Assignment 3: America as a Superpower History 105 Due Week 9 and worth 120 points. The formal deadline is Monday at 9am Eastern Time, March 4. [NOTE ON ECREE: As you know from our first two papers, the university is adopting a tool, called ecree for doing writing assignments in many classes. We are using the ecree program for doing our papers in this class. Instructions on this tool have been posted. You are welcome to type your paper in MS-Word as traditionally done—and then to upload that file to ecree to revise and finish it up. Or, as we suggest, you may type your paper directly into ecree. When using ecree, you should use CHROME as your browser. As posted: “Please note that ecree works best in Firefox and Chrome. Please do not use Internet Explorer or mobile devices when using ecree.”] Assignment 3: America as a Superpower  Due Week 9 and worth 120 points The previous assignments focused on domestic matters in U.S. history. This last assignment explores America’s international role in recent decades. By the mid-20th century, the United States had become the dominant force in international relations. Some have argued that the United States’ military functions as the world’s “police.” This assignment covers the manner in which this shift occurred and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as “policeman of the world.” One can identify early steps this direction well before World War II, but in this paper focus on the period from the 1940s to the present. Examine the statement below and drawing from provided sources, present a paper with specific examples and arguments to demonstrate the validity of your position. NOTE: The word “policing” here has nothing to do with traditional law enforcement agencies. It is more about trying to manage parts of the globe—usually by use of military force or the threat of it. The aim of this management may be to maintain stability, remove threats of “rogue” forces or terrorists or weapons, prevent the expansion of autocratic rule, protect a fledgling democracy, etc. BACKGROUND--The American international “policing” role developed because of the Cold War, but now terrorists or any power having or trying to get weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are the potential targets of such a role. Your paper will use specific examples—two from the Cold War years and two from the past two decades.    Choose one of these position statements (make it the last sentence of your introductory paragraph): 1. By examples from different decades since 1950, it is clear that the international policing role and strategy of the United States was once essential, but should now be discarded as ineffective and counterproductive.  2. By examples from different decades since 1950, it is clear that the international policing role and strategy of the United States during the Cold War has become even more necessary in this period of terrorism and instability. In your paper, use specific examples—tw.

1. Assignment 3: America as a Superpower
History 105
Due Week 9 and worth 120 points. The formal deadline is
Monday at 9am Eastern Time, March 4.
[NOTE ON ECREE: As you know from our first two papers,
the university is adopting a tool, called ecree for doing writing
assignments in many classes. We are using the ecree program
for doing our papers in this class. Instructions on this tool have
been posted. You are welcome to type your paper in MS-Word
as traditionally done—and then to upload that file to ecree to
revise and finish it up. Or, as we suggest, you may type your
paper directly into ecree. When using ecree, you should use
CHROME as your browser. As posted: “Please note
that ecree works best in Firefox and Chrome. Please do not
use Internet Explorer or mobile devices when using ecree.”]
Assignment 3: America as a Superpower
Due Week 9 and worth 120 points
The previous assignments focused on domestic matters in U.S.
history. This last assignment explores America’s international
role in recent decades. By the mid-20th century, the United
States had become the dominant force in international relations.
Some have argued that the United States’ military functions as
the world’s “police.” This assignment covers the manner in
which this shift occurred and the consequences the United
States faces as a result of its status as “policeman of the world.”
One can identify early steps this direction well before World
War II, but in this paper focus on the period from the 1940s to
the present. Examine the statement below and drawing from
provided sources, present a paper with specific examples and
arguments to demonstrate the validity of your position.
NOTE: The word “policing” here has nothing to do with
traditional law enforcement agencies. It is more about trying to
manage parts of the globe—usually by use of military force or
the threat of it. The aim of this management may be to maintain

2. stability, remove threats of “rogue” forces or terrorists or
weapons, prevent the expansion of autocratic rule, protect a
fledgling democracy, etc.
BACKGROUND--The American international “policing” role
developed because of the Cold War, but now terrorists or any
power having or trying to get weapons of mass destruction
(WMD) are the potential targets of such a role. Your paper will
use specific examples—two from the Cold War years and two
from the past two decades.
Choose one of these position statements (make it the last
sentence of your introductory paragraph):
1. By examples from different decades since 1950, it is clear
that the international policing role and strategy of the United
States was once essential, but should now be discarded as
ineffective and counterproductive.
2. By examples from different decades since 1950, it is clear
that the international policing role and strategy of the United
States during the Cold War has become even more necessary in
this period of terrorism and instability.
In your paper, use specific examples—two from the Cold War
years and two from the past two decades. After giving general
consideration to your readings and your research, select one of
the positions above as your position—your thesis. (Sometimes
after doing more thorough research, you might choose the
reverse position. This happens with critical thinking and
inquiry. Your final paper might end up taking a different
position than you originally envisioned.) Organize your paper as
follows, handling these issues with this FOUR-PART
organization:
· The position you choose —or something close to it—will be
the thesis statement in your opening paragraph. [Usually this is
a one paragraph introduction with your thesis statement being
the last sentence of the paragraph.]
· To support your position, use four (4) specific examples from

3. different decades between 1950 and the present. However, two
(2) examples must be from the Cold War years (before 1991)
and the other two (2) examples must be from the past twenty
(20) years. [Typically this takes two paragraphs. Stay focused
on having specific examples that you support with citations.]
· Explain why the opposing view is weak in comparison to
yours. [The opposing view would be the thesis statement you
did NOT choose. You might start this by saying “someone will
disagree with my thesis and will argue that ------.” THEN—
spend 3 or 4 sentences with your best reasoned argument why
your thesis is stronger.]
· Consider your life today: In what way does the history you
have shown shape or impact issues in your workplace or desired
profession? (This might be unclear at first since it is foreign
policy. But, super-power status does inevitably provide
advantages in a global economy.) [This might be easy if you
work in cyber security, criminal justice, IT, etc. You can
consider the legal impact of terrorism on justice system, privacy
issues, etc.). Even a Business must now plan accordingly.
Every profession now must have security safeguards, plan what
to do with data, etc. A few comments on these things for your
profession—and some comments on how this impacts our lives
in general.]
Length: The paper should be 500-to-750 words in length.
Research and References: You must use a MINIMUM of
four quality academic sources; the Schultz textbook must be one
of them. Two of them must come from the university’s online
library—either those library sources listed below or others.
Your other source should be drawn from the list provided
below. (Sticking with the list is a safe strategy; sticking with
the university’s online library is a must.) This is guided
research, not open-ended Googling.
Source list for Assignment 3: Some sources are “primary”
sources from the time period being studied. Some sources below
can be accessed via direct link or through the primary sources
links on Blackboard. Each week has a different list of primary

4. sources. For others, they are accessible through the permalink to
the source in our online library: Sources below
having libdatab.strayer.edu as part of the URL have a permalink
to that source in our university’s online library. (The link takes
you to the library log-in; you then log in, and then the source
appears for you right away). Each source below is shown in
SWS form, so if you use it, you may easily copy the entire entry
onto your paper’s sources list. (On a paper, never list an item as
URL only.)
SWS Form for the textbook:
Kevin M. Schultz. 2018. HIST: Volume 2: U.S. History
since 1865. 5th ed.
Choose sources relevant to the topic and position you are
taking:
G. H. W. Bush. March 6, 1991. Address before a Joint Session
of the Congress on the Cessation of the Persian Gulf
Conflict. http://college.cengage.com/history/wadsworth_978113
3309888/unprotected/ps/bushnwo.html
J. F. Dulles. Jan. 2, 1954. Secretary Dulles’ Strategy of Massive
Retaliation. http://college.cengage.com/history/wadsworth_9781
133309888/unprotected/ps/dulles.html
M. Klare. July 15, 2002. Endless Military
Superiority. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=https://search.
ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6926412&
site=eds-live&scope=site
C. Paul. 2008. Marines on the Beach: The Politics of U.S.
Military Intervention Decision
Making. eBook. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=https://sea
rch.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=2750
09&site=eds-live&scope=site
C. Powell. Feb. 6, 2003. Transcript of Powell’s UN
Presentation. http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/02/05/sprj.irq.powel
l.transcript/
R. Reagan. March, 1983. Remarks at the Annual Convention of
the National Association of
Evangelicals. http://college.cengage.com/history/wadsworth_97

5. 81133309888/unprotected/ps/evilemp.html
Kevin M. Schultz. 2018. HIST: Volume 2: U.S. History since
1865. 5th ed.
S. M. Tarzi. Sept. 2014. The Folly of a Grand Strategy of
Coercive Global Primacy: A Fresh Perspective on the Post-9/11
Bush
Doctrine. http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=https://search.eb
scohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=98323177&si
te=eds-live&scope=site
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
· This course requires use of new Strayer Writing Standards
(SWS). The format is different than some other Strayer
University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS
documentation for details.
· Be typed, double spaced between lines[single-spaced for
ecree], using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
margins on all sides; [font flexibility and margin flexibility
with ecree.]; citations and references must follow SWS format.
Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date.The cover page and[Title page and name info not needed
for ecree. You might make up a title—put it right at start of
first paragraph—as part of first paragraph.] The Sources page
is not included in the required assignment length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are:
· Analyze the rise of the United States to a world “superpower”
and how that status has shaped its internal developments in
recent decades.
· Examine how changes in social and economic conditions and
technology can cause corresponding changes in the attitudes of
the people and policies of the government
· Summarize and discuss the ways that formal policies of

6. government have influenced the direction of historical and
social development in the United States.
· Recognize the major turning points in American history since
the Civil War.
· Use technology and information resources to research issues in
contemporary U.S. history.
· Write clearly and concisely about contemporary U.S. history
using proper writing mechanics.
--------------------------------------
GRADING RUBRIC: Grading for this assignment will be based
on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and
language and writing skills, using the following rubric.
Points: 120
Assignment 3: America as a Superpower
Criteria
UnacceptableBelow 60% F
Meets Minimum Expectations60-69% D
Fair70-79% C
Proficient80-89% B
Exemplary90-100% A
1. Clearly introduce your paper with your thesis.
Weight: 10%
Poor or no introduction. No thesis statement used from those
provided.
Insufficiently introduced your paper with your thesis statement.
Partially introduced your paper with your thesis statement.
Satisfactorily introduced your paper with your thesis statement,
chosen from the list provided.
Thoroughly and clearly introduced your paper with your thesis
statement chosen from the list provided.
2. Discuss four specific examples from different decades
(between 1950 and the present) to support your thesis. However,

7. two (2) examples must be from the Cold War years (before
1991) and the other two (2) examples must be from the past
twenty (20) years. Be persuasive and coherent with sound
reasoning; have examples based on solid research.
Weight: 30%
Did not submit or incompletely discussed four examples from
the correct time period. The examples covered are not supported
by research and reason.
Insufficiently discussed four examples from the right time
frame. The examples might not all have clear relevance to the
thesis or strong support from research and reason.
Partially discussed four examples from the proper time frame.
The examples might not be as relevant or as well researched as
they should be.
Satisfactorily discussed four clear examples from the proper
time frame. Examples are based on good research and are
relevant to the thesis.
Thoroughly and coherently discussed four
clear examples from the proper time frame (at least one example
being from the last ten years). The discussion is persuasive and
with sound reasoning and good support.
3. Explain clearly and persuasively why the opposing view to
yours would be in error or would be a weaker view.
Weight: 20%
Did not submit or incompletely explained why the opposing
view to yours would be in error or would be a weaker view.
Insufficiently explained why the opposing view to yours would
be in error or would be the weaker view. The reasoning or
examples might be flawed.
Partially explained why the opposing view to yours would be in
error or would be the weaker view. The reasoning or examples
might be flawed.
Satisfactorily explained why the opposing view to yours would
be in error or would be the weaker view.
Thoroughly and clearly explained why the opposing view to
yours would be in error or would be the weaker view. Used

8. persuasive reasoning or clear examples.
4. Discuss effectively the ways that the history you have
covered shapes or impacts issues in your workplace or desired
profession. Weight: 20%
Did not submit or incompletely discussed how the history you
have covered shapes or impacts issues in your workplace or
desired profession.
Insufficiently discussed how the history you have covered
shapes or impacts issues in your workplace or desired
profession.
Partially discussed how the history you have covered shapes or
impacts issues in your workplace or desired profession
Satisfactorily discussed how the history you have covered
shapes or impacts issues in your workplace or desired
profession.
Thoroughly and effectively discussed how the history you have
covered shapes or impacts issues in your workplace or desired
profession.
5. Used the MINIMUM of FOUR references, drawing from the
list provided (using at least two sources from our online
Library). The class text is one of the sources used. References
are listed at the end and matching in-text citations are used.
Weight: 10%
No references provided
Does not meet the required number of references; Insufficient
on the reference list or in-text citations.
Does not meet the required number of references; some
references poor quality choices or not from the list provided.
Meets minimum number of required references; most references
come from the list provided.
Meets at least the minimum number of required references; all
references high quality choices. Sources are listed at the end
and also cited in the body of the paper. Solid research is
evident.
6. Writing and Presentation:
Used good grammar. Presentation shows clarity, reason, and

9. critical thinking with proper writing mechanics. SWS format is
used for reference entries, in-text citations, paper layout, and
organization. Instructions followed.
Weight: 10%
More than 8 errors present.
7–8 errors.
5–6 errors.
3–4 errors.
0–2 errors.
-------------------------------------------------
[THIS IS A FORMAT SAMPLE for doing Assignment 3 using
our ecree platform. The usual SWS form calls for double
spacing and a title page (so did APA)—but when we use ecree
(as in this HIS105 class), we won’t use double-spacing or a title
page. It will be important to write good quality, distinct
paragraphs and to organize the paper in the four-part structure
called for by the instructions. So, this “format sample” of
Assignment 3 has no title page and is single-spaced—except
between paragraphs and between source entries at the end. It
still has in-text citations (see third paragraph below) and it still
has the sources list at the end—you do need those. As required
by the instructions, the sources used in this sample are from the
REQUIRED list on the instructions sheet—though you are
permitted this time to find two of your sources “off the list”, as
long as they are good sources from our university’s online
library. This sample does not really help you on content, but
this gives you guidance on each part of the paper—and
illustrates the four-part set-up of the paper and the sourcing.
America as a Superpower—the International “Policing Role”
More Necessary than Ever is the sample title here—and I put it
with the first paragraph. (with another thesis, you might choose
America as a Superpower—the International “Policing Role”
Should Be Ended). Feel free to word your title to fit your
thesis. ]

10. America as a Superpower—the International “Policing Role”
More Necessary than Ever-- PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
WITH THESIS Notice how this first line of the paragraph and
the heading can go together in this ecree approach to the paper.
The PART ONE heading is optional, but probably useful for
your own clarity while writing and my clarity when I grade it.
You have no worry here about indenting or double-spacing; not
needed or wanted for ecree. In terms of content, a format
sample like this does not provide that—this sheet just shows the
form and organization—and samples of citing. And I provide a
few tips here. Keep in mind the paper mostly focuses on a long
period—from 1950 to 2019; and you will eventually need
specific examples---two from the period 1950-1991; two from
1991 to the present. But, in this first paragraph, you will have
an introduction to your paper and you will also include your
thesis statement as the last sentence of the paragraph. How do
you view these things? Is our international “policing role” still
needed in an age of terror? More needed than ever? Or is it
time to scuttle that strategy? Will your thesis statement be
something like this?: By examples from different decades since
1950, it is clear that the international policing role and strategy
of the United States was once essential, but should now be
discarded as ineffective and counterproductive. Or, perhaps you
will you take this position: By examples from different decades
since 1950, it is clear that the international policing role and
strategy of the United States during the Cold War has become
even more necessary in this period of terrorism and instability.
PART TWO—FOUR EXAMPLES: The second and third
paragraphs will cover your four SPECIFIC examples supporting
your thesis. Caution—don’t get bogged down in describing
long trends here, or events that don’t support your thesis. You
need two Cold War examples from 1950 to 1991. One could
think of Korea, the Cuban Missile Crisis (Schultz, 1, p. 487-8),

11. Vietnam, etc. You need two examples from the period 1991 to
the present. This could include the first Persian Gulf War
(Schultz, 1, p.538-9), the bombing of Libya (late 1990s), the
invasion of Afghanistan, etc. According to Schultz (1, p. 547),
even President Clinton’s decision NOT to intervene is Rwanda
is a relevant example of “not” doing the policing role Be sure
to use the Schultz textbook as a priority source when deciding
on your examples. Just above are three examples of what an in-
text citation to Schultz would look like. One scholar in 2002
called into question the wisdom of such enormous costs (Klare,
2) projected for continuing a policing role in the world, and
even suggests doing this will be “exposing ourselves to an
increased level of risk” (p. 16).
EXAMPLES CONTINUED--In this part of the paper you really
start developing the topic and your position and evidence. Iraq,
Somalia, the killing of Bin Laden, are all examples. President
Obama considered the war in Afghanistan as just and necessary,
even though he inherited the conflict, and he expanded the use
of unmanned drones in key areas (Schultz, 1, p. 567).
Christopher Paul (3, p. 1) notes the number of “small”
interventions, such as Grenada (1983) and Haiti (1994). So,
there are many possibilities. It normally takes two paragraphs
to cover your four examples, but stay focused on the examples
and don’t get sidetracked from supporting your thesis. Be
concise. By the way, you can make valid arguments for either
thesis, and present an “A” paper in doing so. The assignment
requires you to use the Schultz textbook and at least three other
sources from the list on the instruction sheet (or—if not listed—
from the university’s library). Since those sources are listed in
SWS form and also have a convenient link with them, one can
easily copy/paste the ones you use for your sources list at the
end. And, with the link, each source is very easy to access.
PART THREE: OPPOSING VIEW This third section of
the paper involves some critical thinking on your part. How

12. might a reasonable person disagree with you and give a
different position or counter-argument? Keep this in mind---
they are opposing the THESIS you chose to argue for in your
paper. So, in effect, think of them as adopting the other
thesis—the one you did not choose. For example, perhaps you
argued that the policing role continues to be necessary—then
start this by saying, “some will disagree with my view, and they
will argue that our international policing role has become a bad
strategy in the post-Cold War period.” THEN—spend a few
sentences arguing nicely why your thesis is better than that one.
Debate—but don’t be dismissive. Normally, this part is not so
much doing more research or providing more examples. Instead
it is about suggesting what that different position might be, and
then your own logical rationale for favoring your own position
instead. It is just critical thinking on your part.
PART 4: LEGACY and IMPACT TODAY
(CONCLUSION)
This fourth and concluding paragraph of the paper does
not normally involve researching information. It does involve
some reflection about the issues covered in your paper and ways
those issues impact us—even in ways seldom considered. In
any profession that you are currently in or to which you aspire,
there are numerous issues of security of data, security of
workplace, employees who get deployed, immigrants from
unstable areas of conflict, travel, etc. Cyber-security and
Criminal Justice fields have more obvious relevance to these
issues. government regulations. The war against terror
impacts privacy. Think about this—you will then see some very
good issues to comment on, as well as your general view on our
proper role in the world. Again, this fourth part is normally a
paragraph or so—lengthy treatment not needed here. This
fourth part should normally serve as the conclusion of the
paper. Be sure your paper ends in some way that wraps up
succinctly.

13. FOR SOURCES--Then, in ecree, click on the word
“Conclusion” to add new paragraph boxes below it that you can
use for source entries—it works best if you can get each source
into its own paragraph box. As below, each source must be
numbered and should be in SWS style (as can be copied from
the instruction sheet). Just do your best with ecree.
Sources
1. Kevin M. Schultz. 2018. HIST: Volume 2: U.S. History since
1865. 5th ed.
2. M. Klare. July 15, 2002. Endless Military Superiority.
http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.co
m/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6926412&site=eds-
live&scope=site
3. C. Paul. 2008. Marines on the Beach: The Politics of U.S.
Military Intervention Decision Making. eBook.
http://libdatab.strayer.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.co
m/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=275009&site=eds-
live&scope=site
[It is best if you can get each source into its own paragraph box.
As below, each source must be numbered and should be in SWS
style (as can be copied from the instruction sheet). ]
[Tip, if you upload a Word file of your paper to ecree, have the
Sources list very close to the end of your last paragraph—like
an inch or so below it. If you have a lot of space between the
last paragraph and the list, the upload not include the Sources
list.]
[LAST PART—try this on last part, but don’t worry if you can’t

14. get it just right. Your final essay paragraph will ideally be in
the box “Conclusion”. Once typed, then click on that word
“Conclusion and it will create a new box below with three dots.
Keep clicking “Conclusion” until you have 4 or more “three-
dot” boxes—one for the heading Sources and one for each
source entry on your list of sources. If you cannot quite get this
to work, don’t worry about it—just be sure you have a final
paragraph (Part 4—Conclusion—Legacy) followed by the list of
sources. Even if those boxes seem mislabeled, I will figure it
out ok in the grading. Don’t get worried about that.]
2