okay so I spent a few hours reading that stuff (thank you) more of the same of what the textbook, the class videos etc say. My theory is that the souths loss was bigger than the norths gain. The material suggested doesn't really delve into that. Based on that any further suggestions. There is also some very specific writing requirements, could really use some suggested dummies guides for thesis' intro para's, essay maps, conclusion paras, etc.

It is an interesting idea, but I wonder if you have any useful idea for valuing win and losses.

The South was devastated, how does one put a value on that? The North dominated in the concept of a strong federal union, that States are forever subject to that Union. How does one value that? The North had a large army, even downsized, they were able to move West and "tame" the Indian. Value?

If you stick just to economics, that is the value of property gained/lost, it is easy to show your point. But I fear the non-ecomomic items are why wars are engaged, and fought to the end.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html

In that website, go into Organization and Cohesion and click on the link for thesis statements -- and then for introductions and conclusions.

There are many other links in this website that will help you write papers.

Please repost if you have specific questions.

It's great that you've done some reading and have developed your theory regarding the outcome of the Civil War. If you feel that the material you've encountered so far doesn't fully explore the idea of the South's loss being bigger than the North's gain, there are a few steps you can take to further explore this perspective:

1. Conduct more research: Look for scholarly articles, books, or reliable online sources that delve into the consequences of the Civil War on both the North and the South. By seeking different perspectives, you may find material that supports your theory or provides additional insights.

2. Review primary sources: Primary sources like letters, diaries, speeches, or official records from the time period can offer firsthand accounts and shed light on the balance of loss and gain between the North and the South. These sources can help you build a stronger argument for your theory.

3. Consider different aspects: Think about various aspects impacted by the war that could contribute to the South's loss being larger than the North's gain. This could include economic, social, political, or cultural factors. By dissecting these different aspects, you can gain a better understanding of the overall impact.

Regarding the specific writing requirements for your essay, here are some simplified explanations and suggestions:

1. Thesis statement: This is a concise statement that outlines the main argument or position you will take in your essay. It should be clear and specific. A suggested structure for a thesis statement could be: "The Civil War resulted in a greater loss for the South than gain for the North due to [specific reasons]."

2. Introduction paragraph: The introduction should give your readers a brief overview of the topic and its significance. It should introduce your thesis statement towards the end of the paragraph. You can provide some general historical context, mention the main arguments you will make, and end with a strong thesis statement that supports your theory.

3. Essay map: An essay map, sometimes called a roadmap, outlines the main points or arguments that will be addressed in the body paragraphs of your essay. It helps the reader understand the organizational structure of your essay. Each point in the essay map should align with a separate body paragraph.

4. Body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should present a separate argument or point supporting your thesis statement. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly introduces the main point. Use evidence from your research, such as quotes or specific examples, to support your arguments. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.

5. Conclusion paragraph: The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement, but not in exactly the same way as the introduction. It should provide a sense of closure and leave your readers with a final thought or perspective to consider.

For additional guidance on structuring essays, I recommend checking out books like "The Little Seagull Handbook" or "Writing Essays For Dummies." These resources offer easy-to-understand explanations and examples to assist with your writing. Remember, practice is key, so don't hesitate to draft and revise your essay multiple times to refine your arguments and ensure clarity.