HISTORY DAY 2011DEBATE AND DIPLOMACY IN HISTORY: SUCCESSES, FAILURES, CONSEQUENCES

Addressing the Theme Through the Thesis

DEBATE

Controversies over ideological, political, academic, or religious views

Debate in art, music, or literature Physical debates (i.e. Kennedy/Nixon) Examples:

Court casesCommunity dialogueMedical controversiesSocial movements

DIPLOMACY

Negotiations between two nations Negotiations between two groups

of people with opposing viewpoints Examples:TreatiesAgreements & Failed

Agreements (i.e. Civil War, North/South Korea)

Federal Acts

THINGS TO REMEMBER… Consider addressing debate OR

diplomacy, rather than both, depending on the topic.

Focus your topic, as much as possible, on a specific moment in history. (i.e. The debate over civil rights is too broad. Focus on one case, march, or action of significance.)

Analyze not advocate. Be as objective as possible when presenting a historical analysis.

THINGS TO REMEMBER…

For theme of debate… Present both sides of the debate,

regardless of your opinion. Make the product more than a series

of pros and cons. Include historical analysis, context, and consequences.

Avoid debates that are too current. Instead focus on the roots of the current debate.

DEVELOPING YOUR THESIS

How does debate or diplomacy lead to change?

What is the resolution to the disagreement?

What was the outcome of the debate?

AN EFFECTIVE THESIS…

States what you intend to prove.

Reflects a focused (not overly broad) topic.

Expresses your opinion regarding the impact and significance of the topic (not who is right and who is wrong).

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, a

successful debate on women’s rights, changed how we live today by advocating that women should have the right to vote, to an equal education, and to equal pay.

The televising of the Kennedy/Nixon presidential debates helped secure Kennedy the presidency, marked a new era of political campaigning, and changed the way Americans perceive their political candidates.

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

The Lovings’ success in the dispute of Loving vs. Virginia impacted the rights of individuals today by breaking down racial barriers, permitting the establishment of new marriage laws, and increasing the number of interracial marriages.

The Temperance Movement launched a national debate about the problem of alcoholism, and helped lead the United States to Prohibition -- banning the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol from 1920-1933.

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

The division of Korea has been a diplomatic failure, resulting in a violent conflict, the separation of families and cultures, and continued military tensions.