I like the way the intro works, and it comes around to a reasonable thesis. The thesis might firm up a little as you complete the balance of the paper, but it's good as it is.

In the background section on monuments and memory, remember this is essentially a historiographic or theoretical section. It's good not only to cite in the notes but also to mention in the paper key works by historians writing on the issues--that is, to use and credit their ideas. It gives the effect of grounding.

The upstream and downstream sections - although incomplete, it's plain these will be interesting. Don't worry is there are unknowns; connect the dots as best you can. Your writing has the flair to pull it off.

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