A thesis statement is the main argument or central idea of your entire National History Day project. It’s like a roadmap that tells your reader what your project will explain or prove. A strong thesis gives your project focus, answers a key question, and shows your point of view.
For National History Day, your thesis should connect your topic to the theme of "Rights & Responsibilities in History." It will explain how your topic relates to issues of rights (like freedom, equality, or justice) and responsibilities (like government duties, social roles, or individual actions).
To write a good thesis statement:
Choose a TOPIC that fits the theme and interests you.
Ask a question related to rights and responsibilities in your topic (e.g., How did this event affect people's rights?).
Answer the question in a sentence or two, making a clear argument or claim.
This statement will guide your research and help organize your project, making it clear what you’re trying to prove or explain.
Example:
Topic: Battle of Gettysburg
Thesis Statement: The battle of Gettysburg was a major turning point of the Civil War. It turned the tide of the war from the South to the North, pushing back Lee’s army that would never fight again on Northern soil and bringing confidence to the Union army.