The document outlines two potential essay topics on major events and issues in United States history from the post-World War II period through the Nixon presidency. The first essay prompts analysis of how conflicting aims of the U.S. and Soviet Union launched the Cold War, the rise of anti-Communism in the late 1940s-1950s, and the impact on decisions to engage in Korea and Vietnam. The second essay explores domestic turmoil in the late 1960s-1970s, evaluating the successes and failures of Nixon's presidency regarding civil rights, Vietnam, foreign relations, and the Watergate scandal.
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
1- The essay includes a clear, compelling statement of its thesis,.docx
1. 1- The essay includes a clear, compelling statement of its thesis,
research question, and/or main argument.
2- The essay is organized effectively into an appropriate number
of thoughtfully ordered paragraphs, generally including a strong
introduction and conclusion.
3- The student develops ideas and arguments carefully,
thoroughly, and creatively throughout the essay.
4- The essay demonstrates a mastery of diction, syntax, usage,
grammar, and mechanics appropriate to college writing at the
sophomore level
Essay II
The evolution of containment policy;
U.S. emphasis on anti-Communism and its relationship to
postwar developments in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and
Latin America;
The proliferation of nuclear power and its effects on
international politics;
Anti-communism at home;
Essay Question:
Assess the conflicting political and economic goals of the
United States and the Soviet Union for the postwar world, and
how these clashing aims launched the Cold War. Why did fear
of Communists in positions of influence escalate in the late
1940s and early 1950s? Did the emphasis on containing
Communism impact the U.S. decision to engage militarily in
Korea and Vietnam?
2. Essay I
Considerations:
Retreat from liberalism and the emergence of a Republican
agenda;
The Vietnam War: the dilemma of withdrawal of American
troops and the escalation of the war;
Evolution of black activism;
Watergate Affair: abuses in the White House culminating in the
scandal and Nixon’s efforts to cover up.
Essay Question:
The late 1960s and 1970s were turbulent years both at home and
abroad for the United States. Evaluate the failures and successes
of the Nixon presidency during this period focusing on the
issues of Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, America’s relations
with Communist China and the Soviet Union, and Watergate.
What was the impact of the Nixon years on the presidency and
political participation? How did conservative ideas shape the
social, cultural and political landscape of the 1980s and 1990s?