American History

Question

AMH2020 Essay Questions Final Exam

Instructions and outline to help you prepare for the final exam.

-The format is a choice of 6 possible essay questions, but you will only be responsible for providing

answers for 3 essay questions.

-Your first essay selection comes from our first two units, so choose between 1 or 2 (This is 40% so write

3 or more paragraphs)

-Your second essay selection comes from our final unit, so choose between 3 or 4. (This is 40% so write 3

or more paragraphs)

- Your third essay selection is your choice, so opt for 5 or 6 (This is 20% so write 2 or more paragraphs)

First Choice

1. The Reconstruction Era of the 1860s and 1870s was an attempt to reunify the country after the Civil

War. Do you believe that this process was a success, a failure, or a mixture of both? Please use

examples of federal and state legislation or policies to explain what you believe. (at least 3 paragraphs)

(mainly Chs 22 and 23)

or

2. During the 1920s American life was changing in many areas. In your opinion, what are the two

biggest changes or trends that occurred during this decade? You can focus your attention on social,

political, or economic trends of the era. Back up your ideas with details you find from your textbook,

class discussion, and/or reliable outside sources. (at least 3 paragraphs) (mainly Ch. 31 and some in Ch.

32)

Second Choice

3. Outline the biggest changes to the American economy after WWII. What consumer items and

economic trends would have the most impact during the next three decades? From your standpoint in

the year 2022, is there anything that you wish had gone differently with economic development during

the 1950s through the 1970s. (at least 3 paragraphs) (ideas throughout Chs. 36-39)

or

4. The Cold War competition between America and the Soviet Union following WWII lasted about 40

years. What two international events from the late-1940s through the 1980s do you believe serve as

the best examples of this mutual distrust and competing motives. Be sure to explain your choices and

detail their importance at the time they were happening. (at least 3 paragraphs) (ideas throughout Chs.

36-39)

Third Choice

5. If you could travel back in our nation’s history, what event or time period would you have liked to

have seen in the last 150 years or so. Write two paragraphs explaining the importance your choice and

outline your reasons for wanting to be there. You can include details on what you picture is taking

place. (at least 2 paragraphs)

or

6. Choose an event from the Civil Rights Movement (any group) from the end of WWII into the 1970s.

In the first paragraph explain what took place. In the second paragraph explain the significance of the

event for Americans at that time and those that followed. (at least two paragraphs) (ideas throughout