Essays and Research Papers on U.S. History (1700s)

A 7 page essay that discusses the central role that Franklin’s list of virtues plays in his autobiography. While Franklin’s account demonstrates that he largely succeeded in his goal to live by these virtues, his references to others, specifically Samuel Keimer, John Collins, and Hugh Meredith, provide contrast to Franklin’s own behavior, as they provide ...

A 3 page essay discussing Edward's focus on the ecclesiastical vs. Franklin's focus on the individual. The paper compares the two's viewpoint and successes as depicted in each man's biography.

This 6 page research paper discusses The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, which chronicles America's ultimate 'Renaissance Man's' life from his birth in 1706 until 1757. Specifically considered is how Franklin's life represents the 'great American success story.' Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page report discusses the writings of two great Americans from the 18th century -- the relatively unknown John Woolman and the very well-known Ben Franklin. Each offered important insight regarding morality, business, and morality in business. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page essay that analyzes the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin in regards to the how Franklin embodied the American Dream. The writer also examines how Franklin can be seen as a model for the ideal eighteenth century man and, also, how his memoirs contributed to the concept of an American character. Bibliography lists 2 ...

A 4 page essay that argues that Benjamin Franklin's autobiography offers readers insight into the eighteenth century. In his introduction to Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, Louis P. Masur comments that the text gives the reader insight into understanding the social context of the eighteenth century (2003, p. 7). Examination of Franklin's text shows that Masur's assessment ...

A 5 page book review that discusses the themes and major points made by biographer Richard Brookhiser on the life of Alexander Hamilton. Brookhiser argues that Hamilton's accomplishments run far deeper into the fabric of American history then is generally supposed. The writer finds this assessment, based on this biography, to be true. No ...

This 11 page paper discusses and gives an indepth look at the biographies of Matthew Brady and Alexander Gardner and their Civil War photographs. Bibliography lists 11 sources.

A 9 page book review that reports on Henry Wiencek's An Imperfect God, which is a biography of George Washington that offers a different view of this Founding Father, as Wiencek concentrates on Washington's role as a slaveholder. Drawing heavily on critical analysis of this text authored by historian Peter Henriques, the writer ...

In four pages this paper presents a review of Ellis’ acclaimed 2004 historical biography on the first President of the United States that considers how the author selected his choice of subject, the questions the author seeks to answer, the thesis the author argues, and how successful he is at presenting his case and shaping ...

A 5 page discussion of the political views of these three founding fathers. Suggests that a debate between Washington, in particular, and modern day political scientists would reveal many differences. Although admittedly our government has become considerably more complex over time, Washington would undoubtedly still hold to his viewpoints of limited government powers ...

This 5 page paper looks at the basics of the Texas Constitution, including sovereignty of the people, the republican style of government, separation of powers, the role of the military and the limited form of government which results from the checks and balances incorporated in the constitution. The bibliography cites 4 sources.

A 5 page essay that argues for the powers given the federal government in the Constitution to regulate the states as opposed to the more autonomous semi-country status the states had under the Articles of Confederation. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page research paper which examines the book by Edmund S. Morgan whose basic premise is that Washington's genius lay primarily in his use and understanding of the principles of power. Morgan makes a good case for this argument as he gives insight into Washington's character and the politics that were prevalent during the ...

This 8 page paper provides a sample letter that discusses the separation of powers and Supreme Court decisions in its regard. Several decisions are noted, many of which address matters that arose during the Clinton presidency. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 6 page paper looks at the United States Constitution and compares it with the English 'Constitution.' Both forms of government are discussed as well as the balance of power in each nation. Bibliography lists 7 sources

A 5 page research paper that examines the relationship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield, an influential itinerant Anglican preacher who swayed thousands of colonists with his evangelical preaching in the 1740s. The writer demonstrates that Franklin changed his initial position of support for Whitefield and used his skilled pen whenever possible to deflate the ...

A 6 page paper that posits that although the constitution framed at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 is an excellent document, that the framers left a document that continues to pit people against economic rights. Touted as a democracy, individuals do not have true electoral power. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4 page discussion of how slavery promoted American Independence, limited the power of the national government under the Articles of Confederation, and impacted the drafting of the United States Constitution. No sources are listed.

A 4 page essay/research paper that discusses the right to Freedom of Religion, which is guaranteed under the First Amendment. This examination focuses on the issues that continue to define the division between church and state that this amendment imposes on the American government. Many people today would tear down the wall dividing church and ...

This 5 page paper suggests that Reconstruction, the period which occurred after the Civil War, was a failure to an extent. Policies of both Lincoln and Johnson are discussed as well as acts of Congress. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 6 page paper provides an overview of this issue. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was an Act to conserve and develop Indian lands and resources; to extend to Indians the right to form business and other organization; to establish a credit system for Indians; to grant certain rights of home rule to ...

A 5 page paper that discusses the declaration written by the Stamp Act Congress. The Congress was comprised of representatives from 9 of the 13 American colonies. It was convened in response to the Stamp Act passed by Parliament in March 1765, a tax without representation. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

All too often, our contemporary media portrays the American Revolutionary War as a relatively brief and glorious fight for Independence from British taxation. In reality, it was for at least a century and a half prior to the onset of Revolutionary conflict that the forthcoming war was foreshadowed through economic struggle, political instability, and ...

This 4 page paper provides an overview of two essays and five short answer responses to questions on American history. These essays and questions specifically address issues around the American Civil War and issues of slavery. Bibliography lists 1 source.