American History

Reflection Paper

Being new to a place is challenging. The list below includes some provocative discussions related to the events in this unit's reading and related to being new to the United States.

For this assignment, you will write two reflections on Parts 1 and 2 below. The total length of your journal assignment must be a minimum of three pages in length, with each journal entry being at least one page.

(For example, this means that you could have one reflection be one page and the other be two pages, each could be one and a half pages, or some other means by which each is at least one page in length and your total overall pages total three.)

The reflections will need to reflect your understanding of the time period and need to avoid being anachronistic. (Remember that this term loosely means to apply today's values or perspectives on the past.)

To accomplish this, you will need to write both reflections as if you are a first generation immigrant (in the first person). Your first reflection entry needs to be from the viewpoint of an immigrant from Europe (e.g., Ireland, Italy, Germany, England, or France). Your second reflection entry needs to come from the standpoint of an immigrant from Asia (e.g., China or Japan).

You will need to develop an argument within both reflections entries based on the bulleted items below. In your own words, justify academically the side of the argument you choose, remembering to cite your sources along the way.

Part 1

• Are you treated as an equal by earlier generations residing here?

- What are others' attitudes toward you?
-Why do you think they act this way?

• Would you feel pressured to pledge your loyalty to a political machine?
• Would you agree to engage in a strike?
• Talk about some leisure opportunities and how they are divided by race or class or are for everyone.

Part 2 What is the "American dream?"

• How did the growth of big business impact the American dream?
• Explain which leisure opportunities could be part of the American dream.
• What part did the anti-immigration sentiment play in the American dream?

As this is a point of view essay, a modern perspective will not accurately address what the question is asking for. It is strongly suggested that you use at least one selection from the America: History and Life with Full Text database within the CSU Online Library. All sources used, including textbooks, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations.