History Essay
Directions: This assignment is for a formal paper, meaning that you should present a complete argument using clean, controlled prose in standard English. The formal requirements are the following:
• Your essay directly answers the prompt (alternately, if you choose to write against the grain, you must explain why you are doing so)
• Your essay will use evidence to explain reasons that substantiate your claim (which should be a historical interpretation in answer to the prompt)
• Sources will be cited using a recognized citation system (MLA, APA are acceptable, Chicago is preferred). Information about proper citation can be found in the writer's guide from EN 101/2 or at the Purdue Online Writing Lab (search Purdue OWL).
• The paper should be 500-700 words in length with minimal grammar, spelling, syntax, or other language errors.
Preamble: The end result of the 19th century's parallel developments (industrialization, urbanization, social modernization, nation-state formation) often left individuals in the position of making choices - whom to support in an election, whether to take part in a street demonstration or revolt, whether to follow the directions of a spiritual leader or one's own political interests. In some rare instances, the choice was created by events. In the following prompt, you will write from the perspective of a man who has taken part in the battles to unite Italy as a supporter of Giuseppe Garibaldi. To write this essay effectively you will have to use both the primary source (a transcript of Garibaldi's speech) and the textbook (for background information on the various movements to unify Italy as well as the general trend toward modernization and nation-state building).
Prompt: Explain why, as a follower of Garibaldi, you will or will not support the unification if Italy under the leadership of Cavour and the House of Savoyafter hearing this speech and then seeing theevents of 1860-1861.