LU

What is a HISTORICAL Thesis?

When studying history, one must quickly and easily be able to a) recognize a thesis and b) create a thesis. Historical thesis statements might be a little different than anything you’ve written before. Over the course of the semester, you will practice and become experts at writing historical thesis statements.

A thesis statement is not a fact; it is an informed interpretation of the facts. Neither is the thesis statement just an opinion. It is the reasoned judgment of the student. Most questions require a response that is not black and white, but some shade of gray. Students always need to carefully weight all of the historical evidence and then craft a response that best articulates their understanding of the historical record.

Examples of thesis statements:

Weak: The Revolutionary War brought about change in American society. This is,

technically, a position. But, it is vague and not really debatable.

Strong: The Revolutionary War ushered in a slew of wide-ranging and permanent

social changes in American society. This is a clear, strong, and debatable thesis.

Bad: George Washington set many important precedents as president. This is a fact; not a

position.

Good: The precedents that Washington set as America’s first president greatly benefited

the American political system. This is a clear position that can be supported or opposed.

Best: The precedents that Washington set as America’s first president greatly benefited

the American political system, because his stature helped offset the uncertainty of the new government. This is not only a clear position that can be supported or opposed but also contains an element of causality in it.

HELPFUL TIPS:

· A FACT IS NOT A THESIS . Facts would be used to support your argument.

· Good thesis statements are an argument that you would be able to prove. It should be a little “risky,” and involve some kind of opinion that you believe you can prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

· Avoid the words “was,” “many,” “is,” or any other passive verbs and generic descriptions. BE SPECIFIC.

· Avoid value judgments, it is not about whether you think something is good or bad.

· Good thesis statements recognize there are multiple sides to your argument. However, it shows that you can PROVE your side is RIGHT.