The thesis statement in this excerpt is:
"The great question is: How can we win America's peace?"
This sentence outlines the central theme and purpose of President Nixon's speech, which is to address the question of how to achieve peace in America.
To identify the thesis statement in the excerpt from President Richard Nixon's speech "The Great Silent Majority," we should look for the sentence that presents the main argument or purpose of the speech. Let's analyze the options:
1. "Let us all understand that the question before us is not whether some Americans are for peace and some Americans are against peace." - This sentence acknowledges the existence of differing opinions but does not present the main argument or purpose of the speech.
2. "The great question is: How can we win America's peace?" - This sentence presents the central question and the main argument of the speech. It is the thesis statement.
3. "In response to the request of the Government of South Vietnam, President Eisenhower sent economic aid and military equipment to assist the people of South Vietnam in their efforts to prevent a Communist takeover." - This sentence provides historical context but does not serve as the thesis statement.
4. "Four years ago, President Johnson sent American combat forces to South Vietnam." - This sentence also provides historical context but does not contain the thesis statement.