History 301

Devine

Fall 2013

Primary Sources Study Guide & Assignment

This week we will be “interrogating” primary sources. An added wrinkle is that this week’s sources will be audio files so you will be able to read and listen to them. This adds another dimension to interpreting primary sources.

As you read (and listen) keep in mind the list of questions I gave you on the “How to Read a Primary Source” handout. Additionally, you should consider the following questions:

Source #1

Kennedy speaks to Governor Ross Barnett of Mississippi about the James Meredith situation

In the five successive phone conversations between JFK and Governor Barnett, do you note any changes in the President’s tone, his central concerns, or his choice of words? How does Barnett seem to deal with the President’s questions? Does his tone, central concerns, or choice of words seem to change?

Can you read anything “between the lines” in these conversations between Kennedy and Barnett? How does having an audio recording of their conversations (as opposed to a transcript) allow you to draw more from these primary sources?

Sources #2 and #3

Kennedy Address to the Nation on September 30, 1962 regarding integration of the University of Mississippi

Kennedy Address to the Nation on June 11, 1963 regarding the integration of the University of Alabama

Compare and contrast the President’s two speeches. What does he emphasize in each one? To what extent do they reflect any change in his views on the Civil Rights issue? What specific passages or lines can you cite to back up your answer to the previous question?

What further insight can we gain by listening to (rather than just reading) these speeches?

ASSIGNMENT:

Turn in typed answers to the questions for EITHER Source #1 or Sources #2 and #3.

Your answers should be thorough and thoughtful. You should be able to provide complete answers in about 2 double-spaced pages.