Essays and Research Papers on U.S. History (1900s)

A 6 page paper providing a brief history of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and then focusing on some of the special national events that have taken place there. The National Cathedral has provided the setting for prayer services for the country during World War II and following the terrorist attacks of September ...

This 3 page paper argues that the Cold War was based on faulty assumptions, and tries to understand why they were widely believed. Bibliography lists one source.

This 6 page paper briefly explores O'Brien's novel The Things They Carried to understand why he chose to write a work of fiction rather than strictly reporting facts, and what that means for our understand of the book and of Vietnam itself.

A 7 page paper which examines the changes in warfare from the beginning of WWII to the present day. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper argues that yes, it is easily possible that America an become a dictatorship. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines whether certain characters, in particular written works, represent the powerlessness of individuals or the agency of individuals in the Vietnam War. The works discussed are Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried,” Michael Bilton and Kevin Sim’s “Four Hours in My Lai,” and Le Ly Hayslip’s “When Heaven and Earth ...

An 8 page research paper that analyzes the remarks of Robert McNamara from an ethical perspective. The writer argues that the explanation for how leadership can go "terribly wrong" may be located not in errors in military tactics but rather in the ethical foundations that rationalize those tactics. This examination of leadership ethics draws ...

A 3 page research paper/essay that discusses 2 books by these authors. Authors Rodolfo Acuna (Occupied America, 2000) and Ernesto Galarza (Barrio Boy, 1971) both discuss the centrality of Mexican immigration to American history and progress, but they do so from different perspectives that each shed light on Mexican immigrant experience. Acuna focuses on the ...

A 6 page paper which examines the role played by weapons in WWII. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 4 page paper looks at this construction project and how it hurt the Bronx. Many facts are relayed. Some positive information is included. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 10 page paper discusses the controversy surrounding the Smithsonian's "Enola Gay" exhibit, and designs a new exhibit. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 8 page paper discusses Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, and the conditions at the time of the debate between the two men; it argues that given the prevalent conditions, it might have been better for black leaders to follow Washington's conciliatory model, rather than DuBois's call for political activism. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the issues on both sides of the prohibition controversy. It uses opinions of the time, not modern day. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the made in favor of prohibition as well as those against it, and in particular the events occurring in the years 1928-1935. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines whether President FDR was shaping public policy while in office, or following public opinion. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 7 page paper examines the Little Rock Nine, the nine black students who were the pioneers of the integrated school system. Brown v. Board of Education is discussed as well. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

An 8 page paper which examines the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses Vietnam as part of the Cold War, and also as a guerrilla action. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper gives an overview of the 1920s, also called the "Roaring 20s" or the "Jazz Age." Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the problem of racism in America. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses FDR's first 100 days in office and why they were so important, as well as some of the opposition he faced and why. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

An 8 page research paper/essay that examines the idea of the 1960s as a cultural revolution. The 1960s are often referred as a time of cultural revolution in the United States and in other Western countries, but how useful is this term in describing this turbulent period? The connotation associated with the phrase "cultural revolution" ...

This 3 page paper discusses the impact of industrialization on the U.S. middle class; particularly whether or not they benefited from the process and what aspects of industrialization were of concern to them. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

In five pages this paper examines how the United States became involved in Vietnam, how U.S. policymakers failed to understand Vietnam, considers the overall costs of the war, and the parallels that exist between the conflicts in Vietnam and Iraq. Five sources are cited in the bibliography.

This 3 page paper discusses some of the concerns that Roosevelt was going too far with the New Deal. Bibliography lists 3 sources.