Question Imagine that you have been given this prompt for an essay: "Evaluate the arguments for and against the Mexican-American war. Then, write an essay where you take a position on whether or not the Mexican-American war was justified." Which two statements below would work best as a thesis statement for your essay? (2 points) Responses The United States had valid reasons for going to war against Mexico in 1846. The United States had valid reasons for going to war against Mexico in 1846. Some people would say the Mexican-American War was justified, but others would disagree. Some people would say the Mexican-American War was justified, but others would disagree. The Mexican-American War was not justified. The Mexican-American War was not justified. The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that resulted in the U.S. acquisition of large parts of what is now the American Southwest. Evaluating the arguments for and against the war provides a nuanced understanding of its justifications and criticisms.

Answer 1

The two statements that would work best as a thesis statement for the essay are:

1. "The United States had valid reasons for going to war against Mexico in 1846."
2. "The Mexican-American War was not justified."

These statements clearly take a definitive position on the justification of the war, allowing for an evaluation of arguments for and against it in the essay. The first statement supports the war's justification, while the second opposes it, presenting two contrasting viewpoints that can be explored.