In your opinion, what was the most significant person/place/thing in the period of American history between 1492 and 1865?
Answering this question requires a thoughtful review of the people, places, events and movements that we have studied this term. There are no wrong answers. The right answer, however, is a well argued, thesis-driven essay. You do not need any outside sources.
Once you have made your choice, your paper should be a thesis-driven essay describing your person/place/thing and situating it in its historical context. Next you should explain why you have made this choice. What makes something significant? What criteria are you using? Was this "thing" perceived as important at the time? What were the eventual ramifications of the "thing"? (Provide as many concrete examples and facts as you can to support your choice.) Why/How was it significant?