Lecture on Contextualization in Essay Writing and Early 19th Century America
Importance of Contextualization in Essays
Contextualization is crucial for essays, especially for Document-Based Questions (DBQ) or Long Answer Questions (LAQ).
Essential to provide a broader view of historical events, developments, or processes.
Must be substantial and not just a single sentence.
How to Effectively Contextualize
Spend the first 2-3 sentences of the introductory paragraph on contextualization.
Discuss events leading up to the start date of the prompt, but do not go further back than 50 years.
For example, when discussing World War II, referencing the Declaration of Independence is not relevant.
Contextualization should directly relate to the topic of the prompt.
Example of Good Contextualization
A good contextualization example: If the prompt centers on debates over slavery from 1830 to 1860, reference specific historical developments like the "Three-Fifths Compromise" and the "Missouri Compromise."
Transition smoothly from contextualization to the thesis statement.
Key Historical Periods and Events
Period 4: 1800-1848
Begins with the election of Thomas Jefferson.
Ends with the Seneca Falls Convention, marking the women's rights movement.
Understand the political parties of this era:
Democratic-Republicans led by Jefferson: favor low tariffs, strong state governments, pro-French.
Federalists led by Adams: favor high tariffs, a strong central government, pro-British.
Important Supreme Court Case
Marbury vs. Madison establishes judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, enhancing its power.
Expansion of the United States
The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the United States and diminishes French influence.
Lewis and Clark’s expedition reveals significant information about Native tribes and geography.
Regional Interests over National Interests
People identify more with their home states (e.g., Georgians, Virginians) than with national identity.
Slavery and its economic implications are focal issues for the South, while the North pushes for industrial tariffs and infrastructure development.
Civil War Debate: Missouri Compromise
Addressed the admission of Missouri as a slave state and its implications for the balance of power in Congress.
Established the 36°30' latitude line as the dividing line for slavery in the new territories.
The War of 1812
Causes include impressment of American sailors, British interference with Native Americans, and desire for Canada.
Resulted in an increase in national pride, the decline of the Federalist Party, and significant military leaders emerging such as Andrew Jackson after the Battle of New Orleans.
The Monroe Doctrine
Post-war assertion stating European powers should not interfere in the Americas, marking U.S. emergence on the world stage.
Market Revolution
Transition from home-based production to industrialized factories, improving manufacturing efficiency.
Key innovations include textile machinery, steam engines, and Eli Whitney’s interchangeable parts.
Economic specialization leads to a North-South divide: North becomes industrial; South remains agricultural and dependent on slavery.
Social Changes from the Market Revolution
Increased immigration (mainly Irish and German) to fill job vacancies.
Separate spheres emerge for men (public life) and women (domestic roles). Young women work until marriage, then traditionally withdraw from the workforce.
Expanding Democracy Under Andrew Jackson
Lowering of property requirements allows more white men to vote.
Creation of the Democratic Party and implementation of the spoil system in government appointments.
Controversial actions include the veto of the Bank recharter and enforcement of tariffs leading to the Nullification Crisis.
Cultural Development
Unique American literature and arts emerge focusing on nature, transcendentalism, and romanticism, with key figures like Emerson and Whitman.
The Second Great Awakening drives a surge in Protestant denominations and various reform movements.
Reform Movements
Major movements include:
Education Reform: Advocated by Horace Mann for public education.
Temperance Movement: Led primarily by women against alcohol abuse.
Women’s Suffrage Movement: The Seneca Falls Convention (1848) promoting equal rights.
Abolition Movement: Religious convictions lead to a strong push against slavery, with leaders like William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass.
Slave Resistance and Historical Context
Nat Turner's Rebellion as a significant uprising against slavery.
Black families and communities form resilient networks, utilize religion for hope, and participate in the Underground Railroad.
The South remains deeply hierarchical, with defenders of slavery like John C. Calhoun arguing it as a "positive good."
Conclusion
Understanding these key points will enhance essay writing skills in historical analysis and contextualization, making it easier to engage critically with prompts during exams.