Reflect on the central themes in this course: (1) development of American capitalism, (2) expansion of citizenship and civil rights, (3) Native American self-determination, and (4) political realignments. Select one of these themes, and use it as analytical frame to narrate change over time in the United States from 1868 to 2020.
Once you have identified a key theme you want to narrate, write an essay that explains to people living in 1868 how the country will change in the next 150 years. Remember, your target audience has no knowledge of the future world and therefore you cannot take any knowledge for granted. You will need to explain change over time in such a way that your 1868 audience will understand your narrative, and be so historically accurate that anyone who discovers your essay in 2020 will be convinced that you are a time traveller in need of rescue rather than an elaborate hoax.
Define which course theme you will use an analytical lens for your essay: (1) development of American capitalism, (2) expansion of citizenship and civil rights, (3) Native American self-determination, and (4) political realignments
Explain how your framing organizes historical events, key actors, and historical change over time.
Make an argument about how and why the United States changed between 1868 and 2020.
Sample Solution