CHICAGO METRO HISTORY FAIR
SUMMARY STATEMENT FORM SAMPLE
(REVISED 2002)

(Please type)

Name (s):

Laura Brown

Exhibit ___X__ Performance ______ Media Documentary ______ (video or computer)

TITLE:

Jane Addams and the DAR: Hush Jane… Let's Not Talk About That!

1. HERE IS WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO! -- My Thesis Statement

a. I am writing about (Name your topic)

Jane Addams' relationship with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

b. …because I am trying to show how or why (cause and effect, change over time...)

Addams' anti-war activism caused the DAR to revoke her honorary membership

c. …in order to explain to you that (the historical importance of your topic)
* NOTE: Topics or events are historically important when they give us an insight into how history happens- that is, how society develops: the cultural, economic, social and / or political forces at work.

in our history there is sometimes a clear division between support for a "progressive" view on domestic issues and criticism of national foreign policy-a division that has influenced our politics and culture over the years.

2. HERE IS WHAT I DID! --My Conclusions

a. What changed over time and why?

Jane Addams had been given an honorary membership by the DAR because of her work with the poor of Chicago, but when she criticized America's foreign policy during World War One, she was accused of being a "communist" and the organization rescinded her membership.

b. What historical meaning or importance can we learn from your findings?

The story of Jane Addams and the DAR brings up the question of how we define patriotism. Especially during times of war, this country has had to face the challenge of choosing between upholding the Bill of Rights or diminishing it in the name of "national security." At these points, citizens who speak out against U.S. foreign policies have been accused of being "communists." Such dissenters have been ostracized, jailed, and even deported. Ironically, actions taken to "protect" democracy have also "threatened" democracy by suspending some peoples' civil rights. History can help us to understand the thoughts, actions, and consequences of such times.

3. HERE IS HOW I DID IT! --The Process

a. List libraries, museums, and other institutions you visited in your research.

Hull House Museum, Harold Washington Library, & UIC Special Collections

b. What kinds of evidence did you use to support your argument?

I found excerpts and primary sources from newspaper clippings, internet sources that clearly shows that the DAR withdrew their support and denounced her credibility as a patriotic member of the organization.

c. Select one piece of evidence that you used and describe how it supports your conclusion.

I found a primary source that I believe is quite credible because it was written by Carrie Chapman Catt. Catt wrote a public letter defending Addams against the DAR's accusations. This evidence supported my conclusion because Catt had many credentials: she headed the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), and helped organize the International Woman Suffrage Alliance (IWSA). Catt also founded the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War and actively supported the League of Nations.

4. Attach an annotated bibliography of the sources you used.

Divide between primary and secondary sources.

• In one sentence, describe how the source was useful to you.
• For Internet and interview sources, add an additional sentence explaining in what way you
  think the source was credible/reliable.

(We have not included a sample Annotated Bibliography for this sample Summary Statement Form. Of course, students are required to produce one.)