Pick one

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

  • Textbook: Chapter 18, 21, 23
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 3 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook). The sources associated with each topic selection below can be used as part of the 3 scholarly sources.

Optional Resources to Explore
Feel free to review the library guide for scholarly sources and videos at the following link:

  • Link (website):

Introduction
The purposes of each case study assignment include the following:

  • To hone your abilities to research using scholarly sources
  • To advance critical thinking and writing skills
  • To compile a response to the prompts provided
  • To explore a historical topic and make connections to change over time

Instructions
Pick one (1) of the following topics. Then, address the corresponding questions/prompts for your selected topic. Use at least one (1) documented example of the corresponding primary source in your writing.

Option 1: Big Business (Monopolies) and Exploitation of Workers
View the following resource:

  • Link (video): (27:30)

Browse and read one (1) of the following:

  • Link (article):
  • Link (library article):

Then, address the following:

  • Explain if big business leaders were “captains of industry,” “shrewd businessmen,” or “robber barons.”
  • Based on one of the resources noted for this option, assess American working conditions and exploitation of workers in the Age of Industry.
  • Analyze the role that government played in reforming American working conditions.
  • Explain the benefits of the Federal Government regulations of monopolies.
  • Analyze which progressive presidents attained economic justice and reform for workers.

Option 2: Who is A Progressive?
Review the following site:

  • Link (website):

Then, address the following:

  • According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive?
  • Explain and give examples of the characteristics of “anti-progressives.”
  • Trace what types of activities “anti-progressives” engaged in?
  • Analyze the goals of progressivism.
  • Explain what areas of society progressives addressed?
  • Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech?

Option 3: World War I
Review the following resources:

  • Link (video): (6:56)
  • Link (library article):

Then, address the following:

  • Trace the origins of World War I, and assess if the world war was inevitable in 1914?
  • Explain if it was possible for the United States to maintain neutrality in World War I. If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
  • Analyze if the United States should have entered World War I to make the world safe for democracy.
  • Analyze if the Treaty of Versailles was a fair and effective settlement for lasting world peace.
  • Explain if the United States Senate should have approved of the Treaty of Versailles.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

  • Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page
  • In-text citations that correspond with your end references