Primary Source Questions

• Who created the source and why? Was it created through a spur-of-the-moment act, a routine transaction, or a thoughtful, deliberate process?
• Did the recorder have firsthand knowledge of the event? Or, did the recorder report what others saw and heard?
• Was the recorder a neutral party, or did the creator have opinions or interests that might have influenced what was recorded?
• Did the recorder produce the source for personal use, for one or more individuals, or for a large audience?
• Was the source meant to be public or private?
• What are the major points of interest?
• Did the recorder wish to inform or persuade others? (Check the words in the source. The words may tell you whether the recorder was trying to be objective or persuasive.) Did the recorder have reasons to be honest or dishonest?
• Can you summarize or encapsulate the source in 3 sentences without leaving out major points of interest?
• Was the information recorded during the event, immediately after the event, or after some lapse of time? How large a lapse of time?
• Why is this source important, and what larger themes does it reflect?

Primary Source Analysis Paper

Please click on the linked title for the primary source you are to analyze for your first 15% paper assignment. Remember the analysis should be written in standard 12 pt. Times New Roman font and double spaced. If you use other sources for background, context, or further information do not forget to cite them (parenthetical citation is fine) and include them on a works cited page. Outside sources are not required, but if you feel you need more information about the period and place it is fine to consult other sources. Just remember to cite them.

American Exceptionalism

The following is a extended outline and description of the ideological framework known as American Exceptionalism. You can also do your own search to see what other sources lend meaning to the concept. We will be viewing 2111 through this framework and using it as a lens by which to critically analyze and conceptualize American history.

www.gseis.ucla.edu/courses/ed253a/american-exceptionalism.htm

Neither ballots nor bullets

A great site that dovetails nicely with chapters 17, 21, and 22. It helps to show how the moral issues of slavery did shape events that led to the Civil War. Click on linked title.