended systemic race-based slavery in the United States, including the South which had lost the Civil War. It did not end racial discrimination against newly freed Black Americans. In fact, most Southern states immediately created black codes.
Engagement with content from the modules: According to the Primary Source: “Mississippi Black Code, 1865,” from The American Yawp, it was illegal for “all freedmen” and “freed Negroes” to assemble at night or to not pay a tax. This means Black people in Mississippi could not be out at night; it was a crime. If they were convicted of this crime, then – according to the 13th amendment – they could still be enslaved! This piece of content demonstrates things weren’t as simple as the 13th Amendment totally ending slavery. The White South found ways to bolster white supremacy and still get free labor by incarcerating newly freed Black people.
