potential prompts

Question 1

responses to immigration (comparison)

Answer 1

Thesis: Responses to immigration in the late 19th century varied significantly, with established Americans often expressing nativism while new immigrants sought community support and adaptation.

Evidence: Established Americans advocated for restrictive policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act, while new immigrants formed ethnic enclaves and utilized settlement houses like Hull House for assistance.

Question 2

growth of labor movement (causation)

Answer 2

Thesis: The growth of the labor movement in the late 19th century was primarily driven by harsh working conditions and the rise of industrialization.

Evidence: Key events like the Homestead Strike and the Pullman Strike highlighted labor unrest, leading to increased union organization and public awareness of workers’ rights.

Question 3

westward expansion (continuity and change)

Answer 3

Thesis: Westward expansion maintained the pursuit of land and economic opportunity but shifted in focus from agrarian settlement to industrial exploitation and corporate farming.

Evidence: Early settlers aimed for small farms under the Homestead Act, while later expansion involved large-scale ranching and mining operations, contributing to environmental changes and conflicts with Native Americans.