The purpose of the “Document Analysis” assignments is to help you to practice making evidence based arguments about history. There is a brief introduction to each prompt. Chose a topic that interests you. Take time to carefully study each of the sources given, keeping in mind what you might want to argue and sources that support your argument. Then write. The document analysis should be between 2-3 pages, typed and double spaced. There is no need to include a title page or section for your name and class information since Canvas keeps track of that. Focus your analysis on the content, which needs to include a clear thesis statement, evidence and facts that support the thesis, proper citation and a conclusion that summarizes your argument.

Answer only one question from one of the prompts. Be sure to type the question you are answering above your response. The first paragraph should clearly state your position and 2-3 points you intend to discuss as support for your position. The paragraphs that follow should be a discussion of your main points and should include an analysis (an explanation of how and why these points support your position) of the facts and referencing of the sources. Be sure to cite your references, from the prompt and the course text, within your your document (not at the end). The last paragraph (the conclusion) should be a summation of the points that support your position.

Prompt 2

African American slaves in the American Revolution were pressured by the Americans and British to support their respective sides with freedom being the reward for their service and loyalty. From the following documents note the difference in the experiences of two African American slaves; one that served in the British army and one that fought for the Americans.  

1. What motivated each of these men to fight for their respective sides during the war and why?
2. How did their experiences differ or were similar with regard to the treatment elicited to them by each army with respect to equality to white soldiers?