This first major essay covers the 80 years between the end of the Civil War and the conclusion of World War II. It needs to be 4-5 doubled-spaced pages, between 1300-1500 words, in Times New Roman 12 pt. font, with evidence footnoted as per class instruction. Here is the essay question you need to answer via the Turnitin link on Canvas by 11:59 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21:

TRACE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DOMESTIC AND GLOBAL FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO TRANSFORMING THE UNITED STATES FROM THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR IN 1865 TO THE CONCLUSION OF WORLD WAR II IN 1945 AND EXPLAIN WHY OR HOW THOSE FACTORS GENERATED CHANGE.

Your essay should pay particular attention to both the domestic and global factors in the political, military, social, religious, economic, or cultural spheres that drove change over time in the United States during this extended period. I suggest you focus on two to four key elements that you can trace over time in most or all of the historical periods we’ve covered — do not try to cover every issue in every period.

Your evidence for this essay must come exclusively from the assigned readings in the Canvas Modules, my class lectures, or the history textbook American Horizons: U. S. History in a Global Context, Volume 2 since 1865, edited by Michael Schaller as indicated in the syllabus. No outside sources will be given credit towards your grade.

In order to receive an “A” grade, essays must include an introductory paragraph providing context and a clear thesis. This should be followed with paragraphs driven by convincing topic sentences that further your analysis and incorporate specific evidence, as well as a cogent conclusion that summarizes your argument. Students must use Chicago-style citations to credit sources that are paraphrased, referenced or directly quoted. I am available to provide extra help during office hours. Good luck.