It is clear that problems over slavery had plagued the country for decades, even generations. Your task in this paper assignment is to clearly explain the THREE most significant or critical events that led to the coming of the American Civil War. (In other words, what do you think were the three most significant/critical events leading to the Civil War and why?) In addition, when do you believe the Civil War became inevitable and why? (This can be a 4th event, or one of the three you already picked). You need to underline your argument in your introductory paragraph- then it is clear what you intend to prove.
The Missouri Compromise (1820)
The Nullification Crisis (1832-1833)
The Kansas-Nebraska Act and “Bleeding Kansas” (1854-1856)
When the Civil War became inevitable: The Dred Scott Decision (1857).
In developing your paper, YOU CAN ONLY USE significant/critical events
YOU CAN ONLY USE ONE EVENT PER DECADE. The purpose of this
assignment is to analyze change over time. Do not use events prior
to 1780 because you need to focus on the post-American Revolution
period. Do NOT use events from 1860 or later (this means you cannot use
the Election of 1860 or Fort Sumter).
Paper Checklist (This is for your reference):
• Have you clearly explained the role slavery played in driving a wedge between the north and the south? Yes _____ No______
• Have you clearly explained the details of your three most significant/critical events? Yes _____ No _____
• Have you clearly explained WHY you think each of these events are among the most significant/critical events leading to the Civil War? Yes _____ No _____
• Have you clearly addressed the question: when do you believe the Civil War became inevitable and why? This can be one of your three critical events, or you can introduce it as a separate event. Yes _____ No _____
• Does your paper have an argument in the introductory paragraph that addresses the assignment question? Did you underline that argument, so you know exactly what you are trying to prove (and so does your TA). Argument is there and it is underlined: Yes _____ No _____
• Do you have citations (footnote/endnote) at the end of every paragraph (except intro and conclusion)? Yes _____ No _____ (All evidence needs to be cited with footnotes/endnotes. There is a separate document in Canvas on how to insert footnotes and what to include in citations.)
• This means no google searches, no AI searches/answers, no internet information!! The internet is not your friend right now- your engagement all semester in this class is your friend. Your lecture notes are your friend. Your textbook is your friend. Please use only materials we have discussed or read in this class. Have you used any unapproved sources, such as anything listed in this paragraph? Yes _____ No _____
• If your paper contains information that was not provided in lecture/textbook/classroom discussions- the paper will not be graded. Any use of internet sources or texts not assigned for this course will result in an F on the assignment and may be grounds for Academic Misconduct. Yes _____ No _____
Your paper must be 4 full pages (not to exceed 5 pages) in length, 12 pt font, Times New Roman or Calibri, double-spaced, and 1” margins (be sure to check the default settings in your word program). This is approximately 1000- 1250 words (not including citations).
