What role did the local area play in the nation’s history until 1865? There is a guide in the Study Guides part of the site. The essay should only cover the period up to 1865. The paper should be double spaced with one inch margins and at least seven pages in length with an additional title page and bibliography. Remember that this is an essay, and you should follow the organization and structure of any essay: introduction, paragraphs that support your main thesis, and a conclusion. Include a bibliography at the end of the paper.