Description
Part 3-Short Essay Section (complete either essay #1 or essay #2):
Choose one of the two essays prompts to complete. Think of this as an opportunity to demonstrate what you know and how well you can synthesize information into a coherent and convincing argument. More evidence is better. But, although specific evidence & examples are important for context (Who, What, When, Where), use this information in order to get at deeper significance(So What?). The questions are purposely general in order to allow for different arguments, yet you need to develop a specific thesis to guide your essay. Also, the questions may ask your opinion either directly or indirectly. However, you are evaluated based on how well you support your opinion, not on your opinions themselves. Be sure to provide specific historical evidence to support your answer (e.g. names, dates, places, events).
Prompt 1) Motivations for Early British Settlement in North American Mainland Colonies
Why were early English settlers willing to risk everything and cross the Atlantic in search of a new life in North America? How did their motives and experiences upon arrival vary? Answer these questions by concentrating especially on the settlements that began in the Chesapeake and Northeast, though you may also discuss other colonial settlements.
Prompt 2) Daily Life & Experiences in Colonial America:
Would you have liked to have lived in Colonial America? How might your experiences have varied had you been of a different race/ethnicity, class, gender, or religion? Support your answer with specific evidence from our discussions of Colonial America (and the textbook) drawn from each of these four categories.
Sample Solution