1. AP US History Ms. Kovacic
The Decades Paper
AP US History
Ms. Kovacic

2. Introduction Paragraph
Introduce the decade chosen
Provide a thesis: how can you describe this decade with regards to economics, politics, society and culture.
The 1860s was a period of turbulent change as the United States grappled with the issue of slavery, entered a Civil War and suffered the economic repercussions of doing so.

3. Body Paragraphs Three or Four body paragraphs focused on:
Politics
Economics
Society & Culture
Body Paragraphs should:
Summarize a main theme for each area in your topic sentence.
The 1900s was a period of huge cultural and social change as new technology, like the airplane and automobile, were introduced.
Explain the artifacts, music, clothing, illustrations, etc. you are using in your presentation to capture this decade and the theme.
Provide an explanation for why you chose to include what you did.

4. Conclusion Paragraph Conclusion should: Summarize the decade
Reflect on the lasting impact of the decade.
Shed light on how your understanding of the decade increased doing this project
The 1860s was a turning point in United States’ history. Within the course of ten years, the United States fought a war pitting brother against brother, ended slavery and entered a new period of defining what equality really means. Describe how your own understanding of the decade changed doing this project.

5. Bibliography Include a proper MLA, works cited page.
Use parenthetical citations within the text of the body paragraphs.
Henry Ford’s introduction of the automobile created a new sense of independence for the average American, now able to hop in a car and drive anywhere from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean (Smith 450). OR
According to Smith, Henry Ford’s introduction of the automobile created a new sense of independence for the average American, now able to hop in a car and drive anywhere from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean (450).