Module 1 Short Responses - Question 1
In the following scenario, which historical lens is being applied? Why do you think so?
The influx of unskilled Irish immigrants into New York City in the 1840s and early 1850s
drives down wages for other workers at the low end of the salary ladder.
The historical lens being applied in this scenario is the "social lens" or "social history." This
lens focuses on understanding historical events and phenomena through the perspective of
their impact on society, particularly on social structures, relationships, and dynamics. In this
case, the scenario is discussing the social consequences of the influx of unskilled Irish
immigrants, specifically how it affects the wages and economic well-being of other workers
at the low end of the salary ladder. It's looking at how this demographic change influenced
the social and economic dynamics of New York City during the 1840s and early 1850s.
Module 1 Short Responses - Question 2
In the following scenario, which historical lens is being applied? Why do you think so?
In 1908 Aram Pothier, an immigrant from Quebec, is elected governor of Rhode Island with
strong support from the Québécois community.
The historical lens being applied in this scenario is the "immigration and cultural history"
lens. This lens focuses on understanding the historical experiences and impact of immigrant
communities, their interactions with the host society, and their contributions to the political,
social, and cultural landscape of the region or country. In this scenario, the emphasis is on an
immigrant from Quebec, Aram Pothier, who was elected as the governor of Rhode Island
with significant support from the Québécois community. This reflects a focus on the role of
immigrants and their communities in the political history and development of the state,
making it an example of immigration and ethnic history.
Module 1 Short Responses - Question 3
In the following scenario, which historical lens is being applied? Why do you think so?
Irish immigrants and first-generation Irish-Americans come to dominate the hierarchy of the
American Catholic Church in the late 19th century.
he historical lens being applied in this scenario is the "religious history" lens, specifically
within the context of the United States. This lens examines the historical development of
religious institutions, practices, and their influence on society. In this scenario, the focus is on
the influence of Irish immigrants and first-generation Irish-Americans within the American
Catholic Church in the late 19th century. The emphasis is on the role of this specific ethnic