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Writing for History • Introductory Paragraph: – Background Information (general information about the time period) – Thesis statement – Define your terms (if appropriate) – Address opposing arguments (if appropriate) 2 Background Information To what extent did the Articles of Confederation provide an effective government for the new United States? Toward the end of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress established a government under the Articles of Confederation. The government they built was based on republican ideals very popular at the time. The Articles reflected the fear of government power that many in the Revolutionary generation shared. The task at hand for the newly formed Congress was to provide an effective government to ensure stability. Thesis Statement “Although X, Y. A, B, and C.” • X = Concession – (admission of strongest argument opposing yours) • Y = your claim – (the point you’re making) • A, B, and C = your evidence Although Congress under the Articles of Confederation did establish an effective structure for the settlement of the northwest territories, it provided an unstable and ineffective government for the United States. The inability to collect taxes, maintain internal stability, and efficiently make changes to address problems ultimately led government leaders to create the Constitution which established the current US government. 4 Introductory Paragraph Background information. Thesis Statement and Evidence. (Although X, Y. A, B, and C) Toward the end of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress established a government under the Articles of Confederation. The government they built was based on republican ideals very popular at the time. The Articles reflected the fear of government power that many in the Revolutionary generation shared. The task at hand for the newly formed Congress was to provide an effective government to ensure stability. Although Congress under the Articles of Confederation did establish an effective structure for the settlement of the northwest territories, it provided an unstable and ineffective government for the United States. The inability to collect taxes, maintain internal stability, and efficiently make changes to address problems ultimately led government leaders to create the Constitution which established the current US government. •It is impossible to write a good essay on a topic about which you know nothing. 6 •Address the prompt, seriously. •If you can’t think of a good conclusion, don’t write one. •No fluff. •No rhetorical questions. Ever. •No first or second person pronouns ever. •Evidence, evidence, evidence. •Bring it back to your thesis. • Which makes a better pet, a dog or a cat? • Statements that aren’t thesis statements: – Dogs and cats both make great pets. – Either a dog or a cat could be the better pet. – Although people have had lots of kinds pets throughout history, both dogs and cats have qualities that make them good pets. • Real thesis statement: – Although _____ have qualities that can make them good pets, ultimately ______ make better pets. ________, _________, and ________make _____ the better pet. • Better thesis statement: – Although cats are clean and usually quiet, dogs are ultimately the better pet. Dogs are loving, loyal, and can provide better home security. 2nd period • Analyze the differences between the Spanish settlements in the Southwest and the English colonies in New England in the seventeenth century in terms of TWO of the following: – Politics – Religion – Economic Development • Despite the view of some historians that the conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies was economic in origin, in fact the American Revolution had its roots in politics and other areas of American life. Assess the validity of this statement. 3rd period • Analyze the differences between the Spanish settlements in the Southwest and the English colonies in New England in the seventeenth century in terms of TWO of the following: – Politics – Religion – Economic Development • To what extent to did the Articles of Confederation provide an effective government for the new United States? 5th period • Assess the validity of this statement: “Throughout the colonial period, economic concerns had more to do with the settling of British North America than did religious concerns.” • Assess the validity of this statement: “Despite the view of some historians that the conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies was economic in origin, in fact the American Revolution had its roots in politics and other areas of American life.” • Evaluate the relative importance of domestic and foreign affairs in shaping American politics in the 1790’s. • Analyze the extent to which the American Revolution represented a radical alteration in American political ideas and institutions. Confine your answer to the period 1775 to 1800. • Analyze the contributions of TWO of the following in helping establish a stable government after the adoption of the Constitution. – John Adams – George Washington – Thomas Jefferson • Analyze the impact of the American Revolution on both slavery and the status of women in the period from 1775-1800. • To what extent was the election of 1800 aptly named the “Revolution of 1800”? Respond with reference to TWO of the following areas: – – – – • Economics Foreign Policy Judiciary Politics Analyze the reasons for the Anti-Federalists’ opposition to ratifying the Constitution. Scoring Practice – Using the Rubric Analyze the ways in which British imperial policies between 1763 and 1776 intensified the colonials’ resistance to British rule and their commitment to republican values.