HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 1 Evaluating Historical Sources HIS FPX 1150 U.S. History: How the Past Informs the Present Evaluating Historical Sources Worksheet

Use the four sources (two primary, two secondary) you located for this assessment to complete this worksheet. Your four sources should focus on one of two topics: facing economic change or engaging civil rights. For each source, first provide a formatted citation, as shown in the sample citation below. Double-click into the citation box to type your citation. Then answer each question about that source. Respond to questions 3–8 in complete sentences.

Sample formatted citation:

Dubois, W.E.B. (https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/40)

Citation for Source 1:

Addams, J. (1915). https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/

HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 1 Evaluating Historical Sources

What type of source is this (primary or secondary)? This source is a primary source.

When was it written? It was written in 1915 by Jane Addams.

Why was it written? It was created to support the suffrage movement, advocating for women’s rights to vote and own property.

What is the main idea or takeaway? The main idea is the pursuit of equal rights for both men and women.

Was the writer present at the time of the events he or she was writing about? Yes, the writer was present during that era and witnessed the events firsthand.

Does the writer seem neutral? Why/why not? No, the writer does not appear neutral, as she expresses strong personal opinions that are not always supported by data.

What are some of the key facts presented? During that time, women were primarily viewed as mothers, daughters, and wives, and any responsibilities outside the home were often frowned upon.

Explain why this source is credible. The writer was an eyewitness to the events of that era, and many of the occurrences she describes can also be corroborated by other credible sources.

Citation for Source 2:

Walton, M. (n.d.). https://www.pbs.org/

What type of source is this (primary or secondary)? This source is secondary.

When was it written? The source does not specify a date.

Why was it written? It was written to highlight the efforts of suffragists in making women’s rights recognized and acknowledged.

What is the main idea or takeaway? The main takeaway is that women contributed significantly to the nation but received little in return, with basic rights like voting being largely inaccessible to them.

Was the writer present at the time of the events he or she was writing about? No, the writer was not present during the events discussed.

Does the writer seem neutral? Why/why not? The writer does not appear neutral, as she exhibits clear bias and does not hesitate to criticize then-President Woodrow Wilson, even referencing his Southern heritage.

What are some of the key facts presented? The source indicates that women were not treated equally to men and were often regarded as inferior in terms of social responsibilities.

Explain why this source is credible. The source is credible because it is published by the Public Broadcasting System.