The previous assignments focused on domestic matters in US history.
This last assignment explores America's international role in recent decades. By the mid-20th century, the United States had become the dominant force in international relations. Some have argued that the United States' military functions as the world's "police."
This assignment covers the manner in which this shift occurred and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as "policeman of the world." One can identify early steps this direction well before World War II, but in this paper focus on the period from the 1940s to the present.
Take one of the positions as suggested below, draw from the sources listed, and present a paper with specific examples and arguments to demonstrate the validity of your position.
Possible position-in each case you can take the pro or con position:
The American "policing" role developed because of the Cold War, but it became primarily a means for protecting and assisting economic interests for itself and its allies as illustrated by recent events as well as earlier ones.
The American "policing" role has been exercised primarily to protect vulnerable peoples and regions from powerful oppressors or from regional chaos, as illustrated by recent events as well as earlier ones.
The American "policing" role has had noble intentions and ultimate success during the Cold War, but in fighting terror it has gotten off track with some severe consequences.
A position you develop on this issue with the approval of your instructor.
After giving general consideration to your readings and your research, select one of the positions above as your position-your thesis.
(Sometimes after doing more thorough research, you might choose the reverse position. This happens with critical thinking and inquiry. Your final paper might end up taking a different position than you originally envisioned.) Organize your paper as follows, handling these issues:
The position you choose (from the list above)-or something close to it-will be the thesis statement in your opening paragraph.
To support your position, use four specific examples from different decades between 1950 and the present. (At least one example must be from the last ten years).
Explain why the opposing view is weak in comparison to yours.
Consider your life today: In what way does the history you have shown shape or impact issues in your workplace or desired profession?
(This might be unclear at first since it is foreign policy. But, super-power status does inevitably provide advantages in a global economy.)
Length:
The paper should be 600-to-850 words in length. This normally means 2-to-3 pages for the body of the paper. (The title page and References page do not count in these calculations.) Double-space between lines. Format instructions are below.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
Analyze the rise of the United States to a world "superpower" and how that status has shaped its internal developments in recent decades.
Examine how changes in social and economic conditions and technology can cause corresponding changes in the attitudes of the people and policies of the government
Summarize and discuss the ways that formal policies of government have influenced the direction of historical and social development in the United States.
Recognize the major turning points in American history since the Civil War.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in contemporary U.S. history.
Write clearly and concisely about contemporary U.S. history using proper writing mechanics.