Your exam is coming up soon. If you are behind, start to catch up. If you are having problems or are confused about anything, come see me. In short, now is the time to collect your thoughts, cram in those last few videos you bagged and begin preparing for the exam. This sheet is aimed at helping you out with this task.

The exam will consist of two separate parts. The first part will be a series of short identifications. You will be required to write a few sentences (3-5) defining the term and giving its historical significance. Remember, while these are not short essays, they do require a little (relevant) detail to get full credit. Also, keep in mind that this is a history course. It is important to locate a person, event or act in time as well as geographically. On the day of the exam, you will receive a list of ten terms. You will be asked to select five (and only five) and respond to them. What follows is a list of key terms to study. The ten terms that will appear on your exam are on this list.

In addition to the short-answer section of the exam, you will have a choice of two essay questions from the four listed below. You will be required to select one of the questions and write a coherent, synthetic essay. The point here is to have you integrate your knowledge of U.S. History, drawing on lectures, readings and discussions in your response. You should show both an understanding of the broad themes and context of American history (continuity and change over time), as well as a grasp of relevant and important details. Essentially, this is your opportunity to strut your stuff and show me that you have been keeping up with course materials, engaging the main issues and can write intelligently about them. Feel free to come speak with me about any questions you may have. Don't get overwhelmed. As you can see, there will not be any surprises. If you have kept up with the assignments, come to class and participated, you should have no troubles.

1) Frederick Douglas wrote, "Power concedes nothing without demand. It never did and it never will." Write an essay evaluating the political, economic and social status of African Americans living both inside and outside of the South from Reconstruction through the Progressive Era. In what ways did economic, political and social conditions change or remain the same for most black folks? Be sure to briefly address the prevailing views of white Americans towards African Americans and include the contributions of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, and Marcus Garvey in your response.

2) A major point of contention in the late nineteenth century concerned the role of the federal government in the economy. What role did the federal government play in American society during this time period? How did this role change over time? Be sure to include Reconstruction, the West, and industrialization in your response.

3) The period from the late 1870s to World War I could be characterized as a time of "response to industrialism." Briefly describe the nature of the changes wrought by Industrialization. Then, compare and contrast the experiences and responses of urban workers, farmers, and middle-class reformers to problems raised by industrialization and urbanization. Assess the successes and failures of each group's efforts.

4) Throughout the time period we have studied we have encountered several instances in which the rhetoric or the myth of history did not square with the reality of the events that transpired. Often, what people said or what people believed did not agree with what they actually did. Consider two of the following myths: "Old West," "New South," "Reconstruction," "Laissez-Faire." First, discuss the myth of the time period and then compare the myth to the reality of the events in question. Finally, be sure to discuss which groups of people championed the myths you choose and then consider why they chose to believe them.