HIST Project

General Overview: Select an event, incident, a legislative action, or related marked historical moment in the years up until the American Civil War (Pre-Columbian Era to 1865), that marks an important transition in American History. This historical event can lead to a social, economic, or political transition that shaped the country’s history. Additionally, you will conclude this research project with a supposition of how history might have been shaped if this event had never occurred or if another outcome could have been possible.

Examples:

• The effect of the Salem Witchcraft Trials on the colonial religious goals of Massachusetts
• The post-French & Indian War colonial taxation policies of the British government
• The failure of the indentured servitude system to provide an ample labor source in the pre-Revolutionary American South
• The passing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and its relationship the impending crisis that becomes the American Civil War.

Research Objectives and Questions to be Discussed in Your Essay:

Incorporate these questions in the writing of your essay.

• Why did you select this event?
• What were both the short- and long-term effects of this historical event?
• Who all were impacted/affected by this historical event?
• How was history changed by this event?
• If you were to imagine a different outcome or reaction to your event, what do you suppose might have been a different outcome in the short- and long-term?

• Your completed essay must be at least 850 words.
• The essay must include at least one primary AND one secondary source. You can find an explanation of the differences Evaluating Print Sources.
• The essay must include one image that is either a primary or secondary document. The image should have a caption of 50-100 words explaining its relevance to the essay project. The image can be embedded within the text or attached as a separate page.
• Cite all sources used for research. The preferred citation style for the essay is the Turabian/Chicago style. Common citation styles for this format can be found at the University of Chicago Press Turabian Citation Guide website.
• All KNAC projects must contain a Works Cited page and must use either footnotes or endnotes.
• Attach all documents (essay, supporting documentation, illustrations, journals, etc.).