We are all products of our own histories. When we realize that we can see history everywhere in the world around us, it suddenly becomes very relevant, and we can develop a personal connection to...

We are all products of our own histories. When we realize that we can see history everywhere in the world around us, it suddenly becomes very relevant, and we can develop a personal connection to historical studies. Throughout this course, you have watched other historians explore history in their own unique ways, and you could observe the visible passion and personal connection each historian had to their subject. You will cap off this US history survey course with a project that allows you to find your own connections through reflecting on both personal historical impact and how that ties in with broader histories.

Instructions:

Reflect on how historical study has impacted you this semester by writing a short reflection paper of 2-3 pages responding to each of the prompts below:

1. Choose a historical event from early American History (1865 and earlier) that you learned this semester and that you found relevant to today.




2. Discuss how it impacted American/world history.




3. Discuss how it impacted you personally to learn of it.




4. Conclude with your reflection on understanding the present as a product of history and how each of us are impacted by history. [NOTE: with this part, be specific! Avoid broad, cliché statements simply declaring that "history is important," or "history repeats itself." Take this opportunity to deeply reflect on the climate we live in and how history has constructed it. One way to avoid romanticizing or over-simplifying a conclusion like this is to point to specific examples and prove to you audience that these connections between history and today can be made.]