American History Since 1900

American History Since 1900

American History Since 1900 Essay #1

Choose one (1) of the prompts below and write a short response of 4-5 FULL pages, 12 point font, double-space (approximately 1000-1200 words)

Analytical Option 1) During the early twentieth century, immigration, urbanization, industrialization, imperialism and a world war transformed American society and exploited many people. Progressive reform emerged in response to these changes. Who were the Progressive reformers? What did they want to change about American society and why? How did they try to implement these changes? Discuss at least three (3) examples of reform (political corruption, war, labor laws, settlement houses, food/drug, vice, temperance etc).
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Analytical Option 2) Considering all that we have read, discussed, and watched, how would you characterize the 1920s? Was it a decade of frivolity or a reaction to the previous decade? Consider such themes as: Prohibition, American popular culture and consumerism, politics, urbanization, race relations, etc.
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Creative Option 1) Imagine you are an immigrant to the United States around 1900 (i.e. anytime prior to American involvement in WWI in 1917). Write a letter to family or friends in the old country and describe your experiences. Consider the following questions as you write your letter: Where you are from? Why did you come to the US? What kind(s) of work you do? Where do you work? Where do you live? How old are you? Are you single or do you have a family? What advantages do you have? Do you face discrimination? How do you interact with others?

No matter which option you must have at least four (4) references to at least two (2) different course materials. MLA-style parenthetical citations are fine. Outside sources are not allowed without prior approval.
Example citations:
Handout: (Lee Chew, 73); Films (The Roosevelts); Book: (O’Mara, 87) Lecture/Discussion notes: (McCormick, Lecture). A bibliography is not required.
NO OUTSIDE SOURCES!!!

Please use only the materials provided and please use 4 references to atleast 2 course materials.

Also there is a book called

Margaret O’Mara, Pivotal Tuesdays: Four Elections That Shaped the Twentieth Century. University of Pennsylvania Press (2015) ISBN 9780812247466

it is available for free on b-ok.org if you can use quotes from here as well that would be very helpful up to page 56.