This research needs to utilize the analytical, research, and writing skills in H
This research needs to utilize the analytical, research, and writing skills in History major in the writing of a formal research paper. You will be conceptualizing a specific historical question and, based on research in both primary and secondary evidence, you should postulate and prove a specific answer to your research question – your thesis. Your paper should also demonstrate a knowledge of the relevant secondary literature on your chosen topic (the historiography). The paper should run at least twenty pages in length, and utilize a minimum of twelve sources (at least five primary sources).
Preliminary work: Your preliminary work for this class includes your
1. formal proposal and preliminary bibliography,
2. a revised bibliography, an outline of the paper,
3. a draft of your first five pages,
4. a status report and a few citation format exercises. Required Readings, Technology Needs, and Resource Materials
Kate L. Turabian, Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Chicago Style for Students and Researchers) (9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018). Your paper will need to be formatted following Turabian.
You can not use someone else’s work (including artificial intelligence programs). Your paper will be tested with several AI and ChatGPT Detectors and will be tested for plagiarism. Needs to be your writing with many examples.
Research topics: Texas After the Civil War: The Struggle of Reconstruction.
Political Reconstruction in Texas: Analyze the political changes and challenges in Texas during the Reconstruction period. Discuss the impact of federal policies on the state’s political landscape.
Economic Transformation: Explore how the Texas economy changed in the aftermath of the Civil War. Examine the challenges faced by the state in rebuilding its economy.
Social Changes: Investigate the social dynamics in Texas during Reconstruction. Discuss issues related to race, class, and gender and how they evolved during this period.
Texas Freedmen’s Bureau: Examine the role and impact of the Freedmen’s Bureau in Texas. Discuss its efforts to assist newly freed African Americans and poor whites.
Resistance and Opposition: Explore the opposition to Reconstruction policies in Texas. Discuss the challenges faced by those who resisted change and the consequences of their actions.
Violence and Reconstruction: Analyze instances of violence and conflict in Texas during the Reconstruction era. Discuss events such as the Sutton-Taylor feud or incidents related to the struggle for political power.
Educational Changes: Investigate the transformation of the education system in Texas during Reconstruction. Explore efforts to establish public education and its impact on society.
Impact on Indigenous Peoples: Explore the effects of Reconstruction policies on Native American communities in Texas. Discuss changes in land ownership, treaties, and relations with the U.S. government.
Legacy of Reconstruction in Texas: Discuss the long-term effects of the Reconstruction era on Texas. Explore how the events of this period shaped the state’s history and society.
Comparative Analysis with Other Southern States: Compare Texas’ experience during Reconstruction with that of other Southern states. Examine similarities and differences in policies, challenges, and outcomes.
These topics provide a starting point for in-depth exploration of various aspects of Texas history during the Reconstruction era. Depending on your specific interests or the requirements of your study, you can narrow down or expand on these themes.
For the topic “Texas After the Civil War: The Struggle of Reconstruction,” you can utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources from the provided list. Here are some suggestions for primary sources (unpublished, published, newspapers, articles) that can be relevant to your research:
The book Texas After the Civil War: The Struggle of Reconstruction. College Station: Texas A & M University Press, 2004
Primary Sources (Unpublished):
Alabama. St. Clair County. Probate Records. Ashville Archives and Museum, Ashville.
Devine, Thomas Jefferson Papers. Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Ford, John S. Papers. Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Hogg, James Stephen Papers. Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Miller, Washington D. Papers. Texas State Library and Archives, Austin.
Reagan, John H. Papers. Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Roberts, Oran M. Papers. Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
San Augustine County, Texas. Records of District Five Court, Spring Session, 1844. San Augustine County Courthouse, District Clerk’s Office, San Augustine, Texas.
San Augustine County, Texas. Records of District Five Court, Spring Session, 1847. San Augustine County Courthouse, District Clerk’s Office, San Augustine, Texas.
Student Records, William S. Hoole Library, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Texas. San Augustine County. Tax Rolls. Texas State Library and Archives, Austin.
Texas. Shelby County. Tax Rolls. Texas State Library and Archives, Austin.
Texas. Smith County. Tax Rolls. Texas State Library and Archives, Austin.
Texas. Upshur County. Tax Rolls. Texas State Library and Archives, Austin.
United States. Department of the Interior. Bureau of the Census. Seventh Census, 1850. Schedule 1: Free Population. Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, DC.
United States. Department of the Interior. Bureau of the Census. Seventh Census, 1850. Schedule 2: Slave Population. Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, DC.
United States. Department of War. Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the Mexican War in Organizations From the State of Texas Record Group 94, National Archives, Washington, DC.
Primary Sources (Published):
Gammel, H.P.N., comp. The Laws of Texas, 1822 – 1897, 10 volumes. Austin: Gammel Book Company, 1898-1902.
Texas. The Constitution, as Amended, and Ordinances of the Convention of 1866, Together With the Proclamation of the Governor Declaring the Ratification of the Amendments to the Constitution, and the General Laws of the Regular Session of the Eleventh Legislature of the State of Texas. Austin: Printed at Texas State Gazette Office by J. Walker, State Printer, 1866.
Texas. Governors’ Messages, Coke to Ross (Inclusive), edited by and for the Archive and History Department of the Texas State Library, 1916.
Texas. Journals of the Convention Assembled at the City of Austin on the Fourth of July, 1845, For the Purpose of Framing a Constitution for the State of Texas. Austin: Miner and Cruger, 1845.
Texas. Journal of the Texas State Convention: Assembled at Austin, Feb. 7, 1866. Austin: Printed at the Southern Intelligencer Office, 1866.
Texas. Reports of Cases Argued and Decided in the Supreme Court of the State of Texas, 45 volumes. Galveston: Civilian Book Office, 1845 – 1886.
Walsh, William C. Special Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office of the State of Texas, from August 31, 1881, to March 1, 1882. Galveston: A.H. Belo, 1882.
Winfrey, Dorman H., and James M. Day, eds. The Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, 1825-1916, 5 volumes. New York, 1966; reprint, Austin: Texas State Historical Association 1995.
Winkler, Ernest W., ed. Journal of the Secession Convention of Texas 1861, Austin: Austin Print Co., 1912.
Newspapers: Utilize articles and editorials from contemporary newspapers such as Austin Democratic Statesman, Austin Statesman, Dallas Morning News, Galveston Flake’s Bulletin, Houston Telegraph, and others. These sources can provide insights into public opinions, political debates, and events of the time.
Articles:
Campbell, Randolph B. “The District Judges of Texas in 1866-1867: An Episode in the Failure of Presidential Reconstruction,” Southwestern Historical Quarterly 93 (January; 1990): 357-377.
Dillon, John F. “Power of the Judiciary to Control the Official Acts of Officers of the Executive Department of the Government.” Central Law Journal 2 (January, 1875): 20-31.
Roberts, O. M. “The Experiences of an Unrecognized Senator.” The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association 12 (October, 1908), 87-147.
Books:
Barr, Alwyn. Reconstruction to Reform: Texas Politics, 1876 – 1906. Dallas: Southern Methodist University Press, 1971.
Moneyhon, Carl H. Texas After the Civil War: The Struggle of Reconstruction. College Station: Texas A & M University Press, 2004.
Ramsdell, Charles William Reconstruction in Texas. New York: Columbia University Press, 1910.
Silbey, Joel Storm Over Texas: The Annexation Controversy and the Road to Civil War. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Taylor, T. U. Fifty Years on Forty Acres. Austin: Alec Book Company, 1938.
Williams, Patrick G. Beyond Redemption: Texas Democrats After Reconstruction. College Station: Texas A & M University Press, 2007.
Dissertations and Theses:
Bailey, Leila. “The Life and Public Career of O.M. Roberts, 1815-1883.” Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Texas, 1932.
Bean, Christoper B. “A Stranger Amongst Strangers: An Analysis of the Freedmen’s Bureau Subassistant Commissioners in Texas, 1865-1868.” Ph.D. dissertation, University of North Texas, 2008.
Klemme, A. Christian. “The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Oran M. Roberts.” M.A. Thesis, University of North Texas, 2004.
Electronic Sources: “The Handbook of Texas Online” [https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online]
By combining these sources, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Texas during the Reconstruction era, covering political