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Seminar 1

ESSAYS. Answer three of the following essays as thoroughly as possible. Each answer should be approximately a page in length to adequately cover the topic. Each essay is worth ten points.

1. Without doubt, the settling of the New World was a major turning point in world history. Both Europe and America would never be the same. Briefly discuss the contributions each culture made on the other. (2 pts.) In the long run, do you feel that Columbus' voyages were to the benefit of humankind? Justify your answer. (2 pts.) Almost as important was the establishment of a new nation, the United States of America. Describe the events that led to independence of the colonies. Include in your answer British actions and colonial reactions from the end of the French and Indian War to the final victory of the Revolution. (6 pts.)

2. The creation of our nation has been termed "an experiment in democracy". Briefly describe the evolution of our political institutions from the Articles of Confederation through Jackson's presidency. Include in your answer a brief description of the problems the Constitutional Convention sought to solve. (6 pts.) Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson stand out during this period. Which of these presidents did the most, in your opinion, to shape the office of the chief executive? Include examples to support your choice. (4 pts.)

3. The saddest chapter in our nation's history was the Civil War. While secession was the issue that actually caused the war, slavery was the underlying factor that precipitated the crisis. Briefly describe the various steps taken by Congress to resolve the slavery issue from 1820 to 1860. (4 pts.) Describe the differences between Northern and Southern society prior to the war. (4 pts.) Did Reconstruction bring the nation together again? Explain. (2 pts.)

4. During its first 150 years the United States grew at a rapid rate. From the Louisiana Purchase to the Spanish-American War, our nation first expanded within the continent and then without. Briefly trace this expansion, including the impact of Texas, Oregon, the Mexican War and the various “mineral rushes”. (5 pts.) What is Manifest Destiny and how did it contribute to this growth? (2 pts.) Following the Civil War, America looked outside its borders for the first time. Describe the growth of the US as a world power from the late 1800s through World War I. (3 pts.)

5. The expansion of the United States was not just physical. Within the span of 150 years, the US changed from an agrarian nation that exported raw materials to the most powerful industrial machine in the history of the world. Describe important events that contributed to this metamorphosis, Include in your discussion advances of industry and technology in the late 1800s, the impact of immigration, and the business boom of the 1920s. (5 pts.) Explain how this unbridled growth led to the most severe economic depression our nation ever faced, and how the government responded to this crisis. (3 pts.) Finally, do you feel that such a disaster could occur again? Justify your answer. (2 pts.)

6. The international crisis fascism created resulted in the emergence of the United States as the political as well as economic leader of the world. With this leadership came a new set of responsibilities that remain with us today. Briefly describe six events, from World War II to Vietnam, which highlight this role. (6 pts.) Which two events during this period do you feel did the most to establish the US as international leader? How did they? (4 pts.)

7. The US was not just changing externally in the period following World War II. Tremendous changes occurred internally as well, both social and economic. Describe the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush as they relate to change in the US. (6 pts.) Which president during this period did the most to make America what it is today? Which did the least? Please explain your choices. (4 pts.)

Your answers, word processed, are due Friday, September 29^th .