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Due Date: 11:59 pm, Thursday of Unit 8 Points: 100 Overview: Throughout the term, you have studied events that shaped the history of the United States. To demonstrate your understanding of U.S. history from the Reconstruction to the modern era, choose one of the thematic essays below. You will write a paper detailing your answer. Instructions: • Choose one of the following essay choices: o Immigration - Compare the geographical trends and tensions surrounding the issue of immigration and the United States government response to these tensions for the years 1880 to 1925 and 2000 to the present day. o Technology – Analyze the impact of technology on society and politics in the 1920s, 1950s, and 2000s.

In what ways was the effect on society and politics in each of these time periods similar and different? o War and Politics – Compare and contrast the post-World War I Red Scare, the post-World War II anticommunism campaign, and the war on terrorism after the Iraq War and September 11th. What effect did fear have on political decisions, elections, and domestic/foreign policies? • Include an introduction with a thesis statement, multiple body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Requirements: • The paper should be 3-5 written pages, excluding title and reference page. • There should be at least 5 reputable sources included in the paper. • APA format, including an in-text citation for referenced works.

Be sure to read the criteria by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write. HIS202 – US History II Final Thematic Essay Assignment Evaluation Rubric for Final Thematic Essay Assignment CRITERIA Deficient Development Needed Proficient Exemplary (0-1 points) (2-4 points) (5-7 points) (8-10 points) Thesis Statement Unclear or incomplete and does not demonstrate an understanding of social studies concepts. Weak or inadequately developed, and marginally demonstrates an understanding of social studies concepts. Clear, developed, and demonstrates a limited understanding of social studies concepts. Clear, well- developed, and demonstrates an analytical understanding of social studies concepts. (0-7 points) (8-13 points) (14-19 points) (20-25 points) Addressed Essay Question Does not answer all aspects of the essay questions, is missing information, and/or provides inaccurate information.

Lacks support by research and examples, may include inaccurate information. Does not demonstrate understanding of content. Inadequately answers all aspects of essay question or is missing information. Supported by limited research and examples, which may include inaccuracies. Minimally demonstrates understanding of content, demonstrates gaps in understanding.

Minimally or unevenly answers all aspects of essay question. Adequately supported by limited research and examples. Minimally demonstrates understanding of content. Thoroughly answers all aspects o f essay question. Well- supported by extensive research and examples.

Demonstrates extensive understanding of content. Analysis Analysis is attempted but is minimally developed. Lacks thought and persuasion. Demonstrates minimal or Analysis of topic is minimally developed, thoughtful, and persuasive. Demonstrates minimal understanding Analysis of topic is developed, thoughtful, and persuasive.

Demonstrates basic understanding Analysis of topic is well- developed, very thoughtful, and persuasive. Demonstrates in-depth understanding inaccurate understanding of theme across time. of theme across time. of theme across time. of theme across time. (0-4 points) (5-9 points) (10-14 points) (15-20 points) Clarity and Organization Lacks organization, logic and clarity. Transitions seldom used to connect ideas. Shows minimal understanding of essay development. Organized, but may lack logic and clear articulation.

Attempts transitions to connect ideas. Shows limited understanding of essay development. Generally organized, logical and clearly articulated. Transitions used to connect ideas. Inconsistent in showing understanding of essay development.

Well- developed essay structure. Organized, logical and clearly articulated. Transitions smoothly connect ideas. Shows understanding of essay development (0-1 points) (2-4 points) (5-7 points) (8-10 points) Paper format APA references provided; no use of in-text citations. APA format is minimally attempted with errors and/or missing requirements or components.

May only cite quotes and include references. Use of APA format is attempted with errors and/or missing requirements or components. Proper use of APA format is present throughout the paper. Sources Uses/identifies no reputable sources. Uses/identifies 1-2 reputable sources.

Uses/identifies 3-4 reputable sources. Uses/identifies 5 or more reputable sources.

Paper for above instructions

Immigration in the United States: A Comparative Analysis of 1880-1925 and 2000-Present

The history of immigration in the United States has been a complex interplay of cultural integration, socio-economic factors, and government policies. The periods from 1880 to 1925, a time characterized by mass immigration, and from 2000 to the present, marked by heightened security concerns and immigration debates, provide a fascinating contrast of geographical trends and tensions surrounding immigration. While both periods saw significant immigration influxes, the United States government’s responses to these trends reveal a divergence shaped by the prevailing social, economic, and political climate of the times. This paper aims to analyze these geographic trends and the governmental responses to immigration issues during these two distinct eras, elucidating the circumstances that shaped American society’s views on immigration.

Historical Overview of Immigration Trends

1880-1925: The Era of Mass Immigration
Between 1880 and 1925, the United States experienced one of its most significant waves of immigration, primarily from European countries. Millions of immigrants arrived from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italians, Irish, Poles, and Eastern European Jews, seeking better economic opportunities and fleeing political or religious persecution. The Industrial Revolution provided numerous job opportunities, particularly in urban centers such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, leading to substantial population influxes (Zolberg, 2006).
2000-Present: Immigration in a Globalized World
In contrast, since 2000, immigration trends have shifted significantly, with a considerable number of immigrants arriving from Latin America, particularly Mexico, and Asian countries, including India and China. This period has also seen tensions surrounding issues of national security, particularly following the September 11th terrorist attacks, which led to a more stringent immigration policy (Krogstad & Passel, 2021). The geopolitical climate has influenced perceptions of immigrants, often framing them within the context of risk and security rather than solely economic opportunity.

Government Responses to Immigration

1880-1925: Initial Regulations and Responses
The initial U.S. government response to the immigration surge was largely laissez-faire, focusing on facilitating rather than restricting immigration. However, as fears surrounding social change, crime, and competition for jobs grew, so too did government regulation. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act marked a pivotal moment, as it was the first significant law restricting immigration based on nationality (Lee, 1999). Additionally, the Immigration Act of 1924 instituted quotas that limited immigration based on national origins, reflecting the nativist sentiments prevalent at the time (Ngai, 2004).
2000-Present: The Era of Security and Restriction
In stark contrast, from 2000 onward, the American government has often responded to immigration with an emphasis on security and control. The introduction of the Patriot Act post-9/11 facilitated increased scrutiny over immigrants, and policies like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) established parameters for certain undocumented immigrants. Additionally, heightened border security measures, including the construction of border walls and increased enforcement actions, represent a pivot from a previously more welcoming approach to one marked by suspicion and regulation of newcomers (Sainsbury, 2016).

Cultural and Political Tensions

Cultural Impact (1880-1925 vs. 2000-Present)
The influx of immigrants during both periods brought about significant cultural changes in the U.S. However, the nature of the tensions differed. In the early 20th century, European immigrants were often racialized and encountered hostility based on their cultural practices and languages. The nativist movements that flourished sought to preserve what was considered “American” culture, leading to increased xenophobia and social divides (Higham, 1988).
In contrast, contemporary discussions surrounding immigration are deeply intertwined with the issues of terrorism, globalism, and the economic impacts of immigration. Misunderstandings and fears around cultural differences often lead to scapegoating of specific groups, placing immigrants at the forefront of political discourse as problems rather than contributors to American society (Gonzales, 2011).
Political Landscape and Elections (1880-1925 vs. 2000-Present)
Politically, the two periods exhibit contrasting dynamics. The response to the tide of European immigrants between 1880 and 1925 fostered progressive movements aimed at aiding assimilation and advocating for workers' rights, juxtaposed with conservative pushes for restriction (Anderson, 2016). The 1920s, marked by economic prosperity, also saw a backlash against immigrants through strict immigration laws.
Conversely, in the modern era, immigration has become a polarizing topic heavily influencing presidential elections and legislative decisions. Notably, the discussions surrounding the 2016 Presidential election highlighted immigration as a central issue as candidates battled over contrasting views on border security and pathways to citizenship, showing the extent to which immigration has been politicized (Maldonado, 2020).

Conclusion

The historical examination of immigration trends from 1880 to 1925 and from 2000 to the present day illustrates significant shifts in both societal perspectives and governmental responses. While both periods experience substantial immigration influxes, the underlying sentiments and reactions of society reveal a continuum of fear, security concerns, and cultural anxieties that shape policy and public opinion. The comparison of these two eras emphasizes how the U.S. response to immigration is influenced not only by economic needs but also by broader socio-political contexts. A nuanced understanding of this historical trajectory sheds light on the continuing debates around immigration policy and the evolution of American identity in the face of an ever-changing global landscape.

References

Anderson, M. (2016). Immigration and Civil Rights in the United States: 1900–2000. New York, NY: Routledge.
Gonzales, R. G. (2011). Waking Up to the Realities of Immigration Policy. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 37(3), 503-511.
Higham, J. (1988). Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism, 1860-1925. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
Krogstad, J. M., & Passel, J. S. (2021). 11 Million Unauthorized Immigrants in the U.S. – Facts on Immigration in the U.S. Pew Research Center.
Lee, E. (1999). Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway to America. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Maldonado, A. (2020). The Politics of Immigration: Election 2020. American Politics Research, 48(1), 131-157.
Ngai, M. M. (2004). Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Sainsbury, D. (2016). The Politics of Immigration in the United States: Controversies and Consequences. Journal of American History, 103(1), 169-179.
Zolberg, A. R. (2006). A Nation by Design: Immigration Policy in the Fashioning of America. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.