US military history

Ideal H400 Essay: Introduction 1 page

Main Point 1 3-4 pages

Main Point 2 3 pages

Main Point 3 2-3 pages

Conclusion 1 page Total: 10-12 pages

Essentially, the primary focus will be the depth in which you explore each main point (i.e. the components of your central argument). Start with your strongest main point—this will be the longest one, topping out at four pages. Then your second main point, which is less impressive than your first, will be three pages. Finally, your weakest main point should be the last, and shortest.

* * *

INTRODUCTION

“The Hook”

(2-3 sentences) Use an attention getting device that quickly captures the reader’s attention and cleverly links to the chosen essay prompt.

State the problem

(2-4 sentences) Don’t be abrupt. Don’t immediately move from the hook to your thesis statement. Instead, smoothly transition into the general question that your essay is addressing. What is the essential issue, and why is it important to answer this question?

Thesis statement/Foreshadowing

(1-2 sentences) Now that you’ve presented the question to be answered, give your answer (your thesis statement) AND the three main points that will PROVE your argument. No secrets!—the reader needs to be told what to expect in the coming pages, and this is especially true for a longer paper.

* * *

MAIN POINTS

For each main point, follow this procedure to explore it thoroughly:

Paragraph 1: Start with a topic sentence that relates strongly back to your thesis statement. This should be done for every topic sentence—in a long paper it is crucial to never let the reader forget what you are arguing. Then, explain all of the nuances of the main point. So, using the sample topic sentence of: “The creation of ICBMs was the most significant change in warfare since 1945,” explore thusly: What is an ICBM? When did they originate? What does it take to make and maintain them? Who has them? What are their modern forms and capabilities? How are they differentiated from other comparable weapons and platforms, like cruise missiles and strategic bombers? Finally, why have they been significant?

Paragraph 2: Explore the argument further along the lines of this significance, using 1-3 historical examples. So, tell me about the Cuban Missile Crisis, the SALT treaties, SDI, the arms race, nuclear deterrence, Mutually-Assured Destruction, etc. But keep this discussion in the historical realm—do NOT yet tell me about the state of the world today. That comes next.

Paragraph 3: Conclude your argument by explaining the significance of ICBMs in the modern world (i.e. in the years after our last historical lesson, H412). How do we use them today; what is the present state of arms restrictions; our current doctrine; how our opponents use them; nuclear submarines; and so on.

WASH, RINSE, REPEAT: do this for each main point. Not only will it ensure that you meet the page requirement, but it will also help you present a thorough and cogent argument, backed by plenty of details, examples, and evidence.

* * *

CONCLUSION

I’ve just read through 9+ pages of text and footnotes—please DO NOT just restate your thesis and call it a day. You must remind me of where we’ve been (I may have forgotten): what arguments have been made, what evidence has been marshalled, WHY ARE YOU RIGHT, and why does it matter?

Summarize findings

(3-5 sentences) Restate your thesis, sum up your main points, and explain how they prove your central argument. This is the crucial section of the paper, where you win or lose the argument. Don’t leave it to me to draw a conclusion: wrap your paper in a box, put on a bow, and give it to me finished.

Implications

(2 sentences) Now that you’ve proven that you’re right, SO WHAT? Why does it matter: to you, to us, to the Army, to the world?

Going forward

(2 sentences) Ponder aloud how your argument might open the door to useful future military historians and/or military practitioners. Given what you’ve shown here, how might it help reorient our thinking to productive ends?