with this assignment, you will learn how to do proper and adequate research and write a short paper (minimum 2 full pages) from that research. The purpose of the assignment is to write about a topic in American History (to 1877) that YOU feel is important and WHY it is important. This paper allows the student express to their instructor and classmates what they find interesting and important in the subject (it also allows non-major students to participate in an assignment that they are interested in). If you use any of the information from your sources word-for-word you must cite the source by using endnotes or footnotes. If you read the information and write it in your own words and it is not common knowledge, then you must cite the source because you are paraphrasing someone?s information. The short paper must include a cover page with your name, course number and title (HIST101 ? American History to 1877), instructor?s name, and date. You must also include a bibliography at the end of your paper.