Download US Thematic Essays - Edward R. Murrow High School

US History Thematic Essays
August 2015
Theme: Foreign Policy
Throughout United States history, presidents have made foreign policy decisions that have had an impact on the United
States and other countries.
Task: Select ONE United States foreign policy decisions that have been opposed by individuals and groups and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances that led the president to make the decision
 Discuss the impact of this foreign policy decision on the United States and/or on another country or region
You may use any foreign policy decision that has been opposed by individuals and groups from your study of United States
history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include
o James Madison’s declaration of war (1812)
o James K. Polk’s decision to send troops to the Rio Grande (1846),
o William McKinley’s decision to annex the Philippines (1898)
June 2015
Theme: Organizations
Throughout United States history, individuals and groups have formed organizations to achieve specific reforms. The reform
efforts of these organizations have met with varying degrees of success.
Task: Identify two organizations that were formed to achieve a specific reform and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the formation of the organization
 Discuss the degree to which the organization’s reform efforts were successful
You may use any organization from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider
include the American Anti-Slavery Society (1833), the National Women Suffrage Association (1869), the Woman’s Christian
Temperance Union (1874), the American Federation of Labor (1886), the Populist Party (1913), the United Farm Workers
(1966), and the National Organization for Women (1966)
January 2015
Theme: Government (Congressional Legislation)
Throughout United States history, Congress has passed legislation to address important social and economic issues. These
laws had often had a significant impact on the United States and/or on American society.
Task: Select two pieces of legislation passed by the United States Congress and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances that led to the passage of the legislation
 Discuss the impact of the law on the united States and/or on American Society
You may use any congressional legislation that was intended to address an important issue. Some suggestions you might
wish to consider include
Missouri Compromise (1820)
Wagner Act/National Labor Relations Act (1935)
Fugitive Slave Act (1850)
Interstate Highway Act (1956)
Homestead Act (1862)
Civil Rights Act (1964)
Meat Inspection Act (1906)
Title IX of the Education Amendments (1972)
Federal Reserve Act (1913)
North American Free Trade Agreement (1992)
August 2014
Theme: Technology
Throughout United States history, technological developments have played an important role in transforming American
society. These developments have had both positive and negative effects on the United States and on American society
Task: Choose two technological developments that have transformed American society and for each
 Describe the change brought about by the technological development
 Discuss the positive and/or negative effects this technological development has had on the United States and/or on
American society
You may use any technological development that has transformed American life. Some suggestions you might wish to
consider include
Cotton gin- plantation economy (1793-1860)
Railroads- local and national markets (1830-1900)
Steel plow- farming on the Great Plains (1860-1940)
Elevators- urbanization (1890- present)
Automobile- population distribution (1920-1980)
Nuclear energy- practical or military applications (1940- present)
Television- political campaigns (1960- present)
June 2014
Theme: Change—The Supreme Court
Throughout United States history, the Supreme Court has dealt with many controversial issues. The Court’s decisions in
these cases have had a significant impact on the United States and/or on American society.
Task: Select two United States Supreme Court decisions that have had a significant impact on American society and for
each
 Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the case
 Explain the Court’s decision in the case
 Discuss the impact of the decision on the United States and/or on American Society
You may use any Supreme Court decision from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to
consider include Worchester v. Georgia (1832), Dred Scott v. Sanford (1944), Engel v. Vitale (1962), Miranda v. Arizona
(1966), New York Times v. United States (1971), Roe v. Wade (1973), and United States v. Nixon (1974).
January 2014
Theme: Geography—Territorial Acquisition
Throughout the nation’s history, the United States has expanded through the acquisition of new territories. These
acquisitions have had both positive and negative effects on the United States.
Task: Select two territories acquired by the United States and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances that led the United States to acquire the territory
 Discuss positive and/or negative effects of the acquisition of this territory on the United States
You may use any territory acquired by the United States since 1776. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include
the Ohio River valley (1783), Louisiana Territory (1803), Florida (1819), Texas (1845), Oregon Territory (1846), California
(1848), Alaska (1867), Hawaii (1898), and Puerto Rico (1899).
August 2013
Theme: Foreign Policy (Cold War)
Following World War II, the threat of communist expansion led the United States to take diplomatic, military, and economic
actions to limit the global influence of the Soviet Union and China. These Cold War actions met with varying degrees of
success.
Task: Select two specific actions taken by the United States to limit the expansion of communism during the Cold War and
for each
 Describe the historical circumstances that led to the action
 Discuss the extent to which the action was successful in limiting the expansion of communism
You may use any action taken by the United States to limit the expansion of communism during the Cold War. Some
suggestions you might wish to consider include the implementation of the Marshall Plan (1947-1952), the establishment of
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1949), intervention in Korea (1950-1953), the blockade of Cuba (1962), the
escalation of the Vietnam War (1964-1973), the visit of President Richard Nixon to China (1972) and the pursuit of the
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) (1983-1989)
June 2013
Theme: Foreign Policy—National Interests
Throughout the history of the United States, the primary goal of its foreign policy has been to protect the nation’s interests.
The United States has taken military and economic foreign policy actions to achieve that goal. These actions have resulted
in vary degrees of success.
Task: Select two military and/or economic foreign policy actions taken by the United States to protect its national interests
and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances that led to the action
 Discuss the extent to which this action was successful in protecting the national interests
You may use any military and/or economic foreign policy action taken by the United States to protect its national interests.
Some suggestions you might wish to consider include fighting the Mexican- American war (1846-1848), declaring war on
Spain (1898), implementing the Open Door Policy (1899), building the Panama Canal (1904-1914), carrying out the
Marshall Plan (1947- 1952), confronting the Soviets during the Cuban missile crisis (1962), fighting the Vietnam War (19641973), and fighting the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991)
January 2013
Theme: Government (Congressional Legislation)
Throughout the United States history, Congress has passed legislation to address important political, social or economic
issues. These laws have often had a significant impact on American society.
Task: Select two laws passed by the United States congress and for each
 Discuss the historical circumstances that led to the passage of the law
 Discuss the impacts of the law on American society
You may use any federal law that was intended to address and important issue from your study of United States history.
Some suggestions you might wish to consider include:
Embargo Act (1807)
Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)
Indian Removal Act (1830)
Social Security Act (1935)
Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)
GI Bill/Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (1944)
Interstate Commerce Act (1887)
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
August 2012
Theme: Reform Movements (Industrialization)
After the Civil War, the United States developed an increasingly industrialized economy. Industrialization provided many
benefits for the nation; however it also created serious problems that required action by the government, groups, or
individuals.
Task: Select two problems that resulted from industrialization in the United States and for each
 Explain how this problem resulted from industrialization
 Describe an attempt by the government, groups, or individuals to address the problem
 Discuss the extent to which this attempt was successful in addressing the problem
You may use any problem that was created by Industrialization from your study of United States history. Some suggestions
you might wish to consider include corruption in government, exploitation of workers, overcrowding of cities, establishment
of trusts, production of unsafe consumer goods, destruction of the natural environment, and increase in anti-immigrant
attitudes.
June 2012
Theme: United States Foreign Policy
United States presidents often make foreign policy decisions in an attempt to deal with
international problems. These decisions have had an impact on both the United States and on
other countries or regions.
Task: Select two presidential foreign policy decisions and for each
• Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the decision
• Discuss an impact of the decision on the United States
• Discuss an impact of the decision on another country or region
You may use any presidential foreign policy decision that dealt with an international problem from your study of United
States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include James K. Polk sending troops to the Rio Grande
(1846), William McKinley deciding to annex the Philippines (1898), Woodrow Wilson asking for a declaration of war (1917),
Harry Truman deciding to use the atomic bomb (1945), John F. Kennedy quarantining Cuba (1962), Lyndon B. Johnson
sending combat troops to Vietnam (1965–1968), Richard Nixon improving relations with China (1972), George H. W.
Bush sending troops to Kuwait (1990–1991), and George W. Bush sending troops to Iraq (2003).
January 2012
Theme:
United States Foreign Policy
United States presidents often make foreign policy decisions in an attempt to deal with international problems.
These decisions have had an impact on both the United States and on other countries or regions.
Task:
Select two presidential foreign policy decisions and for each
• Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the decision
• Discuss an impact of the decision on the United States
• Discuss an impact of the decision on another country or region
You may use any presidential foreign policy decision that dealt with an international problem from your study of United States
history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include James K. Polk sending troops to the Rio Grande (1846),
William McKinley deciding to annex the Philippines (1898), Woodrow Wilson asking for a declaration of war (1917), Harry
Truman deciding to use the atomic bomb (1945), John F. Kennedy quarantining Cuba (1962), Lyndon B. Johnson sending
combat troops to Vietnam (1965–1968), Richard Nixon improving relations with China (1972), George H. W. Bush sending
troops to Kuwait (1990–1991), and George W. Bush sending troops to Iraq (2003).
August 2011
Theme: Geography—Development of the United States
Many important events in United States history have been influenced by geography. Geographic factors or conditions
include location, size, climate, natural resources, and physical features. These events in turn have had political, social and
economic impacts on the development of the United States.
Task: Identify two important events in United States history and for each
 Describe how a geographic factor or condition influenced this event
 Discuss a political and/or economic impacts of this event on the development of the United States
You may use any important event that was influenced by geographic factors or conditions. Some suggestions you might
wish to consider include the Louisiana Purchase, the construction of the Erie Canal, migration to California in the late 1840s,
the Civil War, the purchase of Alaska, the building of the transcontinental railroad, the acquisition of the Philippines, the
building of the Panama Canal, the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the construction of the interstate
highway system.
June 2011
Theme: Change – Constitutional Amendments
When the Founding Fathers wrote the United States Constitution, they included the amendment process. The amendments
that have been passed brought political, social and economic changes to American society.
Task: Select two constitutional amendments that have changed American society and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances that led to the adoption of the amendment
 Discuss the political, social and/or economic changes the amendment brought to American society
You may use any constitutional amendments that have changed American society. Some suggestions you might wish to
consider include the 13th amendment (abolition of slavery, 1865), 17th amendment (direct election of senators, 1913), 18th
amendment (prohibition, 1919), 19th amendment (woman’s suffrage, 1920), 22nd amendment (presidential term limits,
1951), 24th amendment (elimination of the poll tax, 1964), 26th amendment (suffrage for 18-year-old citizens, 1971)
January 2011
Theme: Diversity (Constitutional Rights)
Throughout United States history, Supreme Court decisions have addressed the issue of the constitutional rights of various
groups. These decisions have limited or expanded the rights of members of these groups.
Task: Identify two Supreme Court cases related to the rights of specific groups and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the case
 Explain the Supreme Court decision limited or expanded the constitutional rights of members of this group
You may use any Supreme Court case from your study of United States history in which the Supreme Court addressed the
issue of the constitutional rights of various groups. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include Worcester v.
Georgia (1832), Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857), Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), Korematsu v. United States (1944), Brown v.
Board of Educated of Topeka (1954), Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964) and Roe v. Wade (1973)
August 2010
Theme: Presidential Actions
United States presidents have taken actions that have had a significant effect on United States foreign or domestic policies
Task: Identify two presidential actions that have had significant effects on United States history and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the action
 Discuss the impact of the presidential action on United States foreign policy or on American society
You may use any presidential action that has had a significant effect on United States history. Some suggestions you might
wish to consider include George Washington issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality, Abraham Lincoln issuing the
Emancipation Proclamation, William McKinley calling for war against Spain, Theodore Roosevelt supporting the Meat
Inspection Act, Woodrow Wilson proposing the Fourteen Points, Franklin D. Roosevelt proposing the New Deal, Harry
Truman making the decision to drop the atomic bomb, and Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
June 2010
Theme: Technology
Technological developments have had both positive and negative effects on the United States economy and on American
society
Task: Identify two different technological developments and for each
 Discuss the positive and/or negative effects of the technological development on the United States economy or on
American society
You may use any technological developments from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish
to consider include the cotton gin, steam powered engines, the assembly line, nuclear power, the automobile, television and
computers.
January 2010
Theme: Individuals, Groups, Institutions – Writing and Reform
Throughout United States history, individuals have used writing as a way to focus attention on issues facing the American
people. To resolve the issues raised in these writings, actions have been taken by the government, groups or individuals.
Task: Select two pieces of writing that have focused attention on issues facing American society and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the issue addressed by the author
 Discuss an action taken by the government or a group or an individual in response to the issue raised by the author.
You may use any piece of writing from your study of United States history that focuses attention on an issue facing
American society. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776), Uncle
Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852), How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis (1890), The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
(1906), “I, Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes (1925), The Other America by Michael Harrington (1962), Silent Spring
by Rachel Carson (1962), The Feminine Mystique by Better Friedan (1963), and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr (1963).
August 2009
Theme: Government – Supreme Court Decisions
The United States Supreme Court has played a major role in United States history. The Court’s decisions have had a
significant impact on many aspects of American society.
Task: Select two Supreme Court cases that have had an impact on American society and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the case
 Explain the Supreme Court’s decision in the case
 Discuss an impact this decision has had on American society
You may use any appropriate Supreme Court case study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to
consider include Worcester v. Georgia (1832), Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857), Northern Securities Co. v. United States
(1904), Korematsu v. United States (1944), Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United
States (1964), Miranda v. Arizona (1966), Roe v. Wade (1973), and United States v. Nixon (1974)
June 2009
Theme: Constitutional Principles – Individual Rights
Throughout United States history, many different groups have faced discrimination. The federal and state governments
have taken actions that have either protected or limited the rights of these groups in American society.
Task: Select two different groups in American society who have faced discrimination and for each
 Describe one specific example of discrimination faced by the group
 Describe one action taken by the federal or state governments related to this example of discrimination
 Discuss how the action taken by the federal or state governments either protected or limited the rights of the group
You may use any example from your study of United States history. Some groups you might wish to consider include Native
American Indians, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, the elderly, and the disabled.
January 2009
Theme: Constitutional Principles – Individual Rights
Throughout United States history, many different groups have faced discrimination. The federal and state governments
have taken actions that have either protected or limited the rights of these groups in American society.
Task: Select two different groups in American society who have faced discrimination and for each
 Describe one specific example of discrimination faced by the group
 Describe one action taken by the federal or state governments related to this example of discrimination
 Discuss how the action taken by the federal or state governments either protected or limited the rights of the group
You may use any example from your study of United States history. Some groups you might wish to consider include Native
American Indians, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, the elderly, and the disabled.
August 2008
Theme: Government Role in Economy
Throughout history, the United States government has taken various actions to address problems with the nation’s
economy.
Task: Choose two actions that addressed a problem with the nation’s economy and for each
 Discuss the historical circumstances that led to the action
 Discuss the impact of this action on the economic action of the United States
You may use any example from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include
assumption of Revolutionary War debts, building the transcontinental railroad, passage of tariff laws, passage of the
Interstate Commerce Act, creation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, adoption of the Social Security system,
passage of federal minimum wage laws, Reagan Era tax cuts, and ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA)
June 2008
Theme: Change
Throughout United States history, individuals other than presidents have played significant roles that led to changes in the
nation’s economy, government, or society.
Task: Select two important individuals, other than presidents and the area in which they tried to bring about change, and for
each
 Discuss one action taken by the individual that led to changes in the nation’s economy, government or society
 Discuss changes that came about as a result of the individual’s action
You may use any important person from your study of United States history (other than a president). Some suggestions you
might wish to consider include Frederick Douglass and slavery, Andrew Carnegie and industrialization, Jacob Riis and
urban life, Upton Sinclair and consumer protection, Henry Ford and the automobile industry, Margret Sanger and
reproductive rights, Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights, Cesar Chavez and migrant farmworkers and Bill Gates and the
software industry.
January 2008
Theme: Change—War
United States participation in wars has resulted in political, social and economic changes for various groups of Americans.
These changes have had varying impacts on American society both during and after each war.
Task: Identify two different groups of Americans that were affected by United States participation in a war and for each
 Describe a social, political, or economic change the group experienced because of the war
 Discuss the extent to which that change affected American society
You may use any appropriate group from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider
include enslaved persons during the Civil War, Native American Indian during the Indian Wars, women during World War I,
or World War II, Japanese Americans during World War II, and American college students or army draftees during the
Vietnam War.
August 2007
Theme: Contributions of Individuals to American Life
Throughout the 20th century, individuals attempted to address problems within American society. Their efforts have had a
significant impact on American life.
Task: Identify two individuals who have had a significant impact on American life during the 20th century and for each
 Describe a problem in American society that the individual tried to change
 Discuss an important contribution made by the individual to address this problem
 Evaluate the impact of the contribution on American life
You may use any historically significant individual from your study of 20 th- century United States history. Some suggestions
you might wish to consider include Upton Sinclair, Henry Ford, Langston Hughes, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson,
Martin Luther King Jr., Better Friedan, Rachel Carson, Cesar Chavez, and Bill Gates.
June 2007
Theme: Change – Industrialization
During the 19th century, the United States experienced tremendous industrial growth. This industrial growth resulted in many
changes in American life.
Task: Identify two changes in American life that resulted from industrial growth in the United States and for each change
 Explain how industrialization contributed to this change
 Discuss one positive or one negative effect of this change on American life
You may use any appropriate change in American life that resulted from industrial growth. Some suggestions you might
wish to consider include increased immigration, new inventions or technologies, growth of labor unions, growth of
monopolies, growth of reform movements, and increased urbanization.
January 2007
Theme: Influence of Geographic Factors on Governmental Actions
Actions taken by the United States government have often been influenced by geographic factors. Some of these factors
include location, climate, natural resources and physical features.
Task: Identify two actions taken by the United States government that have been influenced by geographic factors and for
each
 State one reason the United States took the action
 Describe how a geographic factor influenced the action
 Discuss the impact of the action on the United States
You may use any action taken by the United States government that was influenced by a geographic factor. Some
suggestions you might wish to consider include the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806), issuance of the Monroe
Doctrine (1823), Mexican War (1846-1848), Commodore Perry’s opening of Japan (1853), passage of the Homestead Act
(1862), purchase of Alaska (1867), construction of the Panama Canal (1904-1914), entry into World War II (1941), passage
of the Interstate Highway Act (1956), and involvement in the Persian Gulf War (1991)
August 2006
Theme: Migration of Peoples
Throughout our nation’s history, important migrations or movements of people within the United States have occurred.
These migrations have had a significant impact on both the people who moved and on American Society.
Task: Identify two migrations or movements of people within the United States and for each
 Discuss the historical circumstances that led to the migration of these people
 Discuss the impact of the migration on the people who moved and/or on American society
You may use any important migration of people from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish
to consider include the forced migration of the Native American Indians (1800-1880), the westward movement (1840-1890),
the migration of African American from the South to cities in the North (1900-1929), the Puerto Rican migration to the North
after World War II (1945-1960), the westward migration from the Dust Bowl (1930s), suburbanization (1945-present), and
the migration to the Sun Belt (1950-present)
June 2006
Theme: Change – Turning Points
Major historical events are often referred to as turning points because they have led to important political, social and
economic changes.
Task: Identify two major events in United States history that were important turning points and for each
 Describe the historical circumstances the led to the event
 Discuss the political, social and/or economic changes that resulted from the event
You may use any major event from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider
include the signing of the Declaration of Independence (1776), end of Reconstruction (1877), Henry Ford’s use of the
assembly line (1913), United States entry into World War I (1917), Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), passage
of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964), and the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989).
January 2006
Theme: Individuals, Groups and Institutions – Controversial Issues
Many controversial domestic issues have divided the American people. The United States government has taken actions to
address these issues.
Task: Identify one controversial domestic issue that has divide the American people and
 Discuss the historical background of the controversy
 Explain the point of view of those who supported this issue
 Explain the point of view of those who opposed this issue
 Discuss one United States government action that was taken to address this issue
You may use any controversial domestic issue that has divided the American people. Some suggestions you might wish to
consider include placing Native American Indians on reservations, slavery, women’s suffrage, Prohibition, the use of child
labor, and the policy of unlimited immigration.
August 2005
Theme: Cold War
Following World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a conflict that became known as the Cold
War. The Cold War created problems that the United States addressed with specific actions. These actions had varying
degrees of success.
Task: Identify two problems faced by the United States during the Cold War and for each
 Explain how the problem led to conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union
 Describe one action taken by the United States in response to the problem
 Evaluate the extent to which the action taken was successful in solving the problem
You may use any Cold War problems from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to
consider include the postwar economic upheaval in Western Europe (1945-1947), Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe (19451948), threat of Communist takeover in Greece (1947), Soviet blockade of Berlin (1948), nuclear arms race (1950s-1970s),
and placement of Soviet missiles in Cuba (1962).
June 2005
Theme: Reform Movements in the United States
Reform movements are intended to improve different aspects of American life. Through the actions of individuals,
organizations, or the government, the goals of those reform movements have been achieved, but with varying degrees of
success.
Task: Identify two reform movements that have had an impact on American life and for each
 Discuss one major goal of the movement
 Describe one action taken by an individual, an organization, or the government in an attempt to achieve this goal
 Evaluate the extent to which this goal was achieved
You may use any reform movement from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider
include the abolitionist movement, women’s suffrage movement, temperance movement, Progressive movement, civil rights
movement, women’s rights movement and environmental movement.
January 2005
Theme: Foreign Policy
Since 1900, United States foreign policy actions have often been based on national self-interest.
These actions have had immediate and long-term results.
Task: Identify two important United States foreign policy actions since 1900 and for each
• Discuss the historical circumstances surrounding the action
• Discuss one immediate or one long-term result of the action
• Evaluate the extent to which the action promoted the nation’s self-interest
You may use any important foreign policy action since 1900 from your study of United States history. Some suggestions
you might wish to consider include Theodore Roosevelt’s Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904), Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points (1918), the Lend-Lease Act (1941), the Marshall Plan (1947), the blockade of Cuba (1962), the Strategic
Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements (1972), and the Persian Gulf War (1991).
August 2004
Theme: Foreign Policy
Since 1900, United States foreign policy actions have often been based on national self-interest.
These actions have had immediate and long-term results.
Task: Identify two important United States foreign policy actions since 1900 and for each
• Discuss the historical circumstances surrounding the action
• Discuss one immediate or one long-term result of the action
• Evaluate the extent to which the action promoted the nation’s self-interest
You may use any important foreign policy action since 1900 from your study of United States history. Some suggestions
you might wish to consider include Theodore Roosevelt’s Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904), Woodrow Wilson’s
Fourteen Points (1918), the Lend-Lease Act (1941), the Marshall Plan (1947), the blockade of Cuba (1962), the Strategic
Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements (1972), and the Persian Gulf War (1991).
June 2004
Theme: Reform Movements
Reform movements have been an important part of United States history.
Task: Identify two reform movements in the United States since 1800 and for each reform movement
• Describe the historical circumstances that led to the need for reform
• State one goal of the movement and discuss two actions taken by the government, a group, or an individual in
support of this goal
• Evaluate the extent to which the reform movement has made an impact on the United States
You may use any reform movement in the United States from 1800 to the present. Some suggestions you
might wish to consider include the abolitionist movement, Populist movement, Progressive movement, women’s rights
movement, civil rights movement, and the labor movement.
January 2004
Theme: Geography and United States Government Actions
Geographic factors often influence United States government actions, both foreign and domestic. Some of
these factors include location, physical environment, movement of people, climate, and resources,
Task: Identify two actions taken by the United States government that were influenced by geographic factors, and for
each action:
• Discuss the historical circumstances that resulted in the government action
• Discuss the influence of a geographic factor on the action
• Describe the impact of the government action on the United States
From your study of United States history, you may use any federal government action that was influenced by geography. Some
suggestions you might wish to consider include the Louisiana Purchase (1803), issuance of the Monroe Doctrine (1823),
passage of the Homestead Act (1862), decision to build the transcontinental railroad (1860s), acquisition of the Philippines (1898),
decision to build the Panama Canal (early 1900s) and passage of the Interstate
Highway Act (1956).
August 2003
Theme: Foreign Policy
During the course of its history, the United States has taken foreign policy actions that have been consistent
with the national interest.
Task: Identify two events in United States history that demonstrate how the United States has promoted the national
interest by taking foreign policy actions and for each event:
• Discuss the historical circumstances that led the United States to take that action
• Evaluate the success or failure of that foreign policy action in promoting the national interest of the United
States
You may use any events from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include
President George Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality (1793), congressional declaration of war against Mexico
(1846), acquisition of the rights to build the Panama Canal (1901), United States entry into World War I (1917),
implementation of the Marshall Plan (1947), United States entry into the Korean War (1950), escalation of the Vietnam
War beginning in 1964, and President Jimmy Carter’s efforts to negotiate the Camp David Accords (1978).
June 2003
Theme: Social Change
Events have influenced social change in American society.
Task: Identify one event in United States history that has influenced social change and for the event identified:
• Discuss the historical circumstances surrounding the event
• Show how the event was intended to bring about specific social change
• Evaluate the extent to which the event was successful in bringing about that change
You may use any example from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider
include passage of the Civil War amendments; development of the automobile; passage of the 18th Amendment
[national Prohibition]; passage of the 19th Amendment [women's suffrage]; passage of the Social Security Act
(1935); President Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision to send troops to Little Rock, Arkansas; and the Supreme Court's
decision in Roe v. Wade.
Theme: Constitutional Principles
January 2003
United States Supreme Court cases have dealt with a variety of important issues that have affected
American society.
Task: Select two Supreme Court cases that have affected American society. For each case selected:
• Discuss the historical circumstances of the case
• Explain the Court’s decision in the case
• Discuss the impact of the decision on American society
You may use any example from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider
include:
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) – federal supremacy
Schenck v. United States (1919) – freedom of speech
Korematsu v. United States (1944) – equal protection under the law
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) – equal protection under the law
Engel v. Vitale (1962) – separation of church and state
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) – rights of the accused
Roe v. Wade (1973) – right to privacy
Vernonia School District v. Acton (1995) – search and seizure