1. Thesis Statements in History Examples adapted from University of Mary Washington History and American Studies

2. What is the purpose? 1.Thesis statement states the argument of that paper 2.Goal: Developing stronger thesis statements (start simple  move to unique & complex) (who/what  how/why/to what extent)

3. Question to Statement Examples: Straightforward and Simple Research questions: 1.What made Harry Truman decide to drop the bomb on Hiroshima? 2.What was the mindset behind Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima? Thesis statements: 1.Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima was motivated by racism. 2.The US confrontation with the Soviets was the key factor in Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima.

4. Question to Statement Example: More complex & unique… How did Harry Truman come to the decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima? Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima was unduly influenced by hawks in his cabinet.

5. Explain… 1.How were the examples different? 2.Why is it important to not just develop a thesis statement, but to develop a strong thesis statement? 3.What is a working thesis statement?

6. Steps to Develop a Thesis 1.Read the research question 2.What exactly is it asking you to do? 3.Develop a thesis using the material and evidence that you have! What was life like during the Middle Ages? How/to what extent did Christianity influence society during the Middle Ages?