What is required: An essay that is at least 3 paragraphs long that summarizes your understanding of a key theme in this course. Essay question: As you reflect back on the things you have learned about the exploration and colonization of North America and the subsequent development of the United States up to the end of the Civil War (1865), what do you think was one of the most important political, social, economic, or cultural developments during this time period? Explain how and why this development emerged, how it changed (or didn’t change) over time, and how it shaped the future. Please organize your essay chronologically, but with a clear thesis statement and arguments supported with evidence from specific facts and concepts that you learned in the course.