Primary Source Document Assignment 1 Chapters 14-16 HIST 102-World Histo
Primary Source Document Assignment 1
Chapters 14-16
When conducting research, historians use two types of sources: primary sources and secondary sources. A primary source is one which was constructed at the time of the event it describes, such as a letter, photograph, newspaper article, diary, report, or any other artifacts produced during a specific time period or by a person from that period. In contrast, a secondary source is usually a book, article, or essay that sets about analyze or interpreting those primary sources to tell a story about an event, person, or time period. A secondary source was NOT produced during the time period in question.
Select one of the following prompts:
I. Though difficult to imagine today, the Atlantic slave trade lasted for over four centuries, and radically transformed the lives of millions of people. Using Documents 14.1, 14.2, and 14.3 from the textbook, make an argument about how and why the slave trade was different for Africans and Europeans. Be sure you discuss differences in perceptions and in personal and societal consequences. Conclude by identifying how these differences help explain why it lasted so long. NOTE: your argument must be historical and not moralistic. That is, you should not focus on why it was wrong but how it affected different groups and individuals differently and how it can be explained historically.
Writing Requirements:
You must incorporate at least three primary documents in your essay, though you do not necessarily need to give each an equal amount of attention. Furthermore, you will need to place this evidence in its broader historical context as you craft your argument.
Papers should be no less than 1,000 words but no more than 1,400 words and must be double-spaced, typed, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, and have 1 inch margins. You must include your full name, date, and a complete title at the top of the first page. Late essays will be marked down 10 points for each 24 hours late.
