Age of Reform Persuasive Research Paper
Objective:
The goal of this research will be to devise and create a PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT / THESIS to answer this question:
What reform movement and reformer had the greatest impact on the United States by the end of the 19th century?
Your job will be to tie historical evidence (primary sources, facts, and statistics) into your arguments to support and prove your main arguments. You may ONLY use class notes and the database sources in this guide. Any others must be approved by Mr. Gavron. Citing Wikipedia, AI, or any other general encyclopedia will result in a ZERO on the assignment.
Today, we embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of 19th-century America, a time marked by tremendous change and the birth of powerful movements aimed at reshaping the nation. As the United States faced the challenges of rapid industrialization, westward expansion, and the moral complexities of slavery, a chorus of voices emerged, calling for reform and justice. In this exploration, we'll unravel the stories of those who championed causes such as abolition, women's rights, education, temperance, mental illness, prisons, and workers' rights. Get ready to discover the courageous individuals and gripping narratives that defined the reform movements of the 19th century and left an indelible mark on the fabric of American history.
Format:
3-5 Pages
Double Spaced
1 inch margins
Font: Times New Roman, Size 12
MLA format for in-text citations and works cited
Minimum of 5 Sources
Use Google to generate your citations
Honesty Pledge MUST be signed
Questions to be addressed in your paper:
1. Paragraph 1: Introduction and Background
A. What is meant by "reform"
B. What was the Age of Reform?
2. Paragraph 2: What contemporary conditions led to the desire for change by reformers?
A. Things to Consider:
i. Statistics
ii. Economic Concerns
iii. Examples of societal ills/issues
iv. Activities that conflicted with religious values
v. Legal restraints/lack of legal protection
vi. Concern about the future of society
3. Paragraph 3: Who was an important individual associated or responsible for advocating reform on the chosen issue?
A. What forces or experiences shaped their desire to participate in societal change?
B. How did they go about making the change or attempt to improve society?
4. Paragraph 4. What forces and methods did they employ to change?
A. What strategies did they utilize to achieve their goal of societal change?
i. Consider: philosophies, religious beliefs, protests, publications, government support etc.
B. Who were their allies or supporters?
i. Consider the groups, associations, and individuals who were agents of change.
5. Paragraph 5. To what extent did they achieve their intended goal by the end of the 19th century?
A. What problems and challenges remained for other dedicated individuals and groups to tackle?