ushistory
In 1,000 words, write a comparative essay discussing how two history books written by different authors can fit within historiographical categories. Define these categories, discuss any overlaps and uncertainties and reflect on what we can learn from locating books in their historiographical context.
This is a draft version of a recent essay. I have no idea where the completed one is... Probably lost in the university computer system. This is an unedited version, therefore, and may be a little waffley or mistake-ridden. History is a vast subject, spanning thousands of years of wars and conflicts, the lives of … Continue reading In 1,000 words, write a comparative essay discussing how two history books written by different authors can fit within historiographical categories. Define these categories, discuss any overlaps and uncertainties and reflect on what we can learn from locating books in their historiographical context.
Loic Wacquant’s article ‘From Slavery to Mass Incarceration’
For a seminar this morning, I have been reading a number of articles and chapters on the topic of mass incarceration in the United States. One in piqued my interest, however. Loic Wacquant's article, published in the New Left Review in early 2002, offers a fascinating theorem on the continuing confinement of African Americans. Entitled … Continue reading Loic Wacquant’s article ‘From Slavery to Mass Incarceration’
What are ‘swing voters’ and how important are they in the USA? (Short essay)
Also known as ‘floating voters’ in the UK and ‘independent’ in the USA, swing voters are de-aligned and lack strong party identification, and their votes cannot be predicted or taken for granted. They are targeted in campaigns and can be crucial in deciding elections, especially in swing states. Approximately 30% of voters describe themselves as … Continue reading What are ‘swing voters’ and how important are they in the USA? (Short essay)
Explain the importance of religion as a voting factor in the USA (Short essay)
The USA is unusual (in comparison with Britain) in that religious identity has strongly influenced voting behaviour. Religion has an important impact in how the voter looks at specific issues, such as abortion, homosexuality, the environment, and economics. The voter then uses his or her response to these issues as a guideline to help determine … Continue reading Explain the importance of religion as a voting factor in the USA (Short essay)
Explain the ‘gender gap’ which exists in the USA (short essay)
The ‘gender gap’ refers to the different voting patterns of men and women found in all modern elections, although the gap narrows or widens at each election as voters respond to different candidates and issues. In elections, the Republican Party receives a majority of votes from men, and the Democratic Party a majority of votes … Continue reading Explain the ‘gender gap’ which exists in the USA (short essay)
Explain the increasing importance of the Hispanic vote in the United States (short essay)
The USA is made up of various immigrant groups with different cultural identities and traditions. It has assimilated new immigrants, from the first WASP settlers, through waves of European immigration, and more recently to immigrants from Asia and Latin America. The most significant minority racial groups in the American electorate are African-Americans and Hispanics. Hispanics … Continue reading Explain the increasing importance of the Hispanic vote in the United States (short essay)
Explain the importance of race and ethnicity in voting behaviour in the USA (Short Essay)
The USA is made up of various immigrant groups with different cultural identities and traditions. It has assimilated new immigrants, from the first WASP settlers, through waves of European immigration, and more recently to immigrants from Asia and Latin America. The most significant minority racial groups in the American electorate are African-Americans and Hispanics. The … Continue reading Explain the importance of race and ethnicity in voting behaviour in the USA (Short Essay)
Why does turnout in USA elections tend to be relatively low? (Short Essay)
It is paradoxical that in the country that is the world’s greatest advocate of democracy, turnout at elections is among the lowest in the democratic world, particularly as other forms of participation, such as pressure group activity, are high. High voter abstention in US elections can be explained using a number of simple terms such … Continue reading Why does turnout in USA elections tend to be relatively low? (Short Essay)
The Monroe Doctrine clearly states…
Having spent the past few months studying the Monroe Doctrine in my US foreign relations class, I feel this sums it up quite accurately. **Not for those who disapprove of the word fuck. Don't say I didn't fucking warn you!!
The Historian's Apprentice 