Mexican American War

DBQ

Writing a Thesis Statement

• A thesis is your answer to the DBQ question.
• It should include:
• The main idea (argument).
• The 2–3 buckets (reasons).
• Use the “Chicken Foot” visual.
• Thesis (Main idea)

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• Bucket 1 Bucket 2 Bucket 3

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Thesis Statement

• Thesis Statement – is the main idea of a piece of writing. It's typically one or two sentences that sum up the main points/argument and showcase the reason for writing.

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• Thesis
• The main idea of your essay
• A one or two sentence that clearly states your argument
• The roadmap for your body paragraphs

Why Is a Thesis Important?

✅ It tells the reader your position

�✅ It gives structure to your essay

�✅ It helps YOU stay focused as you write

The Questions

• Was the United States Justified in Going to War With Mexico?

Bucket

Bucket For The War

Manifest Destiny

Border Dispute & Military Conflict

Expansion of Slavery

Buckets Against The War

The U.S. Provoked the Conflict in Disputed Territory

Manifest Destiny Encouraged Aggressive Expansion

Slavery and Territorial Greed

Alternative Buckets

Thesis #1

The United States was justified in going to war with Mexico because

Thesis #2

The United States was not justified in going to war with Mexico because

Documents

Complete your Writing Guide

Intro Paragraph (Broken Down)

Where is the Background Information?

• All background Information should be in the introduction paragraph
• If you write your introduction correctly, you will not need to add background to body paragraphs

Intro Paragraph

1. Hook (Grab attention, connect to the past)

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2. Background/Context (Set the stage for the DBQ)

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3. Thesis (Answer the DBQ question directly with 3 reasons — the “chicken foot”)

Introduction Background Info

• Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821
• American settlers moved into Texas
• Texas declared independence in 1836
• The U.S. annexed Texas in 1845
• Border dispute between:
• Rio Grande (U.S. position)
• Nueces River (Mexico’s position)
• President Polk sent troops into disputed territory
• Fighting began in 1846

Body Paragraphs

• 🟡 Baby Thesis
• Clear topic sentence that supports the main argument
• 🟢 Evidence (With citations)
• 🔴 Reasoning
• (Explanation of how the evidence supports the thesis)

Body Paragraphs

• 🟡 Baby Thesis
• Clear topic sentence that supports the main argument
• 🟢 Evidence (With citations)
• 🔴 Reasoning
• (Explanation of how the evidence supports the thesis)

DBQ Essay Structure

• Intro Paragraph: Hook, background info, thesis.
• Body Paragraphs (3-5): Each paragraph = 1 bucket.
• Topic sentence
• Evidence from documents
• Explanation
• Conclusion: Restate thesis, wrap-up thoughts.

Background Info/Historical Context

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Thesis and Baby Theses

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Evidence (w/ citations)

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Reasoning (Inferences and Argument)

Conclusion