UCLA Theodore Roosevelt Steward of the Environment Discussion

Select 3 out of 5.

1. Explain why was Frederick Jackson Turner’s thesis about the closing of the frontier was so significant at the time it was written? How did it define the emerging study of American Western History? What is at least one contemporary (modern day) criticism of Turner’s essay AND what are your thoughts on this criticism? (You will need to do a little research for this). Is it fair to judge works of the past by the standards of the present? Lastly, and related, since much has changed from the time Turner delivered this speech in 1893, what do you think he might say differently if he wrote his thesis today? (Be sure to present specific details and back your assertions with supporting evidence from current sources as well as module pages, paraphrased and followed by proper in-text citations).

significant = meaningful, important or great
emerging = becoming important or famous
standards = principles or ideas considered widely accepted or used as measures
thesis = main argument or other statement of theory, beliefs, ideas, etc. that are proposed
assertions = confident fact-based claims, statements or conclusions

evidence = supporting material that proves your points

2. How was the Jacksonian Era of the United States so drastically different than the young republic period that preceded it? How did Jackson’s popularity relate to the formation of the Democratic Party? What were some platforms of the Democratic Party at this time and how have they remained or changed since then? (Be sure to present specific details and back your assertions with supporting evidence from current sources as well as module pages, paraphrased and followed by proper in-text citations).

drastically = extremely, very
preceded = came before
formation = creation, development or process of being formed
platforms = positions or declared policies of a political group (e.g. Democratic Party)

3. What were at least two personal characteristics and behaviors that made Teddy Roosevelt such a notable figure in U.S. history? What were at least two unprecedented actions taken by Teddy Roosevelt which expanded the powers of the Executive branch? What is an example of how one of these expanded presidential powers has been used in modern times? Teddy Roosevelt was controversial during his time; how is he perceived today (both in general and your opinion)? (Be sure to present specific details and back your assertions with supporting evidence from current sources as well as module pages, paraphrased and followed by proper in-text citations).

behaviors = the way someone acts or conducts themselves in particular situations
notable = remarkable or worthy of attention
expanded = widened or extended
perceived = how someone or something is thought of or regarded

4. What were the primary reasons (both fabricated and genuine) that the United States and Spain went to war in 1898? Which factions in the U.S. generally endorsed the war and which were against it (and why)? What were the specific outcomes of the conflict in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines (immediately following the war and their status today)? (Be sure to present specific details and back your assertions with supporting evidence from current sources as well as module pages, paraphrased and followed by proper in-text citations).

fabricated = made up or falsified
genuine = real or true
factions = a small group within a larger one
endorsed = favored or supported
outcomes = results
status = current state or official classification given to a country that determines their rights and responsibilities

5. Describe three prominent Native American tribes living in the Great Plains region during the nineteenth century and the cultural characteristics they had in common. Next, explain how these disparate Plains Indian cultures were distinct from Indigenous peoples living in the Southwest AND Northwest regions of the United States? Lastly, select one Plains Indian tribe and describe where the people are living today and how they ended up there. (Be sure to present specific details and back your assertions with supporting evidence from current sources as well as module pages, paraphrased and followed by proper in-text citations).

prominent = important
disparate = very different from one another
distinct = noticeably different
ended up = arrived

Each topic has several questions to think about. Make sure to answer all of the questions in the topics you choose.

For almost every essay prompt you will be asked to make some type of connection between the historic event/period being covered and the present. 

Give attention to dates. If a question asks about the years 1835-1870, then do not write about events happening before or after those years.

Copy and paste the topic questions above each of your three essays.

Write responses to each of the topics you chose in essay format (intro. / body / conclusion).

You must use your own words. [Do not use quotes “_____” or copied text in your responses. If you do want to include one quote, make sure that it is brief.]

Your answers and explanation must be supported by specific detail from the modules and one or two supplementary sources (academic sources that are not from the module content).