Answer Happy

Section IV: Essay (1 question worth 25 points) There are four essay choices in this section of the exam, and each asks you to draw upon knowledge you learned during the entire semester (not just since the midterm). Choose one (1), and only one, of these options to answer. Label this answer "Essay Option [number]." This is a traditional essay question. Your answer needs to be in full sentences, have a logical and organized structure, and be a minimum of 3 full paragraphs (approx. 4-8 sentences per paragraph) in length. The more specific, detailed, logically reasoned, and well-supported with specific evidence and facts your answer, the more points you will earn. You must incorporate specific evidence/quotes from relevant primary source documents and the textbook chapters that were assigned as reading during the course of the semester, and you must answer all parts of the question in order to earn full credit. Option 1. What was the Cold War? Why, when, and how did it start, and why, when, and how did it end? Explain the importance of the Cold War both to domestic U.S. history and to how the U.S. conducted itself internationally. Option 2. Explain how Americans have approached dealing with the issue of racial difference, racism, and civil rights since the end of Reconstruction (1877) through the 1980s/early 1990s. Which groups promoted racial equality and how? Which groups opposed racial equality and how? What was the role of the federal government in dealing with racial issues? Finally what were some of the long-lasting effects of the problem of racism and racial inequality in American history? In composing your answer, include specific people and events. (Hint: This question addresses race as a broad category, so your answer may include multiple racial groups if you so choose and not just Black and white). Option 3. Explain how Americans have seen the role of the federal government from the end of Reconstruction (1877) through the 1980s. Which people have advocated smaller, hands-off government in which periods and why? In which way(s) did they want the federal government to be smaller/less powerful? Which people have advocated larger, more involved government in which periods and why? In which way(s) did they want the government to have more power? How has the role of the federal government as it relates to regulating the economy and guaranteeing citizens' welfare, citizenship. and rights (broadly defined - this can include economic rights, civil rights, social rights, etc.) changed over time? What effect(s) do you think these changes have had on the United States? Option 4. Which kinds of tactics have American activists and grassroots movements used to try to change U.S. society, law, and culture for the better (however they defined that) from the Progressive Era through the end of the Cold War, and why did they use these tactics? How did different activists and social movements learn from and draw inspiration from one another? Which tactics do you think were most effective, and what sorts of changes did activists/movements accomplish by using these tactics? Give specific examples of campaigns/events/protests for each time period and tactic that you discuss.