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I am looking to write a paper (approximately 25 - 30 pages in length) studying the effect of traffic in the United States in the post-war era (1945 - present) largely focusing on an environmental aspect.(*)

For example:

  1. how did people view nature at the time and in what way did that view affect how they viewed roads?
  2. If the Environmental movement was so strong why did people not seek to get rid of roads?

My question is how can I attack this topic in a manner which would be different from the current historiography? In other words how can I make sure that my paper isn't just rehashing what's already out there? What spin or angle can I put on it?

(*) Yes, I have been reading Wayne C. Booth et. al. The Craft of Research.

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I think they mostly viewed nature by looking out the side windows while stuck in traffic. :-) – T.E.D.♦ Feb 11 at 20:16
I would suggest this might be a better fit on academia.se (or possibly politics.se) – Affable Geek Feb 11 at 21:21

closed as off topic by Felix Goldberg, Steven Drennon♦ Feb 12 at 5:51

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