380 Chapter 16 | prosperity and reform | period seven 1890 –1945For example, this textbook provides an extensive overview of historical
themes, or bridges between different concepts. Both assimilation and consumer-
ism shape American self-identity, so the following questions may enable you to
create a new period:•
How does assimilation influence a national identity?•
How does consumerism influence a national identity?•
What ideas, words, or concepts best characterize the new national identity that
emerged during this period?If, for example, you selected a term such as “inflated confidence” to describe
the national identity, this term would predict the Great Depression that quickly
followed this era. Determining that this era marked a period of “unprecedented
expectations for social services” would invite a discussion of the two Applying
AP® Historical Thinking Skills exercises in this chapter—where you examined
the relationship between a rising leisure time and a government that was respon-
sible for an increasing number of social issues.
Thus, a potential outline for this response is the following:I. Introduction
II. Determination of a new period (for example, “inflated confidence”)
A. Determination of the turning point
B. Explanation of what period the turning point introduces
III. Examination of subperiod* 1: assimilation
IV. Examination of subperiod* 2: consumerism
V. Conclusion
*By subperiod we mean a related lens or factor through which to examine the
overall period.stePs 1–4
Steps 1 through 4 of the writing sequence have been outlined in earlier chapters,
which may be consulted for review.s teP 5 Write the essay
17_STA_2012_ch16_361-380.indd 380 01/04/15 2:29 PM