NHD projects should do more than just tell a story. Every exhibit, performance, documentary, paper and website should attempt to make a BIG point about its topic. To do this, you must develop your own argument of the historical impact of the person, event, pattern or idea you are studying. The point you make is called a Thesis Statement. A thesis statement is not the same as a topic. Your thesis statement explains what you believe to be the impact(s) and significance of your topic in history.
It is the central argument that you are attempting to prove throughout your project. In simple terms, a Thesis Statement is like a really big Claim statement. Parts of your thesis statement may in fact later become smaller claims you are trying to prove within your product.
Elements of a Thesis Statement
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
These are six questions you should be asking yourself as you conduct your research. Answering these questions will help you develop your thesis.
A thesis statement is a summary of the main purpose of your project. It explains what you believe to be the impact and significance of your topic in history, and it demonstrates how your topic connects to the National History Day theme. A good thesis statement is specific and does not include generalizations.
Bad thesis statement: The Black Plague was a turning point in history.
Good thesis statement: The Black Plague was a turning point in history because it changed the lives of the people of Europe and North Africa.
Great thesis statement: In the 14th century, a pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, claimed the lives of an estimated 200 million people across Europe and North Africa. While certainly a devastating tragedy in its time, the event proved to be a turning point in history for future generations, and even those who survived, because advancements were made in medicine, improvements were made in living conditions, and the nature of religion and art changed as well.