History of the Great Depression

One of the main jobs of historians is to interpret the past by reviewing primary documents, scholarly secondary sources, and then creating an analysis (or interpretation) of this research. This assignment will allow you to create your own interpretation of the Great Depression. Your response should be at least 300 words and contain your analysis, reaction, or connection to a specific issue within the historical narrative that you find compelling. For full credit, your paper must not simply sum up the reading or repeat points made there. Rather, I’m looking for you to create your own interpretation, explain the emotional content of the piece, or discuss some original insight. Include citations as needed. Historians of the same time period vary their research topics in order for us to gain a richer and fuller picture of the past and so that our understanding of the past will be as accurate and complete as possible. In the interest of allowing you, as young historians, to follow your own interests, please select one of the following topics to address.

Mexican Repatriation: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the Mexican Repatriation Program.

You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them:

Was this program Constitutional?

Why do you believe this particular piece of history has been left out of textbooks and should that be changed?

Would a national apology provide any benefits to those affected by the program or others?

Could a program like this occur today? Why or why not?

What struck you about Ruben Aguilar’s story?

New Deal in Texas: After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the New Deal in Texas.

You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them:

Which project in Texas do you think had the largest impact?

What was produced by this project? Who could serve in the organization? Do you see any flaws in the projects?

Solution: