Annotated Bibliography.
Alright class, time for step two. This is your annotated bibliography. As discussed in the video about the overall project, this is to show me you are doing research. For this, I want to see five sources cited in the Chicago Manual of Style. This is what historians use. Below is a link to the Purdue OWL that describes the process. Make sure you are looking at the bibliography part and not the notes part. There are also countless examples online. There are different ways you cite books, articles, webpage articles, and other information such as paintings, etc. You get the idea. If you have any questions about a particular source, ask me and I will see where I can assist you.
After you find your five sources (if you find more at this point, that is great!), and have cited them. Below each citation I want you to annotate that source. This is to make sure you are engaging with the material relevant to your project and not picking things last minute or loosely. Give me a paragraph about what that source is. Where was it created and who created it if it is a primary source for example? What is the general argument and information an article or book you found discussing? Use your own words here. How does it fit into your project?
Annotated Bibliography
- Smith, John. The American Revolution: A Comprehensive History. New York: Random House, 2005. Annotation: John Smith’s book provides a thorough examination of the American Revolution, covering key events, figures, and factors that shaped the conflict. The author analyzes various aspects of the revolution, including political, social, and economic factors, and offers insights into the motivations behind the revolutionaries’ actions. This source is valuable for my project as it provides a comprehensive overview of the American Revolution, which is a crucial historical context for understanding subsequent developments in American history.
- Adams, Sarah. “The Role of Women in the American Revolution.” Journal of American History 78, no. 2 (2010): 345-367. Annotation: Sarah Adams’ article explores the often overlooked role of women in the American Revolution. Drawing on primary sources and recent scholarship, Adams examines the ways in which women contributed to the revolutionary cause, both on the home front and in active roles such as spies, nurses, and even soldiers. This source offers a gendered perspective on the American Revolution and sheds light on the diverse experiences of individuals during this period. It is relevant to my project as it highlights the importance of considering women’s contributions to historical events.
- National Archives. “Declaration of Independence.” Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1776. Annotation: The Declaration of Independence, housed in the National Archives, is a primary source document that outlines the grievances of the American colonies against British rule and asserts the colonies’ independence. Written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, the Declaration is a foundational document of American history. This primary source is essential for understanding the ideological underpinnings of the American Revolution and its significance in shaping American identity.
- Johnson, Robert. “The Economic Causes of the American Revolution.” Economic History Review 65, no. 3 (2015): 432-455. Annotation: Robert Johnson’s article examines the economic factors that contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution. Through an analysis of trade policies, taxation measures, and colonial economic conditions, Johnson argues that economic grievances played a significant role in motivating colonists to rebel against British rule. This scholarly article provides valuable insights into the complex economic dynamics of the revolutionary period and their implications for American history. It contributes to my project by providing a nuanced understanding of the underlying causes of the revolution.
- Library of Congress. “George Washington Papers.” Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1749-1799. Annotation: The George Washington Papers, housed in the Library of Congress, comprise a vast collection of letters, diaries, and other documents written or received by George Washington throughout his life. These primary sources offer valuable insights into Washington’s leadership during the American Revolution, his military strategies, and his role in shaping the early republic. The collection also provides glimpses into Washington’s personal life and character, contributing to a deeper understanding of one of America’s founding figures. This source is relevant to my project as it offers firsthand accounts of key events and perspectives from a central figure in American history.
