Locate and read a document relating to U.S. History written during the period 1865-1980.  This can be a public or government document, a published newspaper, periodical or book (or chapter or article from a book or paper), a privately written document (letter, diary, etc), even a work of fiction.  Just make sure that it was actually written during the period you are focusing on (a letter from a World War II soldier to his family at home would be acceptable; a book about World War II written in 1998 would not).

Write a brief  (4-5 typewritten pages, double spaced minimum) description and analysis about what you have read.  Be sure to address the following questions:

1)  Who wrote it?

2)  When was it written and/or published?

3)  Where was it written and/or published?

4)  Who was the intended audience?

5)  What does it tell you about the time, place, circumstances, etc. in which it was written?

6)  How is it different and/or similar to something you might read today?

There is no required “format” for this short paper; just make sure to proofread for spelling and grammar.  This is a college level paper and points will be deducted for sloppy work.