What would have been your thinking/reaction upon hearing the ideas put forth in the pamphlet Common Sense by Thomas Paine (which you read in the previous module)? Include your opinion of Paine as a heroic agitator or a crude traitor or something in-between during the American Revolution. Did Paine's work have a lasting impact on U.S. politics? (approx. 200 words)

Using Thoreau's essay as your main source, attack and/or defend the United States' position in the war with Mexico. How far can one take Thoreau's philosophy in today's world? (approx. 200 words)

Discuss the role of Abraham Lincoln as a wartime president. Include comments on his evolving stand/actions on slavery. Do you feel he unified the country at this time, or not? Explain your answer. (approx. 200 words)

Submit a fully-developed essay in response to the following question. Your essay should be approximately 500 to 1000 words (the equivalent of 2 to 4 typed, double-spaced pages) in length. All assignments should be a combination of solid research and personal evaluation of the data.

Compare the North and the South in 1861 and then in 1865. What demographic, economic, and social advantages (or disadvantages) did each side have during the war? How did either side take advantage of changes in military technology? Why did the North win the conflict?