Critical Thinking and Writing Skills
Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity:
· Textbook: Chapter 18, 21, 23
· Lesson
· Minimum of 3 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook). The sources associated with each topic selection below can be used as part of the 3 scholarly sources.
Optional Resources to Explore Feel free to review the library guide for scholarly sources and videos at the following link:
· Link (website): History Library Guide (Links to an external site.)
Introduction The purposes of each case study assignment include the following:
· To hone your abilities to research using scholarly sources
· To advance critical thinking and writing skills
· To compile a response to the prompts provided
· To explore a historical topic and make connections to change over time
Instructions Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of the corresponding primary source in your writing.
Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers View the following resource:
· Link (video): The Progressive Era (Links to an external site.) (27:30)
Browse and read one (1) of the following:
· Link (article): Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (Links to an external site.)
· Link (library article): The Pullman Strike (Links to an external site.)
Then, address the following:
· Explain if big business leaders were “captains of industry,” “shrewd businessmen,” or “robber barons.”
· Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry.
· Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working conditions.
· Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies.
· Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for workers.
Option 2: Who is A Progressive? Review the following site:
· Link (website): Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide (Links to an external site.)
Then, address the following:
· According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive?
· Explain and give examples of the characteristics of “anti-progressives.”
· Trace what types of activities “anti-progressives” engaged in?
· Analyze the goals of progressivism.
· Explain what areas of society progressives addressed?
· Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech?
Option 3: World War I Review the following resources:
· Link (video): A War to End All Wars: Part 2 (Links to an external site.) (6:56)
· Link (library article): The Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism (Links to an external site.)
Then, address the following:
· Trace the origins of World War I, and assess if the world war was inevitable in 1914?
· Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War I. If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
· Analyze if the United States should have entered World War I to make the world safe for democracy.
· Analyze if the Treaty of Versailles was a fair and effective settlement for lasting world peace.
· Explain if the United States Senate should have approved of the Treaty of Versailles.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
· Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page)
· 1-inch margins
· Double spaced
· 12-point Times New Roman font
· Title page
· References page
· In-text citations that correspond with your end references
Grading This activity will be graded based on W5 Case Study Grading Rubric.
Course Outcomes (CO): 4, 5, 6
Due Date: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
References
Dyer, J. (Director), & Dyer, J. (Producer). (2005). A war to end all wars: Part 2 [Video]. Dallas County Community College District. Academic Video Online.
Farmer, B. (2018). The Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism. New American (08856540), 34(21), 33–38. https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=132888411&site=eds-live&scope=site
The Library of Congress. (2018, October 23). Presidential election of 1912: A resource guide. https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/elections/election1912.html
McNatt, E. B. (1944). The Pullman strike (Book). American Economic Review, 34(1), 184–186. https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bah&AN=8700110&site=eds-live&scope=site
Media Rich Communications (Producer). (2004). The progressive era [Video]. Academic Video Online.
Smith, P. (2017). The Triangle disaster: How a fire a century ago at a New York clothing factory changed U.S. labor laws. New York Times Upfront, 150(1), 11. https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=125077563&site=eds-live&scope=site.
