During the 1850s in America, how did issues with expansion, slavery and politics lead to the outbreak of the Civil War?
Value: 35 points
Due: Monday, Nov. 25
Note: Any form of plagiarism will result in the grade of a zero. Although you will need to refer to your textbook and internet sources, you must paraphrase.
Refer to the list at the bottom of the page to see topic links to help you with your supporting details.
The format will be a five paragraph essay..
Paragraph 1: Introduction (6-7 sentences)
- Set the stage; include the time period (1850s); mention other events of the Antebellum Era that increased the tension between the North and the South.
- Include a thesis statement (last sentence or two of the paragraph). This is the over all point of your paper. Elaborate upon the themes of expansion, slavery and politics. Lastly, take a stance.
Paragraph 2: Expansion paragraph (8-10 sentences)
- Begin this paragraph with a topic sentence to introduce the issue of westward expansion.
- Include supporting points and details about expansionist issues and events
- Conclude this paragraph with a transition sentence into paragraph 3 (slavery)
Paragraph 3: Slavery paragraph (8-10 sentences)
- Begin this paragraph with a topic sentence to introduce the slavery issue.
- Include supporting points and details about slavery issues and events
- Conclude this paragraph with a transition sentence into paragraph 4 (politics)
- Begin this paragraph with a topic sentence to introduce the effects of political decisions/events of the 1850s
- Include supporting points and details about political issues and events
- Ties together main points of the essay
- Restates the thesis in a slightly different way
- Answers the question, so what?
Topics to include... (also in your textbook)
