“Big Picture” assignments are similar to document analysis assignments but cover a much larger period of time. The difference is you will now respond to a prompt, make your own connections and find your own sources for support. For this “Big Picture” assignment you will just be creating an outline. As part of the outline you will need to write a thesis statement and provided at least 4 pieces of evidence that support your thesis. Use the sources below, as well as the course text, to find evidence that supports your thesis. As part of each piece of evidence should also include a few sentences on how and why the evidence supports your thesis. Be sure to cite your sources within your outline.
Prompt
What issues other than slavery may have led to the American Civil War?
Most historians concur that slavery was the cause of the American Civil War, yet other factors may have led to the conflict. Focusing on the period 1800-1860, examine other factors such as political party ideology and geographic orientation, the tariff and economic development.
Use chapters 4-6 of the course text to construct a chronologically issue based essay that demonstrates linkage/continuity, meaning how/why did this issue prevail as a divisive factor and cite specific examples. Be sure to reference the pertinent documents, readings, etc. that support your position. Also within each piece of evidence statement explain whether or not each factor was linked to slavery.
Helpful Sources
American Civilization, A Brief History: Ch 4-6 (Course Text)
Example of what is expected for this assignment:
Thesis Statement: State your position clearly and concisely. This should be several sentences in length.
Supporting Evidence 1: Two or three sentences explaining how this evidence supports your position followed by the source of the evidence (text, document, website, etc.)
Supporting Evidence 2: Two or three sentences explaining how this evidence supports your position followed by the source of the evidence (text, document, website, etc.)
Supporting Evidence 3: Two or three sentences explaining how this evidence supports your position followed by the source of the evidence (text, document, website, etc.)
Supporting Evidence 4: Two or three sentences explaining how this evidence supports your position followed by the source of the evidence (text, document, website, etc.)
