Primary Source Essay Directions
Research Analysis Paper
What is in a picture? By the end of the 19th Century, the United States erected, and enforced, political and social practices that protected the economic interests of emerging American capitalism. But just as social struggles in the U.S. South led to race divisions, the rapid expansion of industrialized markets led to similar practices in the West and beyond the borders of the continental U.S.
This was an era of widespread changes and shifts in the "American" experience. Propaganda expands as "American" media becomes nationalized.
Consider the following political cartoon from 1899.
A political cartoon in Puck magazine on January 25, 1899, captures the mind-set of American imperialists. Library of Congress.
This picture reflects various political, social, military, and economic movements that were characteristic of the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Reflect back on your readings on race in the South, Plain Indian removal, International policies, and U.S. imperialism. You should see clear social commentaries in this political cartoon that connect to the events that we have discussed so far in our class.
Assignment: You will write a 5-6 paragraph persuasive essay that answers the following thesis prompt: Your paper should not be 5 pages long. This is an exercise in being concise and succent.
Essay Question: What was the intended social/political message of this cartoon?
Remember, real research takes time, patience, and clear critical thinking and analysis of sources. You are not being asked to describe the various events that we have discussed in class. You are being asked to narrowly examine the intention behind the creation of this specific cartoon.
This is not an opinion piece. You are not describing what you see in the political cartoon. You are not asked to solely relate the complexities of the social and political context of the era. You are asked to research and determine the intention behind this piece of propaganda. This is a formal academic endeavor. You must use an academic tone throughout your paper. Please only use formal language and a third-person voice.
Do not “tell” the reader what you are going to do in the paper. Instead, “show” the reader by organizing your paper in the following format:
I. Give an introduction to the paper.
The first paragraph is your thesis paragraph. (USE ONLY THIRD PERSON VOICE). This paragraph should only include the necessary information. You are writing to an uninformed reader, so clearly and concisely assert your thesis and the two or four main points that you will be making to support your position. Each main point should be clearly stated in independent sentences. Finish the paragraph with a transition sentence that leads the reader to the next paragraph.
II. The body of your paper should include specific examples and critical thinking analysis. Use and cite to sources that help you culturally and historically contextualize your arguments. Each paragraph should be properly organized around one main point. You should start each paragraph by asserting the main point you are making. You must use specific evidence from reliable resources as support for your arguments. You must also fully explain your reasoning to the reader. How does the evidence that you reference support your claims? Do not expect that reader to know but rather clearly and concisely explain yourself.
III. The conclusion of your paper should only include a reiteration of your main points and thesis. You should not include new information in the conclusion.
The paper should be written in a logical order following the instructions above, as well as using original and insightful research. Do not label each section. Instead write a persuasive essay that uses proper transitions, paragraphs, and MLA formatting that includes in-text citations. The paper should be composed in Standard American English, 12 points, Times New Roman, or Calibri font. Double-space your paper and include a cover page and reference page. You must write in a third-person voice. The page requirement does not include the title or reference page.
On Researching:
Please only use academically sound resources. While you may use the resources provided to get you started, you must conduct your own research. You may only use your own research in the paper. You are encouraged to use the library databases and other sources that have been identified for you. Your paper must include at least three (3) reliable and well-researched secondary resources. This means your resources should have lengthy bibliographies. You are encouraged to use the library’s databases, including JSTOR.