United States History to 1865

Fall 2006

Paper Topic #1

Due: Friday, September 29^th

Topic: Many scholars argue that early American history evolved in “contact zones.” The textbook, Out of Many, repeats this idea that America was born of the inter-penetration of many cultures. John Demos’ reconstructed narrative of Eunice Williams tells the story of one woman whose American experience was determined by the interaction of cultures. The actors in this “Family Story from Early America” came from many cultures: British, French, Canadian, New England, Iroquois, Mohawk, and others. Contrasting views on the meaning of land, spirit, religion, trade, violence, captivity, family, honor, civility and savagery (to name a few) all play on this stage of 18^th century colonial America.

How is The Unredeemed Captive a peculiarly “American” story? You may or may not believe that it is important to view American history as “exceptional,” but all would agree that there are certain historical themes that are peculiar (if not necessarily unique) to America. Multiple cultures is one of them. How, then, does the “petite histoire” of Eunice Williams help us to understand the “grande histoire” of early America?

Format: Papers must be 5-7 typed pages. You must make reference to at least 4 sources other than Demos’. This should be a polished essay with a clearly stated thesis, specific evidence from the texts, and a persuasive argument. Indicate references to the assigned readings with the author’s last name and the page number. (Demos, 27)

Suggestions: Chose specific examples. Do not try to address every possible relevant theme in 5-7 pages. As you develop your argument, chose the examples that best illustrate your points. This is a broad topic. Scholars have written thick books in their attempts to definitively describe and explain the nature of inter-cultural contact in early America. In order to keep your essay focused, you should craft an exact thesis statement. Do not attempt to persuade the reader that “American history is primarily a story of cultural interaction.” That is too much to achieve in 5-7 pages: be specific. Use any relevant reading material (especially from the Document Reader).

Print out a rough draft and edit it. Do not simply fix the typographical errors: rewrite it. The final draft should be a carefully worked piece. If anything seems confusing, it probably is. Read it out loud to yourself or a friend to hear if it flows smoothly.

Late Papers: One full grade down if the paper is handed in within one week of the assignment. No papers will be accepted after that.

Please feel free to bring your thesis, an outline of your essay or a thesis statement to my office hours for feedback.