In response to the following question, write an essay (minimum two pages, double-spaced, 12 pt font)

Use only the textbook that was attached.

Do not use any outside sources. Quotations should
include the author and page number of the source “and must be cited thusly” (Foner, 649).
Consider the six major disruptions to the status quo that we’ve explored in History 104 since
February:
World War I
the 1918 Spanish Flu
the Great Depression
World War II
the Vietnam War and the Turbulence of the 1960s
the Recession of the 1970s and 1980s
Select two or three of the six crises listed above and answer this question: To what degree did
these crises lead to reforms that expanded the boundaries of freedom for Americans? Give
specific factual examples.* In the final sentence of the essay, students may wish to speculate
about whether the current coronavirus crisis–like crises past–will lead to outcomes which will
contract or expand freedom.

*Students may wish to define which definition of freedom they are using–negative (absence of
obstacles) or positive (presence of ability to achieve goals). As for specific examples in history, here are
some possibilities that students may wish to consider: WWI led to alcohol Prohibition–did that expand or
contract freedom? The Spanish Flu crisis led to expanded public health interventions–did that expand or
contract freedom? The Great Depression led to New Deal reforms–did that expand or contract freedom?
WWII led to a civil rights movement–did that expand or contract freedom? The turbulence of the 1960s
led to a rights revolution–did that expand or contract freedom? The recession of the 1970s and 1980s led
to a triumph of conservatism–did that expand or contract freedom?