History of the American West

Spring 2007

 

History 220

Terrence Delaney, professor

 

Midterm Exam

 

     The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with a chance to draw together the different material we have looked at over the course of the semester, and develop your own argument as to what you see happening.  The writing will be evaluated on your ability to draw together data from the readings, discussions, videos, and lectures

 

   

 

Essays:

 

1.    Explain the difference between Turner’s argument of the West as one of process and Limerick’s argument that the West is a place.  You should be able to explain the primary advantage and disadvantage of each.

2.    From Natty Bumpo to Buffalo Bill Americans have been enamored with the “western man.”  What specific attributes did each different “hero” have and what does David Murdoch find problematic with them.  How does A. B. Guthrie use this imagery to create his characters?

3.    What role does land play for the people of the American West?  Please consider both the Indian and Anglo-American perspective in answering this question.

 

           Identifications: Forty-Niners; Comstock Lode; Homestead Act; beaver; South

           Pass; Manifest Destiny; Oregon Trail; Marcus Whitman; Chaco Canyon; Daniel

           Boone; Zebulon Pike; pays d’en haut.

 

 

 

 

 

Professor Delaney’s Webpage

American West Syllabus

TRCC Homepage