Write a 7-8 page MLA paper on any of the following topics. Do the essay on only one of the following
prompts.
1. War
Analyze and explain the impact Wars have had on the U.S. and the world and whether they have been
beneficial or detrimental or both. Focus on just 3 wars from 1754-1865 and take into consideration the
differences between global conflicts and U.S. – centric wars, their impacts and what might have
happened if the U.S. wasn’t involved in any particular war. Do not spend much time covering the battles,
this prompt is intended to cover the impact of the wars on the U.S. or the impact of American wars on
other countries.
2. Constitution
Analyze and explain the origins and impact of the U.S. Constitution. Pick 3 specific aspects of the
Constitution or any pre-1865 amendments. Pick specific aspects. For example, pick one of the
amendments not the entire Bill of Rights. Analyze and explain what they wrote, why they wrote what
they did and evaluate the current impact of their work. What has changed, what might the U.S. be like
without this specific aspect? Also take into consideration any impacts it might have had on other
countries and their governments. Do not just list things, use examples and evidence.
3. Technology
Analyze and explain the importance and impact of changing technologies on the U.S. Argue what you
believe are the 3 most important inventions in American history before 1865. Take into consideration
how technology has changed the U.S. and it’s placement in world and what might be different if tha
t
technology were never invented. You can use American inventions or American improvements to
existing inventions but you need to be specific. Do not just list things, use examples and evidence. (For
example don’t just list things your phone does)
You must use at least 4 outside sources (this does not include the textbook) including at least 1 primary
source and include citations. You cannot use any electronic sources unless it is an electronic copy of a
hard copy source or an approved website below. You may use the class books as well as lecture notes
but they do not count as the 4 necessary outside sources. This essay will be graded on the arguments as
well as the writing style. The paper must be double spaced, 12 point font in Time New Roman.
Approved Websites
AMDOCS
http://ukans.edu/carrie/docs/amdocs_index.html
American history
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/amhome.html
American Time Capsule
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/rbpehtml/pehome.html
Archival Research Catalog
http://www.archives.gov/research_room/arc
Avalon Project
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.html
Digital History
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/
Congressional Documents
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lawhome.html
Congress and the Constitutional Convention
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/bdsds/bdsdhome.html
Documents of Independence
http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/declara/declara1.html
George Washington Papers
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gwhtml
Thomas Jefferson Papers
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/mtjhtml/mtjhome.html
SWC database
Articles & Databases (swccd.edu)