In the field of history a statement that must be proven with evidence throughout an essay or book is known as a

Thesis

A thesis sets forth a proposition that then must be defended.  The thesis may state something about the cause or causes of a particular historical event, or about effects or ramifications of historical events.  Or it may be about motivating factors within a historical figure -- why someone acted the way they acted in their role in history.   A thesis is not simply a statement of a fact that everyone agrees on.  A thesis is an arguable claim, and the defense with evidence given for a thesis will want to address counter-claims (any counter-thesis) that someone else might argue.

“larger states wanted congressional representation based on population, while smaller states wanted equal representation. they met in the middle. larger states wanted congressional representation based on population, while smaller states wanted equal representation.” i hope this information you.