U.S. History 1301--Final Exam Essay
Dr. Melody Miyamoto Walters HIST 1301 WC1 and WC2
Spring 2017 Final Exam – Due May 8 at 11:59 PM
Choose ONE of the three options below. Be sure you write a thorough essay for a history class. You
should have a thesis sentence that answers the question being asked and states the argument that you
will make. Provide actual historical evidence as proof for your argument and pay attention to your
grammar (I need to be able to understand what you are explaining). Most students aim for a five
paragraph essay to complete this assignment; they include an introductory paragraph, a body
paragraph for each example, and a concluding paragraph. Identify which question you are
answering.
For Options 1 and 2: Historians discuss the theme of American Freedom, American Slavery as one
that accurately encapsulates the era that we studied (from the pre-Colonial era through the Civil
War). They argue that American Freedom and American Slavery are tied together-- being a slave
owning country, seeing that all people were not treated as equals, made Americans love their
freedom and the idea of equality even more. This then shaped American history as various groups of
people worked to ensure or achieve their liberty and equality, with a fear and hatred of slavery being
their motivating factors.
Option 1: Provide three examples (either people, revolutions, events, etc., that differ in terms
of race, class, gender, geography or time period), that we studied which proves this thesis to be true.
Be sure your examples are from United States history, between 1607 and 1877. Make your case by
explaining the historical events of those three examples who worked to advance their freedom and
equality, and the way they support the idea of American Freedom, American Slavery working
together. This is an essay for a history class. You should have a thesis sentence, evidence, and
transitional sentences.
Option 2: Provide three examples (either people, revolutions, events, etc., that differ in terms
of race, class, gender, geography or time period), that we studied which prove this thesis to be
incorrect. Be sure your examples are from United States history, between 1607 and 1877. Make
your case by explaining the historical events of those three examples whose efforts show that the
ideas of American Freedom and American Slavery are contradictory and clashed, rather than worked
together in the formation of the United States. This is an essay for a history class. You should have a
thesis sentence, evidence, and transitional sentences.
Option 3: Discuss the textbook cover found below. Identify the man on the cover. Is he a good
choice for the textbook cover based on the theme of American Freedom and American Slavery, and
focusing on American history before 1877? Use historical evidence to make your point. If you say
yes, explain why. If you say no, explain why not. Regardless of your choice, also suggest TWO
ADDITIONAL people who deserve to be on the cover of the textbook focusing on American
history before 1877and defend your choices. This is an essay for a history class. You should have a
thesis sentence, evidence, and transitional sentences.
Submit your final exam essay to Canvas by 11:59 PM on Monday, May 8. There is no checklist
for the final exam essay.