This week’s Reading Reflection focuses on the tumultuous decade (roughly 1850 to

This week’s Reading Reflection focuses on the tumultuous decade (roughly 1850 to

This week’s Reading Reflection focuses on the tumultuous decade (roughly 1850 to early 1861) leading up to the U.S. Civil War. Carefully read Chapters 4-6 in Olsen’s The American Civil War, then write a one-paragraph “Short Response”* (see below) for each of the following terms:
The Dred Scot Decision (1856)
The Election of Abraham Lincoln (1860)
The Attack on Fort Sumter (1861)
*Your “Short Responses” should include two elements:
descriiption: this should include 1-2 sentences that are clear and concise, and answer the who, what, when, where, and how/why it happened (or, descriiptive) questions.
analysis of significance: this should include 2-3 sentences that reflect on the larger impact and historical importance, and answer the how did it affect subsequent events and why does it matter (or analytical) questions. Include a well-chosen sentence from the author to support your analysis.
As always, Reading Reflections are an essential component of this “Hybrid” class. Aim to find “best evidence” from the readings to support your analysis. While not a formal paper, clarity in writing will make your work more effective; be sure to proofread before you submit. Keep to 1-2 pages, double-space your response, and save in .PDF format. Always use quotation marks to indicate direct quotes from each author. Include a formal footnote using the Chicago Manual of Style “notes” format for all quotes and examples from each reading. (See the handout “How to insert footnotes in your document” for guidance).