Please answer one of the following questions in an essay of no more than five pages. The essay should be constructed using formal essay guidelines (12 pt Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins) and part of your grade will depend on grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Be sure to use citations whenever you include information that is neither common knowledge nor your own. Please consult the History Department’s website for guidelines on “Writing Papers” and citations and/or ask me any questions you might have about the assignment. Remember to cite any information from another source with a parenthetical citation – this means (author, page number) MLA FORMAT In the period of American history stretching from contact to the Civil War, was religion employed as an instrument of oppression, or liberation, or both? Support your answer with detailed examples ranging from throughout the period.