Essays and Research Papers on U.S. History (1800s)

A 6 page book review of E.J. Hobsbawm's The Age of Capitalism 1848-1875 (1975, Scribner), which offers the reader a comprehensive snapshot of the world during this period. The text is scholarly, and meticulously researched with extensive notation of sources. Yet, Hobsbawm clear writing style, which eschews the use of jargon and multiple references to ...

This 7 page paper discusses the use of symbolism in two war novels: "The Red Badge of Courage" by Stephen Crane; and "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 3 page examination of “For Cause and Comrades” by James M. McPherson. No additional sources cited.

This 3 page paper discusses the impact of the Industrial Revolution on American families with regard to work, society and technology. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 10 page paper discusses ten issues that relate to the American Civil War. Bibliography lists 5 sources

This 3 page paper explores the changes that took place in America during the period 1877-1900 (roughly between the end of Reconstruction and the Progressive Era). Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 10 page paper discusses Days 1 and 3 of the Battle of Gettysburg, the weather and terrain, and the way in which Confederate General Johnston Pettigrew approached the battle. Bibliography lists 4 sources

This 6 page paper discusses the points of view of those who favored U.S. intervention in the First World War and those who opposed it. It also discusses the labor movement at the time. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper which offers an overview of the Mexican-American War. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page paper which examines James McPherson’s book “Battle Cry of Freedom.” No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which looks at Abraham Lincoln and what some considered the second revolution, the Civil War. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper argues that these changes in American society from an agrarian economy to a 20th century superpower came about, at least in part, because of the introduction of steam, internal combustion and diesel engines into the country. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page research paper/essay that contrasts and compares three speeches that were made concerning the Compromise of 1850, which were given by John C. Calhoun, William Seward and Daniel Webster. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses questions about James Henry Hammond and his slaves on the Silver Bluff plantation. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 4 page paper discusses an 1850 article that appeared in the "American Whig," in favor of retaining slavery in the territories as they joined the U.S. Endnotes list two sources.

A 4 page paper which reviews Isabella Bird’s book A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains. No additional sources cited.

A 9 page book review/analysis that contrasts and compares Stanley Elkins' Slavery, A Problem in American Institutional and Intellectual Life (1976), and Albert J. Raboteau's Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution in the Antebellum South (originally published 1978; revised 2004). These are texts that address aspects of slavery as practiced in American history. This review of ...

A 3 page paper which analyzes the conditions between the North and South which led to the civil War. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 6 page paper begins by reporting and discussing events and experiences in Lincoln's childhood and early life and comments on certain events may have shaped his personality according to theorists. The next part of the paper discusses Lincoln's developmental level according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs and moral development according to Kohlberg. Bibliography ...

A 3 page examination of the development of buildings in the 19th century. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 3 page overview of the First Battle of Manassas. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines the Civil War and the involvement of President Lincoln. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the hopes that both African Americans and Southern businessmen had for the "New South"; what they hoped would change, how they tried to achieve their goals, and whether their hopes were realized. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper examines this infamous duel that left Hamilton dead. Politics are discussed as well as the symbolic nature of the event. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses Stampp's book about the Reconstruction period that followed the U.S. Civil War. Bibliography lists 3 sources.