Prompt
Modules Five and Six have introduced you to how historians approach assessing historical evidence to refine their thesis statement and message. By now you should have enough evidence compiled from your research to begin writing your historical analysis essay. You will begin working on the essay piece by piece. In Module Five: Analyzing History, learning block 5-4 (page 2) in the webtext, you will work on drafting an introduction for your historical analysis essay. This introduction will include the necessary parts of an introduction: an explanation of the topic and argument, an overview of evidence, and your revised thesis statement.
Specifically, in this assignment, you will submit parts of the following elements of your Project 2: Historical Analysis Essay for review by your instructor:
In Module Five: Analyzing History, Learning Block 5-4 (page 5) in the webtext, you worked toward the following element:
Introduction: In this section of your essay, you will introduce your readers to the historical event you selected. Specifically, you should:
Provide a brief overview of your historical event. For instance, what background information or context does the reader of your essay need?
In Module Five: Analyzing History, Learning Block 5-4 (page 1) in the webtext, you worked toward the following element:
Based on your research question, develop a thesis statement that states your claim about the historical event you selected. Your thesis statement should be clear, specific, and arguable, as it will give direction to the rest of your essay.
Please note that the numbering included above directly aligns with the numbering of these elements as they are presented in the Project 2 Guidelines and Rubric. For your final historical analysis essay, you will also include body paragraphs, a conclusion, a reference list, and your essay’s overall message, but you do not need to include them in this submission. You will be prompted to build upon this progress check submission to prepare your final historical analysis essay for submission in Module Eight.
Introduction:
The historical event chosen for this analysis is the Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States. This movement, which took place primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed to secure voting rights for women and promote gender equality. The suffrage movement was a pivotal moment in American history, as it challenged traditional gender roles and laid the foundation for future advancements in women's rights.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of this historical event, it is essential to consider the background and context that led to the emergence of the suffrage movement. During this time, women were largely seen as subordinate to men and were denied basic rights, including the right to vote. The prevailing societal norms and legal barriers placed significant limitations on women's participation in public life.
The suffrage movement was influenced by various factors, such as the abolitionist movement, progressive ideals, and the changing social and economic landscape of the country. These influences created a fertile ground for women to organize, advocate for their rights, and demand equal political representation.
Thesis Statement:
Based on extensive research, the thesis statement for this analysis is as follows:
"The Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States was a transformative social and political movement that challenged gender norms, fought for women's rights, and ultimately secured voting rights for women. By examining the strategies employed by suffragettes, their impact on society, and the enduring legacy of this movement, it becomes evident that the fight for women's suffrage played a crucial role in advancing gender equality and shaping the course of American history."
This thesis statement sets the direction for the essay by highlighting the significance of the suffrage movement, emphasizing its impact on society, and emphasizing its lasting influence. The subsequent analysis will delve into the strategies used by suffragettes, the opposition they faced, and the broader implications of women gaining the right to vote.
Overview of Evidence:
To support the thesis statement and provide a well-rounded analysis, multiple sources of evidence will be utilized. Primary sources such as speeches, letters, and diaries from suffragettes themselves will offer firsthand accounts of their experiences and motivations. Additionally, secondary sources including scholarly articles and books will provide historical context, analysis, and interpretations.
The evidence will be examined through the lenses of social, political, and cultural perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the suffrage movement. By analyzing both the successes and challenges faced by suffragettes, this analysis aims to shed light on the broader implications of their fight for equality and how it shaped American society.
Conclusion:
The Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States was a pivotal moment in history that brought about lasting changes in gender equality and political representation. By providing an overview of the historical event, presenting a clear thesis statement, and outlining the evidence to be presented, this introduction sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the suffrage movement. Through a comprehensive examination of primary and secondary sources, this essay will shed light on the strategies employed by suffragettes, their impact on society, and the enduring legacy of this transformative movement.