Category: History

Discuss the Enlightenment principles of equality upon which Thomas Jefferson based the Declaration of Independence. Where did Jefferson get these principles, and how were they different from the idea of absolute monarchy that existed in Europe? To what extent did the various states view and apply ideas of individual freedom as discussed in Chapter 6, “The Revolution Within” in our textextbook? Discuss the reasons some states granted relatively greater freedoms and some less. What does the term “public sphere” mean? Compare how was it used by Abigail Adams in her 1776 letter to John Adams (p.494) and by “Petitions of Slaves to The Massachusetts Legislature (1773 and 1777)” (p.494-5).        

What led to the Mexican-American war? What were the effects of American conquest and settlement on various groups? Californios, Native Americans, and ultimately, Americans? To answer this question, you must draw on bothlectures and the “Racial Faultlines” and American Genocide.
https://palomar.instructure.com/courses/49076/files/9159937/download?wrap=1
https://palomar.instructure.com/courses/49076/files/9159856/download?wrap=1

Address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use the available resources from the list above to support your selected topic.
It’s highly recommended that you download and use the suggested assignment template for each topic to complete this case study.
When you complete the template, upload and submit it in the assignment dropbox on this webpage. Topic
The Disputed Election or Revolution of 1800 Describe the historical setting surrounding the Election of 1800. Assess what constitutional issue the election of 1800 results helped to reveal. What did Congress do to mitigate the issue? Do you think it was necessary to pass the Twelfth Amendment? Why or why not? Analyze why the Presidential Election of 1800 coined the “Revolution of 1800.” Do you find this appropriate? Why or why not? Writing Requirements
Length: 2–3 pages (not including title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
References page
In-text citations that correspond with your end references
Minimum of 2 scholarly sources from the resources below:

In a paper of at least 5 pages, discuss why the authors included a system of checks and balances. Analyze three examples of “checks and balances” between Congress and the Executive Branch. For at least one of the examples you choose, analyze an event within the last five years that illustrates the check and balance “in action.” Your paper must include the following: Analysis of why the authors of the Constitution included a system of checks and balances. Three examples of checks and balances between the Legislative and Executive Branches of government. Analysis of an example of the checks and balances “in action” that has occurred within the last five years.

For this informal assignment, I want you to immerse yourself in a rich, but largely under-studied resource: the lost world of the pre-Civil War newspaper. The Library of Congress has begun a massive project entitled Chronicling AmericaLinks to an external site. to make available to the public the text of thousands of local newspapers from across the United States. Many of these newspapers no longer exist except online, as the originals have crumbled or been destroyed. The newspaper business was booming prior to the Civil War. For this project, I want you to choose a topic which we have been studying in the course, and locate, through the Chronicling America site, three or more newspaper pieces that illuminate some aspect of that topic. Then, in a 400-600 word reflection, I want you to summarize and analyze what you have found. You do not need to write a finished, polished essay, but instead you merely need to write a report. For instance, if you were to choose the broad topic of the experience of Native Americans, you could find articles, from one or various newspapers in the Chronicling America site, which either report on or discuss events that relate to that experience. You could (and probably should) narrow your topic as well, to look at, for instance, a specific event such as the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin or the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and only examine articles that cover that particular event. How you approach the assignment is really up to you, and you could make your focus as broad or narrow as you wish. You could look at the same event through three different newspapers from different areas of the country; three articles from the same newspaper (justify why this particular newspaper is important); three different events from the same newspaper — really, however you want to complete the general assignment is up to you.
The main function of the assignment is to encourage you to research and discover, and use (and wrestle with) the Advanced Search function of the Chronicling America site.
Remember that you need to narrow your search to events in U.S. history that occurred prior to 1865. Because few newspapers survive the further back you go, choosing a topic closer to the end of the course than the beginning is probably a good idea.
You will be graded on whether you complete the assignment, and how much effort you put into summarizing and analyzing your findings. You will also be graded on how deeply you interface with the Chronicling America search engineLinks to an external site.. Don’t just plug your topic into the search box. Try to narrow your focus to a particular region, a particular newspaper, a particular date. Use the “Advanced Search” functionLinks to an external site.. Go down the research rabbit hole for a while and be overwhelmed. A large part of this assignment is learning to navigate a relatively complex primary source research engine.
No outside sources are necessary, but they are always appreciated.
Have fun digging and discovering.
Here are the topics from the course: 1. British North America 2. Colliding Cultures
3. The New World
4. Colonial Society
5. The American Revolution
6. The Early Republic
7. Democracy in America
8. The Cotton Revolution
9. The Civil War

instructions: Complete a research paper on a topic of your choice. ( I’ll include my topic in later lines) Length: 1400 words (4-6 pages double spaced, size 11 font, not including headings). Sourcing: You must include at least five trustworthy sources, two of which are primary sources. You must cite the sources parenthetically in the text, as well as in a properly formatted bibliography following the text. (MLA Style)
rubric- Thesis: Paper has a clear and complex thesis statement answering a question related to United States history from 1818-2008. The information presented in the paper clearly defends the thesis. Organization: Paper is clearly organized into paragraphs with clear topic sentences. Paper flows smoothly and organizes information clearly. Paper presents the information in a compelling and readable format. Information+Research: Paper is well researched, and contains relevant, in depth information taken from a variety of sources that argue the thesis statement. Information is well-synthesized from the sources, and not copied. Writer shows the ability to understand and accommodate perspective in sources.
Style: Paper observes the grammatical standards of written English. Paper uses correct spelling, grammar and is formatted with a heading/title. Paper does not use first person, strong voice or other unsuitable academic language. Sourcing: Paper uses a minimum of five trustworthy sources, two primary and three secondary sources in MLA style. Paper uses appropriate parenthetical citations. Sources are accurately documented in a bibliography following the text.
teacher instruction: (Question – In order to write a research paper, you first need to develop a question related to American history. Your question can cover anything. Make your question specific, although one that you can still answer with research. )
MY : TOPIC- QUESTION
How did the Iran-Contra Affair shape public perception of President Ronald Reagan, particularly regarding his leadership, integrity, and adherence to democratic principles, and what lasting effects did it have on perceptions of presidential power and accountability in the United States?
TEAXHER INSTRUCTION Thesis – Your thesis statement should be a 1-2 sentence statement that provides your answer to your question, that you will argue in your essay. This can change as you conduct more research, and develop a stronger thesis statement. MY Thesis:
The Iran-Contra Affair significantly eroded public confidence in President Ronald Reagan’s leadership, as revelations of secretive operations and disregard for democratic principles undermined his perceived integrity. Moreover, the scandal underscored concerns regarding unchecked presidential authority and the necessity for effective accountability mechanisms within the executive branch, shaping enduring perceptions of presidential power and oversight in the United States.
Sources – You do not need to find all of your sources immediately, but you do need to conduct some introductory research on your topic prior to developing a thesis. Provide the citations for two sources that help support your thesis, one primary and one secondary. Then write a brief summary on how this source helps you with your topic. Source One (Primary Source): “President Reagan’s Address to the Nation on the Iran-Contra Affair.” DocsTeach, 12 Aug. 1987, www.docsteach.org/documents/document/iran-contra-affair. How does this source assist my research?This primary source offers direct access to Reagan’s official communication to the nation regarding the Iran-Contra Affair, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of his explanations, justifications, and attempts to manage public perception. By examining Reagan’s words and tone in this address, researchers can assess his level of accountability, transparency, and leadership effectiveness in addressing the controversy. Additionally, analyzing this source enables a deeper exploration of the broader historical context and impact of the Iran-Contra Affair on American politics and public opinion during the Reagan administration.
Source Two (Secondary Source):“Iran-Contra Affair – Definition, Timeline, President.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/1980s/iran-contra-affair. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024. How does this source assist my research?The secondary source provides a detailed account of the Iran-Contra Affair, outlining the secretive arms deals, political implications, and fallout from the scandal. It helps to contextualize the events surrounding the affair, including President Reagan’s involvement and the subsequent investigations. By summarizing the key points and analyzing Reagan’s response, this source aids in understanding the impact of the scandal on public perception of presidential leadership and accountability. Additionally, it contributes to a broader examination of the Reagan administration’s handling of foreign policy and its implications for American politics during the 1980s.

Worth: 40 points
Outline. Student will be asked to provide an outline for their final project. This outline should have at least 3-4 subpoints that will be connected to answering the research questions and thesis statement developed in Part 2. The outline should start to include key examples, dates, and sources (or direct quotes) that will be provided in the the Final Project. (12 points, outline)
Working Annotated Bibliography. The annotated bibliography should include at least 4 sources that you will be using for your research, at the end of project you will need 5 sources. Include two (2) primary sources and three (2) secondary sources (that are credible sources). Make sure to include diverse sources for the secondary sources, at least (one) book and (one) scholarly/academic journal. You can use primary sources linked to the course, from ECC databases, or credible online archives. Please do not use Wikipedia or related/similar websites. First, provide a proper citation in either MLA or Turabian/Chicago Style. Second, provide a summary for each of the sources. (What is the source about? What arguments does it make? What examples does it illustrate?). Third, indicate how the source will be used in your research. Evaluate its effectiveness. Each of the annotations should be 5-7+ sentences long. (20 points, 4 paragraphs)
The site and clip below shows an examples of how an annotated source should look like.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bibliographies/annotated_bibliography_samples.html
“What is an Annotated Bibliography?”
3. Format: Uses either MLA or Turabian/Chicago Style. Sections are labeled and numbered. (3 points)
4. Response to Feedback. Respond to my questions or feedback in the assignment comment box when the assignment is graded. (5 points)
POSSIBLE DATABASES:
Start your search for resources at the El Camino College Library online by visiting: http://libguides.elcamino.edu/az.php. There is also a link to the library on Canvas. You will need your school ID number to use the databases.
Below find some helpful ECC databases I recommend to locate research material:
Academic Search Complete
America: History and Life
American Historical Periodicals
Archives Unbound
Credo References
EBSCO eBOOK Collection
Ethnic Diversity Source
Films on Demand
Gale Primary Sources
JSTOR Arts and Sciences
U.S. History
Below find some Primary and Secondary Sources databases:
American Yawp Primary Reader: http://www.americanyawp.com/reader.html
Digital History https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/
Docs Teach by National Archives https://www.docsteach.org/
Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/collections/
Digital History: http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/index.cfm
Oyzer: https://www.oyez.org/

Africans began to arrive in the New World in the 1500s, reshaping the demographics of the area.  Of course, most Africans were brought to America as slaves.  The foundation of the African American experience in the Americas cannot be understood without analyzing the system of slavery in the Americas.  
You have already reviewed how to analyze a primary source.  We will now review how to investigate a secondary source.
1. Please review: Analyzing Secondary Sources

.(0:00-13:30)
2. Please read the Heywood  and Thornton 
see attached
3. Please review the following: Why is African History Neglected?
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/09/09/438672718/john-oliver-says-u-s-students-learn-virtually-nothing-about-africa
4. Complete the following questions:
Who are the authors for each work and what are their potential biases?
What is the thesis for each and what are the main arguments?
What primary sources are they relying on most to make their arguments?
Is each source reliable/convincing?  Explain. 

What is African-American Studies?
1. Read: African American Studies, An Intro.pdf Download African American Studies, An Intro – see attached
2. Post.  In 3-5 sentences explain what African-American Studies is using your own words.  Write another 3-5 sentences explaining African American Studies’ most important achievements/theories/ideas. Finally, write another 3-5 sentences explaining the challenges facing African American Studies. Be sure to include evidence from the reading for the latter two.
This assessment will address Course Outcomes:
Discuss the historical development of African Americans, the political, cultural, social, and economic forces that shaped the role and experience of African Americans in America, and the interaction and influence of their political, social, cultural and economic development on the nation.
Analyze the varying interpretations of institutions, people, practices and events in the history of African Americans, including moral and ethical perspectives and established values.

This take-home midterm allows you to fill out your own annotated timeline of American history so that you can (1) See cause and effect between important historical events within the Atlantic World and the colonies that would become the United States in 1775-1776 (2) generally locate events in time, and (3) see the slow emergence of human rights from the “Old Truths.”At the end of each entry, please briefly note your sources in parentheses at the end. Example: (Lepore 23, class lectures, and PPT slide #45). 
In addition to the entries I have explained, find 15 events taken from Jill Lepore’s These Truths (or other official readings) that I did not include on the timeline that you feel are both important and interesting. Find 10 Events from other assigned readings like Gary Nash’s two articles or my video lectures. Since Lepore does not always give dates, you may have to figure out the dateby a google search. Then place this entry at the appropriate chronological point on YOUR annotated timeline. Place an asterisk after the date for each of your Lepore entries (or you will not receive credit for them) like this [ 1774*]. Place two asterisks on other choices from Gary Nash or other readings/videos. Use as much direct quoting as possible. 
Plan for an 8-hour investment here. This works best if you work gradually through the semester rather than cram it all in at the end. I recommend that you print a version out to keep track of it as you work through the assignments. 
How to Answer: Annotated timelines should be concise and accurate. 1-4 sentences. Less can be more here—but you want a complete answer. Make every word count. Eliminate fluff and redundancy. 
Methods to Get Good Answers: 
1. Watch the 2020 Lecture series as assigned.
2. Consult the Lecture Note powerpoints. These are mostly searchable. 
3. Check out the Lepore Index. Then go to her text. 
4. Seach Shi electronic text.
5. Use quotes from Lectures, Lepore, Shi, Nash and other assigned materials to impress.
Grade: You are expected to get 95-100 percent of the answers correct here. I am grading you on the quality of the answers and your additions to the timeline from your selections of Lepore’s These Truths.
Check with Me: Let’s say you are starting your timeline and are uncertain how to do a good job. You can text me at 814-321-2434. 
Some entries are free spaces and have no work needed from you. This is, after all, a collaborative exercise. 
1452 Pope Nicholas V issues Papal Bull (a ruling by the Pope) declaring that people taken as captives in a just war can be enslaved (permanently, including future children).
1453 Fall of Constantinople. What were three major consequences of that event?
1492 The Alhambra Edict. What was it? 
1492 Who was Torquemada? What was the Inquisition in Spain and who ended it (and when)?
1493 The Columbian Exchange Begins. How and why did sugar eventually become a major cash crop in the West Indies and Brazil?
1510 Dominican Friars object to the enslavement of indigenous people by Conquistadors in Santo Domingo. 
1513 The Requerimiento issued declaring Spain’s divine right to subjugate indigenous peoples of the so-called “New World.”  Read to indigenous people, it justified New Spain’s aggressive hierarchical reign by invoking God. Indigenous populations had to accept Spanish rule and allow preaching to them by Catholic missionaries on penalty of war, slavery or death (see Wikipedia if interested in more detail).
1519 Luther posts the 95 Theses in Wittenberg. What doctrine of Martin Luther’s was “anathema” to the Roman Catholic Church? Why was this a threat to the church hierarchy in Germany and Rome?
1521 What did Cortes topple, at last, with the decisive help of native allies?
1533 Who was Atahualpa and who had him executed? 
1534: Who proclaimed the Act of Supremacy and what did it do?
1536 Young John Calvin writes Institutes of the Christian Religion. What is the most prominent doctrinal theological difference between Calvinism and Lutheranism regarding salvation?
1542 What did Las Casas advocate to Charles V as a policy change for New Spain? How did he regard the conquistador’streatment of indigenous peoples? Were the New Laws effective?
1567 The 3rd Duke of Alba establishes the Council of Blood. Describe the following Spanish Fury?
1588 Defeat of the Spanish Armada. How did this change thingsfor the future of North America?
1609 William Shakespeare writes Julius Caesar.  For republicans (Whigs), Julius Caesar represents the tyrant to be avoided, and Marc Antony the perfect example of a demagogue. Watch a Youtube clip of Marc Antony’s soliloquy/eulogy for Caesar performed by Marlin Brando. How does the scene exemplify the techniques of the demagogue?
1619 The Jamestown colony purchases 20-30 Africans from English privateers who had taken them from a Spanish ship. Controversially, according to Nikole Hannah-Jones of the 1619Project, she believes we should “reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.”This debate had fueled the present “culture war” over American history curricula in high schools.
1620: Pilgrims arrive at Plymouth. Why were they known as Dissenters? Reference Lepore ‘The Rulers and the Ruled.”
1603-1625 What sort of ruler was James I of England, the first Stuart King and namesake of Jamestown? Did he believe in absolute divine right? (see Lepore and Video)
1621: What was the business model of the Dutch West Indies company? How did New Netherland fit into its scheme?
1622: Opechancanough’s Attack on Jamestown. What was theobjective? Do you think that indigenous people can be accused of genocide or are they always justified in killing settlers, or do you see it as something else?
1629: Charles I dissolves Parliament. This begins the “Eleven Years of Tyranny” Jill Lepore notes that this act added to emigration from England to America. (No Question)
1636 Pequot War: Describe the sides. What was this conflict over? How did it end? (See Nash and Lepore). Did the Puritans have any indigenous allies?
What happened at Mystic?
1636 Free Will (antinomian) Debate in Puritan Boston. 
Who was Roger Williams?
Who was Ann Hutchinson?
1640: Charles I recalled Parliament after what has been called “eleven years tyranny.” This would precipitate the English Civil War(s). What was Charles I seeking in calling back Parliament?
1643-45 Willem Kieft’s War. Who was Governor Kieft? How would you describe the war? Did the “Dutch” settlers support Kieft’s action?
1649 Charles I Beheaded at the behest of Oliver Cromwell and Parliament. What was he accused of doing?
1651 Oliver Cromwell institutes Navigation Acts. Which former ally were these measures especially targeted toward?
1650-75 See Enslaved voyages table. Rank the top 3 European powers who transported the most enslaved people into the Western Hemisphere with the number of souls.
1660 The Stuart Restoration. What was it?
1663 2nd Esopus War. What happened at modern day Kingston (Wiltwyck) and Hurley (Nieu Diorp)? Were the Esopus justified in their war of revenge?
1663 Founding of the Carolinas and the mission of the Royal African Company: How was Charles II going to enrich his cronies and himself?
1664 Fall of New Amsterdam. Briefly describe.
1670-1715 Indigenous Slave Trade: Historian Alan Gallay estimates that from 1670 to 1715 English slave traders in the Carolinas sold over 24,000 Native Americans to the West Indies.This would be an issue in the Yamasee Wars and the Tuscarora Wars. (No question)
1676 Bacon’s Rebellion. How did this expose rifts in Colonial society between former indentured servants and Tidewater elites?
1676 King Phillip’s War. What happened? Which New York centered tribe helped the Puritans prevail over the Wampanoag?
1682 William Penn drafts the republican charter known as the Frame of Government for Pennsylvania. How would you describe his political beliefs?
1683 Governor Dongan of New York and the Assembly issue a Charter of Liberties and Privileges in defiance of the King…what did it proclaim?
1685 James II ascends the English throne and formulates a plan for the Dominion of New England. What did the Dominion of New England seek to crush?
1685 Louis XIV revokes of the Edict of Nantes (in the Edict of Fontainebleau). This ends civil religious tolerance for French Protestants in France.
1688 Glorious Revolution. Briefly, what happened? Who ends up on the throne of England?
1689 “1st” American Revolution was provoked by James II.
1689 English Bill of Rights (no question) lays out Rights of Englishmen. This will be the basis of the United States Bill of Rights some 100 years later. Note that the American Revolution of 1775 was largely fueled by colonists’ demands to have “the Rights of Englishmen” as established in 1689.
1690: Jacob Leisler was known for his virulent anti-popism. What did he do and what became of him?
1689-1765 General Policy of “Salutary Neglect.” What do historians mean in using the term?
1690 Massacre in Schenectady begins what is known as “King William’s War.” With England now rules by Protestants, tensions erupted between Catholic France (where James II fledafter the Glorious Revolution) and William and Mary.
1690 Salem Witch Trial. Was this a case of mass hysteria? How many “witches” were executed?
1700-1725: See Enslaved Voyages Site or reference my slides/lectures which look at these numebrs. What inferences can you make?  How did trends change after 1675?
1707: Queen Anne and the Act of Union. Why is that significant to the English and the  “British”? What happened with the British slave trade after the Act of Union? See Voyage data.
1711-18 The Tuscarora and Yamasee Wars in North and South Carolina—fueled in part by deep resentment of Native enslavement– resulted in a reduction of Native enslavement and an increase in African enslavement.(No question)
1712 After a deadly slave revolt (and reprisals) in New York City, the British parliament imposed harsh restrictions on enslaved people and a severe manumission tax opposed by Governor Hunter of NY. What was the point of a manumission tax and why did Governor Hunter oppose it? 
1713 What was significant about the Asiento that the British received through the Treaty of Utrecht ending The War of Spanish Succession?
1715 The Cherokee intervened decisively in the Yamasee Warby switching sides. What caused the war? Were the Cherokee on the winning side?
1720-1740 The First Great Awakening has been described by historians as leading to a democratization of Christianity. Who was Johnathan Edwards? What is “fire and brimstone”? Who was George Whitefield?
1732 James Oglethorpe. How did he embody Whig/reformist ideas in Georgia?
1739 Stono Rebellion. Identify. What were the consequences for the importation of the enslaved?
1741 New York City Slave Conspiracy. How did paranoia and racism combine? Which is more appalling to you, the Salem Witch Trial or the NYC slave conspiracy? 
1754 What was significant, even in failure, of the AlbanyCongress?
1755 Braddock’s Defeat. What did George Washington do here, having already helped provoke the war in the Fort Necessity campaign?
1757 What happened after the fall of Fort William Henry—all later featured in James Fenimore Cooper’s historical romance The Last of the Mohicans?
1759 Death of Wolfe and Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham. What was the significance for North America?
1759-1761 Cherokee Rebellion. 
1763-6 Describe Pontiac’s Rebellion. What was Pontiac’s objective? Was this genocidal or justified—or find another description?
1763 Lord Jeffrey Amherst allows smallpox-infested blankets to be given to Indigenous people at Fort Pitt during Pontiac’s Rebellion. This single-incident has been much cited.
1763 What was the Proclamation Line of 1763? What did the British government hope to obtain? Why did that infuriate many colonial Americans?
1765 Stamp Act. What were the unintended consequences? Did it work? What resistance groups were created in response? What might happen to Stamp Tax collectors?
1768 Non-Importation Acts. American Whigs and the Sons and Daughters of Liberty organize consumer boycott of British goods and buy American domestic goods instead. The British Tories thought American women—unable to live without British goods– would force their husbands to back down. They were wrong. Patriotic women forced the British to repeal the Townshend Acts taxing glass, paper, lead, paint, and tea. Second rate “homespun” clothing soon became the rage, a badge of American patriotism—and the British had managed to make the fashionable unpopular. 
1773 Gaspee Affair. Describe its significance? Was smuggling important to the causes of the American Revolution?
1773 Boston Tea Party. What happened? ​
1774 Intolerable Acts. Identify—and how was Boston specifically punished for the Boston Tea Party?
What was the Quebec Act?
1774 First Continental Congress summonsed in response to the Intolerable Acts. Where did it meet?
April, 1775 Lexington and Concord. What were the British marines looking to find? How did it work out for them?
1775 What was the Olive Branch Petition?
1775-6 Siege of Boston including Bunker Hill: Who was Henry Knox in 1775? What did he do?
1775 Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation. Was the American Revolution about British abolitionists trying to wipe out colonial slavery? In the controversy generated by the 1619 project, who was right, Wilentz or Hannah-Jones?
1775-1800: Who were the 3 largest enslaved trading nations according to the database? Do you think the numbers show that the British were “abolitionists” as the 1619 Project claims?
1776 Battles for New York City. How would you evaluate Washington’s performance?
1777 Saratoga. What were the consequences?
1780 Why was Major Andre hung on the orders of George Washington?
1780-81 Nathaniel Greene, the Southern Campaign, and Yorktown. How would you evaluate this campaign? How did an enslaved man help Lafayette and Greene?
1783 Newburgh Conspiracy. What made this a decisive turning point in American political history?
1786 Shay’s Rebellion. What happened? How did it affect George Washington?
1777-1787 The Articles of Confederation. How would you evaluate the Articles as a governing document? What were its core weaknesses?