National History Day 2011 Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences Debate (noun): 1a. A discussion involving opposing points; an argument. 1b. A formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers. 1c. Deliberation; consideration Synonyms: altercation, argument, contention, controversy, dispute Diplomacy 1a. The art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations, as in alliances, treaties, and agreements. 1b. The conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means. 1c. Tact, skill or cunning in dealing with people. Synonyms: international relations, mediation, negotiation, peacekeeping Questions and Ideas to Consider Strategies for thinking about Debate and Diplomacy Diplomacy is often considered to be negotiations between two nations; however students are reminded that topics do not have to be international in scope. Diplomatic actions can take place between two groups of people with opposing or differing viewpoints, an organized gathering with a resolution in mind. Types of Diplomacy ‐ Treaties ‐ Agreements ‐ Federal Acts Debates can take place outside of the political arena; for example, ideological, academic, and religious controversies. Debate can also take place in art, music, and literature. Remember to look beyond the physical debates like the Kennedy/Nixon Debate and instead maybe look to what was being debated or how the type of debate (i.e. televised) created further controversy. Types of Debates ‐ Court cases ‐ Community dialogue ‐ Medical controversies ‐ Within a social movement Narrowing Your Topic:  Narrow the focus of your topic to a specific time and place. Example: The Constitution’s Three‐Fifths Compromise instead of the general issue of slavery.  Choose to focus on a specific era or act, such as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, or Immigration Act of 1924, instead of focusing on a broad historical debate on changes in immigration policy.  You may find debate and diplomacy within one topic. If your main focus is on one or the other, the other element should form part of your context or impact. Don’t try to cram both into your main point if it makes your topic too broad. Modern Debates  Steer clear of debates that are currently taking place (Example: present debate over the Arizona immigration law)  Current debates make it hard to gain historical perspective and assess the significance of your topic. Instead, look for the roots of a debate.  Current debates or diplomacies might be a consequence of past debates or diplomacies.  Even after diplomacy is achieved, new debates may arise. Pro vs. Con  It is necessary to present both sides of a debate, regardless of your opinion of the subject  Do not make your project into a series of “pros and cons” concerning your topic Analysis vs. Advocating  This is not a chance for you to join in on the debate  Remember ‐ you are not part of the argument  Be as subjective as possible when presenting a historical analysis of your topic Successes, Failures, Consequences  Consider both successes and failures of the topic  Not just one or the other  Think about short term and long term consequences  Have opinions changed over time about success/failure?  Think about impact locally, regionally, nationally, globally  Examine the consequences of your topic politically, socially, economically and culturally Thanks to Chicago History Fair and Minnesota History Day for their contribution to this handout