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Reconstruction as a National Phenomenon, 2008.
An examination of the ways that important aspects of US Reconstruction legislation were national in their implications.
1,108 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the politics of Reconstruction did have a nationwide impact which has changed the nature of our government up till the present day. In particular, the paper looks at the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments and the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and their national implications.
From the Paper
"By the late 1870s, the varied patchwork of legislation, armed force, and partisan compromises that was Reconstruction had petered out, and Southern whites began to reassert their dominance, bringing an ambiguous end to this phase of history. While unquestionably impacting the lives of Southerners tremendously, the politics of Reconstruction did have a nationwide impact which has changed the nature of our government up till the present day. By the power of Constitutional amendments such as the 14th and 15th, and precedent-setting legislation such as the first Civil Rights Act, the Federal government vastly extended its reach and influence, asserting its power to override state laws and even to replace state governments seen to be failing to follow Constitutional requirements. The ongoing tension between states' rights and the Federal government continues to generate strong political controversies even today."
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George W. Bush's Presidency, 2008.
An analysis of the failing of the presidency of George W. Bush, focusing on the war of terror.
2,453 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the presidency of George W. Bush, focusing on his failings, particularly with regard to the war on terror. The paper argues that Bush has proven himself to be an ineffective leader, but that his leadership failings are due to the extraordinary events that happened during his tenure. The paper suggests that in calmer times, he may well have been an unremarkable, adequate president.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The War on Terror
Patriot Act
Antagonizing Secular Society
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Bush is a poor leader, and his presidency will be remembered for his ineffective handling of Iraq and American civil liberties. He has bungled a war, compromised his people's freedom, and created rifts within his own society. Even if he is not a deliberately treacherous individual, he is a menace to his country. He was not up to the job. It can only be hoped that in the future the Republican Party will forward a smarter, tougher, and more imaginative candidate.
"And yet, there is also the lingering anxiety that George W. Bush was not chosen because he had the capacity to be a strong president. Just like his father's Vice-President, Dan Quayle, Bush does not seem to have been chosen because he would be good at his job. Part of this suspicion is hinged on the bizarre fact that George W. was chosen to succeed his father in campaigning for the presidency. For one thing, George W. was a bad student in school, had a scanty political history, and was generally not much of a man to begin with. On the other hand, brother Jeb Bush is a career politician and regarded as intelligent."
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The Massachusetts Bay Colony and Manifest Destiny, 2008.
This paper compares and contrasts Winthrop's Massachusetts Bay Colony migration with O'Sullivan's "manifest destiny" excursion two decades later.
1,333 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the similarities between the Puritans' seventeenth-century incursions into New England and the expansions of the nineteenth century. The paper argues that John Winthrop's experiences in reigning in the fanatical elements of his Massachusetts Bay Colony anticipated the state's dilemma in doing the same two centuries later. The paper looks at the similarities between the religious rhetoric of both westward migrations and discusses the state's ability, in both cases, to temper the dangerous emotions of overzealous adventurers.
From the Paper
"Although John Winthrop's first meeting with the members of the Massachusetts Bay Colony preceded John L. O'Sullivan's coinage of the term "manifest destiny" by two centuries, a clear thread connects the two events. The theme of westward expansion has accompanied U.S. history since England's disgruntled puritans first hatched the idea of a New World utopia, and it would not be an exaggeration to write that it was the Puritans, rather than Andrew Jackson or other nineteenth-century champions of westward expansion, who gave birth to what would later be called "manifest destiny." In fact, there are many striking similarities between the two westward movements--that is, between the Puritans' seventeenth-century incursions into New England and the expansions of the nineteenth century."
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The Alamo and America's Image of Itself, 2008.
A comparison of the events that occurred at the Alamo with their portrayal in the movies named, "The Alamo" that were subsequently made.
761 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses America's image of itself over the siege and slaughter at the Alamo, as portrayed in the movies named, "The Alamo." The paper compares the historical accounts of the events that occurred at the Alamo with the way that these events were portrayed in the movies. It also looks at the role that Davy Crockett played in the defense.
From the Paper
"Finally, there is a lesson that America should learn from the Alamo. Desperate courage can carry men to feats far beyond what could reasonably be expected of them. This is not a trait exclusive to Americans. The defenders at the Alamo were hopelessly outnumbered, but fought with the savagery of men committed to their struggle. Although the Mexican army prevailed, the losses ran to some 1,600 men dead, including many of the finest soldiers. Although able to recruit some replacements during the campaign, the Mexican army was losing men, materials, and morale even as it managed its victories as it marched towards San Jacinto. In 2007 in Iraq, the United States faces a group of men fighting for their land, against a vastly technologically superior force of invaders. With their technology and firepower, the Americans can win every battle. Should we, like Santa Anna, feel entirely confident of final victory?"
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Causes of the American Civil War, 2008.
This paper examines the origins of the American Civil War.
1,043 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the most critical causes behind the American Civil War and reveals that the seeds of war already began with the Constitution of 1787. The paper shows how the Civil War was the outcome of a series of problematic and ultimately futile political "compromises" which culminated in the breakdown of the national consensus in the election of 1860.
From the Paper
"The seeds of the national breakdown were sown at the very beginning, in what came to be called "the three-fifths compromise" in the Constitution of 1787. This compromise, found in Article 1, Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution, stated that representation and taxation for the individual states would be based upon the total census of citizens plus three-fifths (60%) of slaves (called "other persons" in the actual text.) This peculiar text (often mischaracterized as asserting that an African is only "three-fifths" of a person) was the result of a compromise between non-slaveholding states (who didn't want any slaves to be counted, in order to reduce the Congressional power of the slaveholding states) and the slaveholding states (who wanted all individuals counted, to increase their power.) In one sense, we might see the outbreak of the Civil War as being the last in a long line of such questionable political compromises which began with this Constitutional provision."
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George Washington, 2008.
Evaluates the character of George Washington based on his controversial actions relating to slavery.
2,120 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 25 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that scholars, especially blacks, have attacked Washington, denouncing him as a racist, anti-black and a licentious adventurer who fathered black children by his slaves. The author points out that, initially, he treated slaves essentially as chattels, oblivious of trauma they endured; however, over the course of his lifetime, his views gradually changed. The paper reports that, in his will, he manumitted his slaves and provided for former slaves unable to support themselves, paying pensions as late as 1833. The author concludes that this act confirmed his public virtue and made him an embodiment of the ideas of popular sovereignty and liberty.
From the Paper
"His leadership of the Continental Army forced Washington to confront his own attitudes towards slavery. Finding large numbers of free blacks serving in the Army, he initially dismissed these soldiers. However, when the British offered freedom to blacks who took up arms for the crown, Washington reversed himself and allowed the free blacks to reenlist and fight to keep this force from the British. Blacks were eventually some twenty percent of the Army. During the War, Washington was apparently quite an impartial commander, treating black as soldiers, and paying them full respect."
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The American Revolution, 2008.
Looks at the economic background of the American Revolution.
1,295 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that, in addition to being ideologically motivated, the American Revolution was a logical response by economically-minded men to an impractical and increasingly intolerable colonial fiscal policy. The author points out that Great Britain viewed the colonies as a "cash cows", which enabled the colonial power to steal the resources and riches of the weaker colonies. The paper also points out several seminal precursors of the revolution: Severe taxation, the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, the Quartering Act and the suppression of religious freedom by an intransigent monarchy. The paper concludes that, unlike other countries under British colonial rule, the colonies were able to mount an efficient resistance and armed struggle.
From the Paper
"The introduction of the Stamp Act, the Tea Act, and the Sugar Act did much to trigger widespread colonial resistance. Coupled with the Boston Massacre, these policies convinced the colonial Americans that the British intended to harm their very existence by unfair taxation and violent repression of peaceful demonstrations. It is important to note, however, that it was often powerful bankers and businessmen who opposed these taxations most vehemently."
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Sports and the Industrial Revolution, 2008.
A look at the ways in which the industrial revolution changed social and cultural life and how it impacted sports and leisure activities.
1,056 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the impact that the industrial revolution brought to the world of leisure and sports. It discusses why the industrial revolution impacted sports at all and the ways in which it did. The paper also looks at the ways that social and cultural life changed and the relationship this had to sports and leisure at the time. The paper contains appended original sources.
From the Paper
"As we see, the industrial revolution brought profound changes to much of the world. Social and cultural life changed completely. While some aspects of sport and leisure remained unchanged, in that people continued to do some of the things they loved, other aspects of sport and leisure were profoundly changed. For one thing, people simply had more leisure. In addition, the growth of mass culture brought change to sport. For example, the phenomenon of mass venues for hundreds of spectators, not seen since the Greek and Roman times, was revived. In addition, there was a growing awareness that the industrial revolution had caused lifestyles to become less active, and this led to a growing awareness of the need for recreational sport. However, it would be a long time before physical education was widely offered to the masses. In particular, the working class, girls and women would wait a long time before they would be able to benefit from such education."
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The Five Pillars and the Qur'an, 2008.
An analysis of the composition of the Qur'an and the five pillars of Islam.
1,909 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the composition process and the final book of the Qur'an. It describes the history of the text and how it was catalogued and brought together. The paper then discusses the five pillars that are central to the ritual of the practice of Islam and discusses the understanding of these rituals according to the Qur'an and Islamic law.
From the Paper
"All Muslims are brothers (Durant, 182). A critical part of the modern politicization of Islam is that the political movement seeks to impose on Islamic societies as a whole. This is a distinct development from traditional Islam, which is a religion, and one which has offer "reassuring, familiar, and functional" faith to millions for centuries (Fuller, 16-17). The distinctive emergence of a political Islam means that there are strong forces within Islam which reject the concept of an inclusive religion in which all Muslims are seen as brothers, and attempting to impose on all of Islam something of a nationalistic movement (Fuller, 17, 21; Schwartz, 17)."
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Sanctions against Cuba, 2008.
A discussion of the history of the sanctions against Cuba and the reasons for the arguments in favor of dropping them.
2,236 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history, aims, and effectiveness of United States economic and travel sanctions against Cuba. The paper then focuses on the change in public opinion within the United States that favors dropping the sanctions against Cuba. Next, the paper discusses the arguments in favor of dropping the sanctions and presents them as personal recommendations to the President.
Table of Contents:
Situation
Recommendations
Benefits of Change
Short- and Long-Term Change
From the Paper
"Passage of this legislation came at a time when many in congress believed that the fall of Cuba was imminent, based on the example of the Soviet Union and its disintegration. They were wrong, though the sanctions they imposed continue as if they were effective. The formation and maintenance of the policy has been affected from the fist by competing interests in the U.S., and this only adds to the uncertainty seen by many: "The oddities of American politics being what they are, no one can be absolutely certain that the embargo will not last another forty years." Even as the Helms-Burton law was passed, future U.S.-Cuba relations were characterized as bleak as far as any positive change was concerned."
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Split between Roman and Byzantine, Western and Eastern Churches, 2008.
A discussion of whether Rome wanted to unite with the Eastern churches, or simply require submission from them.
3,437 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that although Rome genuinely desired reunification with the Eastern churches, this was premised upon the expectation that it would submit to the authority of the Pope. The paper explains that this was not achieved, because a key reason for the schism was the Eastern church's refusal to acknowledge the authority of the bishop of Rome. The paper then looks at how the Western church's desire for reunification would have required submission, it is argued that the Western church really sought nothing less than the submission of the Eastern church. The paper suggest that it was not looking for partnership, it was looking for domination. The writer believes that this, coupled with the fact that the schism was so very far reaching and profound, meant that unification was simply not possible.
From the Paper
"The other major reason for the schism relates directly to the issue of power and dominance. The Eastern Church and the Western Church had for a long time been growing increasingly estranged due to disputes over papal authority. As summarized by Congar, the "Oriental schism came about by a progressive estrangement." This came to a head when Pope Leo IX proclaimed his authority over the four Eastern patriarchs. This authority was firmly repudiated by the Eastern Church, and continues to be repudiated to this day."
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The Salem Witch Hunts, 2008.
Looks at the myths surrounding the Salem witch hunts.
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Salem witch hunts in the context of the effect the Indian War and not the sexually wanting young girls. The author points out that court transcripts of the trials give a psychological insight into the anguish and ambiguities of the people during this time. The paper concludes that the Salem witch trials are an example of how the remembrances of the past are not necessarily the facts.
From the Paper
"The perception that women who were accused of being witches were liberal, unmarried, lesbians, had more knowledge in medicine or religion than doctors or priests or that they were victims of women haters is untrue. Many women accused of witchcraft were married and had families. Men were the judges in a witch trial but rarely an accuser. Most testimonials given at the witch trials were by women. The severity of the punishment for the crime of witchcraft was just as strong in Catholic areas as it was in Protestant areas."
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