Japanese Internment Camps
United States History B
New Citizens and American History
Portfolio Project Part 4
How Did a Particular Historical Event Affect American Society?
Each year, thousands of people become American citizens. Thousands more native-born
Americans become full citizens when they turn 18 and can vote. What should these new citizens know about the history of their country? What events will help inform them as they participate in
American democracy and society?
For example, what lessons can new citizens take from the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II? What lessons can they learn from the rise of totalitarian regimes in the
1930s and the U.S. response?
Description
For this project, you will write a research paper on a specific historical event and its importance to American citizens. Your paper will answer the following question: Why should new American citizens learn about this event?
This portfolio is spread across three units. In Unit 1, you chose your resources, compiled a works cited page, and conducted your research. In this unit, you have written the outline and the rough draft of your essay. In Unit 3, you will write the final draft of your essay.
Your Unit 2, Part 2 portfolio assignment has three steps:
▪ Crafting a thesis statement
▪ Writing a rough draft
▪ Revising your rough draft
Your essay will need to contain the following:
1. An introductory paragraph that answers the following question, why should new
American citizens learn about this event?
2. 2–3 paragraphs of background information about the event that puts it into historical context 3. 2–3 paragraphs that draw conclusions about why this event is important for new citizens
4. to learn about. These paragraphs should include specific examples.
5. A concluding paragraph that summarizes the main points of the paper.
Step 1: Crafting a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement should sum up the main idea of your paper. For this paper, your thesis statement should
New Citizens and American History
Portfolio Project Part 4
How Did a Particular Historical Event Affect American Society?
Each year, thousands of people become American citizens. Thousands more native-born
Americans become full citizens when they turn 18 and can vote. What should these new citizens know about the history of their country? What events will help inform them as they participate in
American democracy and society?
For example, what lessons can new citizens take from the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II? What lessons can they learn from the rise of totalitarian regimes in the
1930s and the U.S. response?
Description
For this project, you will write a research paper on a specific historical event and its importance to American citizens. Your paper will answer the following question: Why should new American citizens learn about this event?
This portfolio is spread across three units. In Unit 1, you chose your resources, compiled a works cited page, and conducted your research. In this unit, you have written the outline and the rough draft of your essay. In Unit 3, you will write the final draft of your essay.
Your Unit 2, Part 2 portfolio assignment has three steps:
▪ Crafting a thesis statement
▪ Writing a rough draft
▪ Revising your rough draft
Your essay will need to contain the following:
1. An introductory paragraph that answers the following question, why should new
American citizens learn about this event?
2. 2–3 paragraphs of background information about the event that puts it into historical context 3. 2–3 paragraphs that draw conclusions about why this event is important for new citizens
4. to learn about. These paragraphs should include specific examples.
5. A concluding paragraph that summarizes the main points of the paper.
Step 1: Crafting a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement should sum up the main idea of your paper. For this paper, your thesis statement should