Which element should be included in the introduction paragragh of a historical essay?

The essay must begin with an introductory paragraph that explains to the reader what the paper is about (topic) and clearly expresses your main claim (thesis statement). The main claim should be stated in the introduction so that the reader can assess its validity while reading the body of the essay.

In this case: a thesis statement should always be used in the first paragraph to state your opinion and reasoning.

in 1859, brown and 21 of his followers attacked and occupied the federal arsenal in harper's ferry. their goal was to capture supplies and use them to arm a slave rebellion. brown was captured during the raid and later hanged, but not before becoming an anti-slavery icon. abolitionist and insurrectionist

explanation:

lend lease program was passed by congress on march 11, 1941. the president could ship weapons, food, or stuff to any country whose struggle against the axis assisted u.s. defense