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

An 11 page discussion of American history from colonial times through the American Revolution and the framing of the Constitution. Examines the reasons Englishmen embarked on North American colonization are explained as is their transition from viewing the monarchical system of government with favor to disdain. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 3 page research paper that discusses the Articles of Confederation, which constitutes the first attempt by the Founding Fathers of the United States to form the legal foundation for the central government. Ratified in 1781, it was intended to unify the states and define the powers of the Continental Congress. The Articles of Confederation ...

An 8 page review of our governmental structure. The questions of why this structure was put in place by our founding fathers and how effective it remains are addressed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper describes conditions in the 18th century and argues that the U.S. Constitution is an attempt to create an entirely new form of government. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 12 page discussion of the ideologies surrounding sovereignty which led up to the American Revolution. Discusses the desire for self government but the recognition of the need for central government. Introduces the ideologies of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes and summarizes the impact each had on our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. ...

This 5 page paper looks at the very important Constitutional Convention in 1787 which was responsible for the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Different types of governments are discussed and the topic is introduced after an account of Shays's Rebellion. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

5 pages. Jefferson’s Virginia demonstrates the differences of political sentiment among the different political parties. The people resolve themselves naturally into two components; that of the authoritarian, which favors government that controls the people, and that of the democratic that favors government controlled by the people. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 6 page report discusses about the commonly-shared value that the new America needed to establish itself as a virtuous republic. Because virtue is a subjective construct, the ways a “virtuous republic” was defined caused both consensus and conflict. The developmental process that the early colonists went through in their establishment of a new way of thinking about government and ...

A 3 page paper that begins with a short explanation of the Federalist Papers. The paper emphasizes the concern about the passions of the majority that is mentioned in several of the essays and the need for a central government. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 6 page paper that examines the history of America's association with freedom and the changes that this association has undergone since the nation's birth. Discussed is the meaning of freedom during the birth of the nation, throughout the twentieth century, and at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Bibliography lists 5 sources. ...

An 11 page book review that analyzes the arguments that Gary B. Nash, professor emeritus of history at the University of California at Los Angeles, makes regarding the issue of slavery and how it was addressed, or rather not addressed, by the Founding Fathers in his text Race and Revolution. Besides the text, the only ...

This 3 page paper examines this history book with a focus on the title. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 7 page paper answering 5 questions about this event in American history. The covert destruction of 45 tons – 90,000 pounds – of British tea in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773 did not directly lead to the American Revolution, but it certainly became a contributing factor in perspective if not in economic ...

A 5 page review of Joseph J. Ellis' most intriguing book. The author of this paper demonstrates that Ellis' approach is certainly a more readable and entertaining version of history than we have been forced to consume over most of our educational experience. It breaths life into the dull facts that leave most readers reaching ...

A 5 page research paper/essay that discusses these 2 tests. John Demos, in The Unredeemed Captive, and James K. Martin, in Original Courage, each draw upon original memoirs from early American history that recount specific periods, and offering readers insight into the perspectives of individuals who lived during the colonial era. While the events of ...

6 pages in length. Authenticity is a primary factor to a period film if it is to reflect the flavor, value and truthfulness of its subject. "The Patriot" is one movie where costumes reflect the entire ambiance of reality; while costume designer Deborah Scott worked with the Smithsonian Institute to ensure the authenticity ...

A 5 page research paper that examines how the concept of individual rights evolved in England and in the early history of the US. The writer traces how the concept of rights set forth in the Declaration of Independence goes back to British traditions and European philosophers. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

An 8 page overview of the life and philosophies of Thomas Paine. While modern history remembers him as a critical contributor to American and French independence, Thomas Paine left this world with a dubious reputation. His political contributions, however, are today considered invaluable both in regard to their inspiring the American Revolution and ...

A 3 page consideration Jefferson’s actions surrounding one of the most important land acquisitions in American history. This paper considers why Jefferson acted outside Congressional approval. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 10 page paper gives an in-depth report on the history of the Louisiana Purchase, including the politcal,economic, and significant impact the purchase had on the future of America. Bibliograpy lists 6 sources.

A 6 page contention that legitimate violence can equate to justice. The author of this paper uses examples from history as well as from fiction to illustrate this contention. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 4 page paper concludes that these two documents are essentially the same but subtle differences are noted. French and American history is used to support the conclusions reached. The documents are explored both from a moral and political perspective. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page consideration of the many gains that were made in interactions between whites, blacks, and Native Americans during this critical time period in American history. While there were great losses, both in terms of culture and in terms of basic rights such as freedom and property ownership, there were also many gains. ...

An 8 page overview of the economic and political factors surrounding the 1898 US annexation of Hawaii. Because of its location and tremendously productive environment, Hawaii is a strategically important military and economic accouterment. The sugar industry which existed at the time of annexation were obvious factors in the desirability of Hawaii to ...

An 8 page overview of the economic and political factors surrounding the 1898 US annexation of Hawaii. Because of its location and tremendously productive environment, Hawaii is a strategically important military and economic accouterment. The sugar industry which existed at the time of annexation were obvious factors in the desirability of Hawaii to ...