Explain how your personal background and life experiences might influence your perspective on this topic?

Analyzing a Historical Debate

For this assignment, you will analyze an historical debate over an issue from the second half of U.S. History. You will need to find at least two opposing perspectives on that issue in the assigned readings I have provided above. The primary sources you will base your essay on are the following two articles (which have been provided above as links): “The Shame of Cities” by Lincoln Steffens AND “I seen my opportunities and I took ’em” by George W. Plunkitt.
Part I. Introduction
1. Describe in general the issue that is debated:
For example, you may analyze the importance of this issue based on its significance to the culture, economics, political system, or social structure at the time.
Part II. Historical Debate
2. What is the main argument in each perspective? On what points do they agree and disagree?
3. Analyze the evidence that is provided to support each thesis: What types of evidence are used? Does the evidence support the thesis? Why or why not?
Part III. Conclusion
4. How did the readings change the way in which you understood the subject?
5. How are the issues presented in the readings still relevant to you today? Explain how your personal background and life experiences might influence your perspective on this topic?
6. Imagine that you have been asked to tackle a current national or global issue. How would you use the readings to help you do so?

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