The critical Period 1783 – 1789

For this short paper, you will need to examine The Articles of the Confederation in the American Perspectives Reader on page 208. AND you will need to examine the attached political cartoon in order to write your short paper. To help you out with the writing process, you will also need to examine the “How to Interpret Political Cartoons” Module in Canvas.

Short Paper 1 Guide:
Critical Elements:

1. Introduction: write an introduction to your essay.

Must have: a clear thesis: Make an argument based on the cartoon and the source materials.

2A. Body Paragraphs: this is the meat of your essay, with the goal of providing support for your thesis.

A paragraph in which you include a description of the items in the picture and their meaning.
Included in this: discuss a THEME (fear, anxiety, happiness, anger, joy etc…) really, this can also be achieved in your introduction as well.) And BY WHO? Who felt this way?

2B. Subsequent paragraphs should relate back your identified elements

This is where you will need to use your SOURCE materials (primary and secondary sources.) Think of it this way, you are explaining HISTORY through your examples. For example: ANARCHY= a historical example of anarchy)

3. Cause and effect: You MUST answer these questions and relate the information back to your thesis:

What is the cartoonist’s point of view about the subject portrayed in this cartoon? What evidence in the cartoon supports your interpretation?
Some cartoonists create their intended effects through shock value. Is that true of this
particular cartoon? How does it produce its effect?
Do you believe the cartoonist intends to produce a particular emotional response?
Do you believe this cartoon is successful in producing the effect the artist intended?
Explain why or why not.
Do you feel this cartoon is persuasive? Why or why not?
State the premise of this cartoon in one sentence (no more than ten words). (this is your thesis)

Conclusion: Wrap it all up.

Restate your thesis, briefly explain that your major points prove your thesis.
Writing Instructions:
12 point, Times Roman font.
NO weird centered or paragraph justifications.
1″ Margins all around
Spelling and grammar checked.
4 pages in length.
Bibliography or works cited page. (Turabian format only.
Sources cited within the essay. (Liberally use those footnotes)
Use the following sources: Articles of Confederation in the American Perspectives reader, Give Me Liberty Textbook, and The Critical Period Of American History by John Fiske
(Links to an external site.)
You will need to also find at least 2 sources on your own. These need to be from Journal Articles or books.
NO Websites such as: Wiki, Encyclopedias, no EDU sites (especially KHAN ACADEMY).

****When you are finished, submit in Canvas. WARNING: Canvas will submit your paper to the TURNITIN database. Your originality score must be under 24%.

Hints to help you out: The Critical Period in American History or the Confederation Period in American History…. The ROCKS represent OBSTACLES….