research paper ideas us history

Home » 300+ American History Research Paper Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

American history is a vast and complex subject that encompasses a wide range of events, movements, and individuals who have shaped the country’s past and present. From the struggles for independence and civil rights to the exploration and settlement of the continent, American history provides an abundance of topics for research papers . Whether you’re interested in politics, social issues, cultural trends, or military history, there are numerous topics to choose from that will help you delve deeper into the fascinating story of the United States. In this arcticle, we will explore some of the most compelling and thought-provoking American history topics that you can choose to explore in your own research .

American History Research Paper Topics

American History Research Paper Topics are as follows:

The Salem witch trials: religious hysteria and persecution.
The California Gold Rush: immigration and economic boom.
The Harlem Renaissance: cultural movements and African American creativity.
The Stonewall riots: LGBTQ+ rights and activism.
The Underground Railroad: abolitionist movement and escape from slavery.
The New York City Draft Riots: racial tensions and class conflict during the Civil War.
The Battle of Little Bighorn: Native American resistance and US expansionism.
The Scopes Monkey Trial: evolution and religion in the public school system.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln: political upheaval and the aftermath.
The Bracero Program: labor migration and Mexican American relations.
The Japanese American internment: civil liberties and government policies during WWII.
The Black Panthers: civil rights and revolutionary politics.
The Montgomery bus boycott: racial segregation and nonviolent protest.
The War of 1812: US-British relations and national identity.
The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution: US involvement in Vietnam and presidential power.
The Trail of Tears: forced relocation of Native Americans and government policy.
The Louisiana Purchase: westward expansion and territorial acquisition.
The Emancipation Proclamation: Abraham Lincoln and the end of slavery.
The Boston Tea Party: colonial resistance and the American Revolution.
The Haymarket Riot: labor movements and the struggle for workers’ rights.
The Sacco and Vanzetti trial: political prejudice and the justice system.
The Nixon administration and Watergate: political corruption and media coverage.
The Battle of Gettysburg: turning point in the Civil War and military strategy.
The United States’ entry into WWI: neutrality and international relations.
The assassination of JFK: conspiracy theories and the impact on American politics.
The Montgomery GI Bill: post-WWII veterans’ benefits and education.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention: anti-war protests and police brutality.
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster: NASA and government accountability.
The Wounded Knee Massacre: Native American activism and government response.
The Oklahoma City bombing: domestic terrorism and extremism.
The Pentagon Papers: government secrecy and media freedom.
The American eugenics movement: racial science and government policy.
The Zoot Suit Riots: racial tensions and discrimination in WWII-era Los Angeles.
The Tet Offensive: turning point in the Vietnam War and media coverage.
The 1920s: flappers, jazz music, and cultural transformation.
The Seneca Falls Convention: women’s suffrage and gender equality.
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.: civil rights and the struggle for racial justice.
The Tea Party movement: conservative populism and political polarization.
The space race and the moon landing: US-Soviet competition and national pride.
The Gulf War: US military action in the Middle East and international relations.
The Hurricane Katrina disaster: government response and racial inequality.
The Rodney King verdict and LA riots: police brutality and racial justice.
The Iran-Contra scandal: government corruption and foreign policy.
The civil rights movement and the Freedom Riders: nonviolent protest and desegregation.
The Flint water crisis: environmental racism and government negligence.
The Occupy Wall Street movement: economic inequality and social justice.
The AIDS epidemic: public health crisis and societal attitudes.
The American Revolution: causes and consequences.
The impact of slavery on the development of the United States.
The Reconstruction Era: successes and failures.
The Civil War: social, political, and economic impacts.
The women’s suffrage movement: progress and setbacks.
The rise of industrialization and its impact on society.
The Progressive Era: reforms and political changes.
The New Deal: success or failure?
The impact of the Great Depression on American society.
The Second World War: America’s involvement and impact.
The Cold War: the US and Soviet Union’s global influence.
The civil rights movement: leaders and strategies.
The Vietnam War: political, social, and cultural impacts.
The Watergate scandal: corruption and the presidency.
The Reagan Revolution: conservatism and change.
The Gulf War: America’s role in international conflict.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks: effects on domestic and foreign policy.
The Obama presidency: achievements and controversies.
The rise of Silicon Valley: technology and innovation.
The labor movement: unionization and workers’ rights.
The Trail of Tears: the forced relocation of Native Americans.
The Mormon migration: religious freedom and settlement.
The gold rush: economic and social impacts.
The women’s liberation movement: progress and setbacks.
The rise of the suburbs: lifestyle changes and the American Dream.
The Harlem Renaissance: cultural and artistic movements.
The Dust Bowl: environmental disasters and migration.
The Ku Klux Klan: racism and terror in America.
The rise of the Christian Right: religion and politics.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: America and the Soviet Union on the brink of war.
The Manhattan Project: the development of nuclear weapons.
The Bay of Pigs invasion: US foreign policy in Latin America.
The Space Race: America’s competition with the Soviet Union.
The Black Power movement: self-determination and political activism.
The Stonewall riots: the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The War on Drugs: the impact on minority communities.
The rise of hip hop: cultural expression and social commentary.
The Iraq War: America’s intervention in the Middle East.
The Tea Party movement: populism and conservative politics.
The Dakota Access Pipeline protests: Indigenous rights and environmentalism.
The #MeToo movement: sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.
The 2020 presidential election: controversies and historical significance.
The COVID-19 pandemic: social, economic, and political impacts.
The climate crisis: America’s role in mitigating global warming.
The opioid epidemic: public health crisis and government response.
The gig economy: labor rights and the changing nature of work.
The immigration debate: policies and social attitudes towards immigrants.
The Black Lives Matter movement: racial justice and police reform.
The Battle of Antietam: bloodiest day in American history and its impact on the Civil War.
The Salem Witch Trials: causes and consequences of the infamous witch hunt.
The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment: examining the unethical medical study conducted on African American men.
The Stonewall Riots: analyzing the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the impact of the Stonewall uprising.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion: evaluating the failed US attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba.
The Battle of Little Bighorn: examining the conflict between the US Army and Native American tribes.
The Red Scare: analyzing the fear of communism in the US during the Cold War.
The Manhattan Project: evaluating the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
The Seneca Falls Convention: examining the first women’s rights convention and its impact on American society.
The My Lai Massacre: analyzing the massacre of Vietnamese civilians by US soldiers during the Vietnam War.
The Treaty of Versailles: evaluating the impact of the treaty that ended World War I.
The Dust Bowl Migration: examining the migration of farmers from the Great Plains to California during the Great Depression.
The Black Lives Matter Movement: analyzing the movement for racial justice and police reform in the US.
The Oregon Trail: examining the westward expansion of the US and the impact of the Oregon Trail.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention: evaluating the protests and violence that occurred during the convention.
The Indian Removal Act: examining the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1830s.
The Great Society: evaluating the social and economic reforms of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The Wounded Knee Massacre: analyzing the US Army’s killing of Native American men, women, and children in 1890.
The Ku Klux Klan: examining the rise and fall of the white supremacist group.
The Gadsden Purchase: evaluating the US acquisition of land from Mexico in 1853.
The Second Great Awakening: analyzing the religious revival of the early 19th century and its impact on American society.
The Haymarket Riot: examining the labor unrest and violence that occurred during the 1886 Chicago labor rally.
The Dust Bowl Art: analyzing the art and literature inspired by the Great Plains drought.
The Roe v. Wade Decision: evaluating the impact of the landmark Supreme Court decision on abortion rights.
The Salem Customs House: examining the significance of the customs house in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel “The Scarlet Letter.”
The Homestead Strike: analyzing the violent labor dispute that occurred at the Carnegie Steel Company in 1892.
The War of 1812: evaluating the US conflict with Great Britain and its impact on American society.
The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial: examining the controversial trial of two Italian immigrants in the 1920s.
The Scopes Monkey Trial: evaluating the trial that pitted science against religion in the 1920s.
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: examining the US treaty with Panama that led to the construction of the Panama Canal.
The Bonus Army: analyzing the World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C. to demand government benefits.
The O.J. Simpson Trial: evaluating the impact of the high-profile murder trial on American culture.
The Iran-Contra Affair: examining the political scandal that involved the US selling weapons to Iran and using the profits to fund anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua.
The Buffalo Soldiers: analyzing the history of the African American soldiers who served in the western frontier.
The American Civil War: examining the factors that led to the conflict.
The New Deal: evaluating the impact of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic policies.
The Space Race: the competition between the US and Soviet Union to explore space.
The Vietnam War: analyzing the US involvement in the conflict.
The American Revolution: evaluating the role of key figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
The Civil Rights Movement: examining the fight for racial equality in the US.
The Gold Rush: exploring the impact of the California Gold Rush on American society.
The Watergate Scandal: the political scandal that brought down President Nixon.
The Great Migration: analyzing the movement of African Americans from the South to Northern cities.
The Harlem Renaissance: examining the cultural and artistic movement of the 1920s.
The Trail of Tears: evaluating the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands.
The Cold War: analyzing the political and economic tensions between the US and Soviet Union.
The Industrial Revolution: examining the changes brought about by industrialization in the US.
The Boston Tea Party: evaluating the impact of the colonial protest against British taxation.
The Underground Railroad: analyzing the network that helped slaves escape to freedom.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement: examining the fight for women’s right to vote.
The Dust Bowl: evaluating the environmental and economic impact of the Great Plains drought.
The Emancipation Proclamation: analyzing Lincoln’s decision to free slaves in Confederate states.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: examining the forced migration of Africans to the US.
The Louisiana Purchase: analyzing the impact of the US acquisition of Louisiana from France.
The Spanish Flu Pandemic: examining the global pandemic that killed millions.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor: evaluating the impact of the Japanese attack on the US.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott: analyzing the nonviolent protest against segregated public transportation.
The Panama Canal: examining the construction of the canal and its impact on international trade.
The Salem Maritime Trade: analyzing the economic and social impact of maritime trade in the colonial period.
The Cuban Revolution: examining the overthrow of Batista and the rise of Fidel Castro.
The Iraq War: analyzing the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The New York City Draft Riots: evaluating the racial and class tensions that led to the riots.
The Black Panther Party: examining the political and social impact of the Black Panther movement.
The American West: analyzing the expansion and settlement of the American West.
The Berlin Wall: examining the construction and fall of the Berlin Wall.
The 19th Amendment: evaluating the impact of women’s right to vote on American society.
The United States and the United Nations: analyzing the US involvement in the UN.
The Jim Crow Laws: examining the laws that enforced racial segregation in the US.
The Bracero Program: analyzing the US-Mexico labor agreement during World War II.
The Korean War: evaluating the US involvement in the conflict.
The Alamo: examining the battle that became a symbol of Texas independence.
The Assassination of JFK: analyzing the impact of the assassination on American politics and society.
The Great Chicago Fire: evaluating the impact of the fire that destroyed much of Chicago in 1871.
The Americanization Movement: examining the movement that sought to assimilate immigrants into American culture.
The Spanish American War: US imperialism and expansion in the late 19th century.
The Red Scare: political repression and the fear of communism in the 20th century.
The National Parks system: conservation and environmentalism in the US.
The Women’s Liberation Movement: feminism and gender equality in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Brown v. Board of Education decision: landmark ruling on desegregation in public schools.
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill: environmental disaster and corporate responsibility.
The American Revolution: causes, major events, and legacy.
The Great Depression: economic crisis and government response in the 1930s.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964: legislative landmark in the struggle for racial justice.
The Dust Bowl: ecological disaster and its impact on American agriculture.
The Waco Siege: government overreach and religious extremism.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire: workplace safety and labor reform.
The Black Lives Matter movement: police brutality and racial justice in the 21st century.
The Homestead Strike: labor dispute and the fight for workers’ rights.
The Panama Canal: engineering marvel and US influence in Central America.
The Marshall Plan: US aid to Europe after World War II and the Cold War.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: nuclear brinksmanship and US-Soviet relations.
The Montgomery Improvement Association: nonviolent resistance and the bus boycott.
The Roe v. Wade decision: reproductive rights and the women’s movement.
The My Lai Massacre: war crimes and US military conduct in Vietnam.
The Salem-Keizer school desegregation case: busing and the limits of integration.
The Flint sit-down strike: labor unrest and unionization in the auto industry.
The transcontinental railroad: westward expansion and economic growth.
The Iranian Hostage Crisis: US foreign policy and Middle East tensions.
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: US control of the Panama Canal and sovereignty issues.
The Black Sox Scandal: corruption and gambling in Major League Baseball.
The Freedom Summer: civil rights activism and voter registration in the South.
The Salem maritime trade: piracy and international commerce in the colonial period.
The Stono Rebellion: slave rebellion and resistance in South Carolina.
The Alaska Purchase: US acquisition of Alaska and its impact on Native Alaskans.
The United States and the League of Nations: US foreign policy and internationalism.
The Chicago Seven trial: political dissent and government repression during the Vietnam War.
The Reagan Revolution: conservative politics and the changing face of American politics.
The American Indian Movement: Native American rights and activism.
The Battle of Bull Run: first major battle of the Civil War and its impact.
The Wounded Knee Occupation: Native American sovereignty and government response.
The Whiskey Rebellion: taxation and the limits of federal authority in the early US.
The Iran-Iraq War: US involvement and Middle East politics.
The United States and the Cold War: US-Soviet relations and the arms race.
The Ku Klux Klan: white supremacy and domestic terrorism in American history.
The Battle of Midway: turning point in World War II and military strategy.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott: analyzing the civil rights movement and its impact on segregation in the South.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: evaluating the US and Soviet Union’s tense standoff in 1962.
The Trail of Tears: examining the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands in the 1830s.
The Space Race: analyzing the competition between the US and Soviet Union to explore space.
The Emancipation Proclamation: evaluating the impact of President Lincoln’s proclamation on slavery during the Civil War.
The Black Panthers: examining the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Harlem Renaissance: analyzing the cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music in the 1920s and 1930s.
The Korean War: evaluating the US and UN’s conflict with North Korea and China in the 1950s.
The Boston Tea Party: examining the protest that sparked the American Revolution.
The National Parks System: analyzing the history and impact of the National Parks System in the US.
The New Deal: evaluating President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic reforms during the Great Depression.
The Black Codes: examining the laws passed in Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the rights of African Americans.
The Watergate Scandal: analyzing the political scandal that led to the resignation of President Nixon.
The War on Drugs: evaluating the US government’s policies and actions to combat drug use and trafficking.
The McCarthy Hearings: examining the anti-communist hearings led by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s.
The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake: analyzing the disaster and its impact on the city and American society.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: examining the tragedy that led to significant labor reforms in the early 20th century.
The Rodney King Riots: analyzing the 1992 riots in Los Angeles following the acquittal of police officers in the beating of Rodney King.
The Transcontinental Railroad: evaluating the construction of the railroad and its impact on American transportation and commerce.
The New York Draft Riots: examining the violent protests against the Civil War draft in New York City in 1863.
The Tulsa Race Massacre: analyzing the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma and its aftermath.
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic: examining the deadly global pandemic and its impact on American society.
The Battle of Gettysburg: evaluating the pivotal Civil War battle and its impact on the war and American history.
The Mexican-American War: analyzing the US conflict with Mexico and its impact on American expansion.
The American Indian Movement: examining the Native American organization and its activism for Indigenous rights.
The War in Iraq: evaluating the US-led war in Iraq and its impact on US foreign policy.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964: analyzing the landmark legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Jim Crow Laws: examining the laws that enforced racial segregation in the South after the Civil War.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement: evaluating the fight for women’s right to vote in the US.
The Anti-Vietnam War Movement: analyzing the protests and activism against the US involvement in the Vietnam War.
The Donner Party: examining the ill-fated wagon train journey and its impact on westward expansion.
The Great Migration: analyzing the mass movement of African Americans from the South to the North and West in the early 20th century.
The Red Scare: examining the anti-communist hysteria in the US during the Cold War era.
The Alamo: evaluating the 1836 battle in Texas and its significance in American history.
The Cuban Revolution: analyzing the revolution led by Fidel Castro and its impact on US-Cuban relations.
The Dust Bowl: examining the environmental disaster that devastated the Great Plains in the 1930s.
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.: analyzing the impact of the civil rights leader’s death on American society.
The California Gold Rush: evaluating the rush of people to California in search of gold in 1849.
The Salem Witch Trials: examining the 1692 witch hunt and its impact on American society.
The Reconstruction Era: analyzing the period of US history following the Civil War that aimed to rebuild the South and integrate newly freed slaves into society.
The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster: evaluating the tragic 1986 event that claimed the lives of seven astronauts.
The Great Society: examining President Lyndon B. Johnson’s domestic policies in the 1960s and their impact on American society.
The Bataan Death March: analyzing the brutal forced march of American and Filipino prisoners of war by the Japanese in World War II.
The Detroit Race Riot: examining the violent 1967 riots in Detroit and their impact on American race relations.
The Wounded Knee Massacre: analyzing the 1890 massacre of Sioux Indians by US troops and its impact on Native American relations with the US government.
The Spanish-American War: evaluating the US conflict with Spain in 1898 and its impact on American imperialism.
The Cold War: examining the geopolitical tensions between the US and Soviet Union from 1945-1991.
The Underground Railroad: evaluating the network of secret routes and safe houses used to help enslaved people escape to freedom in the 19th century.
The Tuskegee Airmen: examining the all-Black fighter squadron that served in World War II and their impact on American history.
The Boston Massacre: analyzing the 1770 event in which British soldiers killed five colonists and its impact on American revolutionary sentiment.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention: examining the protests and clashes between police and anti-war demonstrators during the convention.
The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision: evaluating the landmark decision legalizing abortion in the US in 1973.
The Louisiana Territory: analyzing the US acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803.
The Stock Market Crash of 1929: examining the causes and impact of the crash that led to the Great Depression.
The Lusitania sinking: analyzing the 1915 sinking of a British passenger ship by a German submarine and its impact on American entry into World War I.
The Second Great Awakening: evaluating the religious revival movement in the US in the early 19th century and its impact on American society.
The Black Panthers: analyzing the impact of the Black Panther Party on the civil rights movement and American society in the 1960s.
The Mexican-American War: examining the US conflict with Mexico in the 1840s and its impact on US expansionism.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: analyzing the 1911 tragedy and its impact on workplace safety regulations.
The Transcontinental Railroad: evaluating the building of the railroad in the late 19th century and its impact on American transportation and economy.
The Stono Rebellion: examining the 1739 slave uprising in South Carolina and its impact on American slavery laws.
The Battle of Gettysburg: analyzing the 1863 battle and its significance in the Civil War.
The Black Sox Scandal: evaluating the 1919 scandal in which members of the Chicago White Sox baseball team were accused of throwing the World Series.
The Oregon Trail: examining the westward expansion of American settlers to the Pacific Northwest in the 19th century.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964: analyzing the landmark legislation outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Indian Removal Act: evaluating the 1830 law that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands in the Southeastern US.
The Battle of Antietam: analyzing the 1862 battle and its impact on the Civil War.
The Iran-Contra Affair: examining the political scandal involving the Reagan administration’s secret arms sales to Iran and illegal funding of Contra rebels in Nicaragua.
The Pullman Strike: analyzing the 1894 labor strike by railway workers and its impact on American labor laws.
The 1920s: examining the cultural, social, and political changes that occurred during the “Roaring Twenties.”
The Battle of Little Bighorn: analyzing the 1876 battle between US forces and Sioux and Cheyenne warriors and its impact on Native American relations with the US government.
The Montgomery GI Bill: evaluating the legislation that provided education and training benefits to US veterans after World War II.
The Black Codes: examining the laws enacted in the South after the Civil War that restricted the rights and freedoms of newly freed slaves.
The Korean War: analyzing the US involvement in the conflict and its impact on American foreign policy.
The Seneca Falls Convention: evaluating the 1848 convention advocating for women’s suffrage and its impact on the women’s rights movement.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion: examining the failed 1961 US attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s government in Cuba.
The Homestead Strike: analyzing the 1892 labor strike by steelworkers and its impact on American labor relations.
The Gadsden Purchase: evaluating the US acquisition of land from Mexico in 1853 and its impact on American territorial expansion.
The Harlem Renaissance: examining the cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated Black creativity and identity.
The Fourteenth Amendment: analyzing the constitutional amendment that granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the US.
The Battle of New Orleans: evaluating the 1815 battle in which American forces led by Andrew Jackson defeated British troops and its impact on American nationalism.
The Birmingham Campaign: analyzing the 1963 civil rights campaign in Alabama and its impact on the movement.
The Pullman Palace Car Company: examining the company’s history and impact on American railroad travel and labor relations.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

200+ Funny Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

500+ Environmental Research Topics

500+ Economics Research Topics

500+ Physics Research Topics

500+ Google Scholar Research Topics

US History Research Paper Topics: Moments that Shaped a Nation

Table of contents

1.1 Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877
1.2 US History Paper Topics on the Civil War
1.3 American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization
1.4 American History Research Topics on Reconstruction
1.5 20th-Century American History Paper Topics
1.6 US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II
1.7 American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement
1.8 Native American History Thesis Topics
2 Which Topics to Choose for History Research?
3 Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

Exploring the rich and complex narrative of the United States, this article is designed as a resource for students and researchers embarking on assignments that require a deep dive into American history. Perfect for term papers, thesis projects, and detailed historical analyses, the guide presents a curated selection of interesting US history research paper topics.

We provide a comprehensive guide for students, researchers, and history enthusiasts seeking engaging and insightful topics for their research papers on American history.
These topics cover critical eras and events shaping America, from the early days before 1877 to the transformative 20th century.

With these good US history research topics in mind, let’s go over each one in-depth, creating a foundation for smart research and analysis.

List of 160 American History Research Paper Topics

History is a rich and complex subject, ripe for exploration in academic research. Whether you’re a student seeking a topic for an assignment or a history enthusiast looking to delve deeper into America’s past, this list offers a diverse range of subjects. From early colonial times to the modern era, each topic provides a unique lens through which to examine the nation’s history.

Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877

The impact of European colonization on Native American societies.
The Salem Witch Trials: Causes and effects.
The role of the Seven Years’ War in shaping early American society.
The Declaration of Independence: Context and legacy.
The Articles of Confederation: Strengths and weaknesses.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787: Key debates and outcomes.
The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debate: Impact on the US Constitution.
The Louisiana Purchase: Motivations and consequences.
The War of 1812: Causes, course, and outcomes.
Manifest Destiny: Ideology and impact on westward expansion.
The Trail of Tears and Native American Removal Policies.
The role of slavery in antebellum America.
The Mexican-American War: Origins and effects.
The Gold Rush of 1849 and its impact on American expansion.
The Compromise of 1850 and its role in the lead-up to the Civil War.
The Dred Scott Decision: Implications and controversy.
The Underground Railroad: Key figures and operations.
The election of 1860 and its role in the secession crisis.
The role of women in antebellum America.
Early American foreign policy: Principles and practices.

US History Paper Topics on the Civil War

The causes of the American Civil War: A comprehensive analysis.
Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and its impact on the Civil War.
The role of slavery in sparking the Civil War.
Military strategies of the Union and the Confederacy.
The Emancipation Proclamation: Intentions and effects.
Key battles of the Civil War: Gettysburg, Antietam, and others.
The role of technology in the Civil War.
The impact of the Civil War on civilian life in the North and South.
The role of African American soldiers in the Civil War.
The diplomatic dimensions of the Civil War.
Reconstruction plans: Lincoln vs. Johnson.
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Impact on post-war America.
The economic consequences of the Civil War for the South.
The role of women during the Civil War.
The Draft Riots of 1863: Causes and impact.
The impact of the Civil War on American literature and art.
The role of nurses and medical practices during the Civil War.
The use of propaganda in the Civil War.
The transition from slavery to freedom during and after the Civil War.
The legacy of the Civil War in American memory.

American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization

The Second Industrial Revolution: Key innovations and their impact.
The rise of American industrial tycoons: Carnegie, Rockefeller, and others.
The impact of the railroad expansion on American society and economy.
Urbanization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Labor movements and strikes of the late 19th century.
The rise of monopolies and antitrust laws in the United States.
The impact of immigration on American industrial growth.
The role of women and children in industrial labor.
Technological advancements and their societal impact during industrialization.
The emergence of consumer culture in the late 19th century.
The environmental impact of industrialization.
Social Darwinism and its influence on American society.
The rise of organized labor and the American Federation of Labor.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its aftermath.
The Homestead Strike: Causes and consequences.
The impact of the Industrial Revolution on American agriculture.
The role of education during the Industrial Revolution.
Transportation innovations and their impact on American life.
The evolution of American business practices during industrialization.
The Gilded Age: Wealth, poverty, and social disparity.

American History Research Topics on Reconstruction

The Reconstruction Amendments: Impact and limitations.
Presidential vs. Congressional Reconstruction: A comparative analysis.
The role of the Freedmen’s Bureau in post-Civil War America.
Sharecropping and tenant farming: Continuation of slavery by another name?
The rise and impact of the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruction.
The Compromise of 1877 and the end of Reconstruction.
The Black Codes: Purpose and effects.
The impeachment of President Andrew Johnson: Causes and consequences.
The role of African Americans in politics during Reconstruction.
Economic challenges of the South during Reconstruction.
The establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The legacy of Reconstruction in the South.
The Jim Crow laws: Origins and impact.
The role of women during Reconstruction.
The Slaughterhouse Cases and their impact on civil rights.
The Enforcement Acts and their effectiveness in protecting African American rights.
The impact of Reconstruction on Northern society and politics.
Education reform in the South during Reconstruction.
The role of the U.S. military in enforcing Reconstruction policies.
The long-term effects of Reconstruction on American race relations.

Need help with research paper writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

20th-Century American History Paper Topics

The Progressive Era: Reforms and key figures.
The impact of World War I on American society and politics.
The Roaring Twenties: Culture, economics, and politics.
The Great Depression: Causes and the New Deal response.
The impact of World War II on the American home front.
The Cold War: Key events and American foreign policy.
The Civil Rights Movement: Key figures and legislative milestones.
The Vietnam War: Causes, course, and impact on American society.
The Women’s Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
The Watergate Scandal and its impact on American politics.
The Space Race: Technological advancements and Cold War implications.
The rise of environmentalism in the 20th century.
The impact of the automobile on 20th-century American life.
The rise of the American suburbs in the post-World War II era.
The counterculture of the 1960s and its impact on American society.
The Reagan Era: Policies and impact on the United States.
The War on Drugs: Origins, strategies, and consequences.
The impact of technological advancements on late 20th-century life.
The rise of the internet and its impact on society and culture.
The 9/11 attacks and their aftermath on American foreign policy.

US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II

The causes and consequences of American entry into World War I.
The impact of the Treaty of Versailles on post-war America.
American isolationism between World War I and World War II.
The Lend-Lease Act and American support for the Allies before entering World War II.
The attack on Pearl Harbor: Causes and immediate effects.
The home front during World War II: Women, minorities, and the war effort.
The role of propaganda in American support for World War II.
The development and use of the atomic bomb.
The impact of World War II on American foreign policy.
The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
The role of African Americans in World War II.
The D-Day invasion: Planning, execution, and significance.
The Battle of Midway: Turning point in the Pacific War.
American military strategy in the European and Pacific theaters.
The Holocaust and American responses to it.
The post-war world order and the establishment of the United Nations.
The GI Bill and its impact on post-war American society.
The Nuremberg Trials: Legal and moral implications.
The Marshall Plan and American post-war economic policy.
The start of the Cold War: Origins and early confrontations.

American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement

The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Causes and outcomes.
The role of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Little Rock Nine and school desegregation.
The Freedom Rides: Objectives and impact.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Development and effects.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Importance and consequences.
The role of women in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Black Power Movement: Ideals and key figures.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on other minority groups.
The assassination of Malcolm X: Context and aftermath.
The Selma to Montgomery marches: Significance and outcomes.
The role of the NAACP in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Birmingham Campaign and the use of nonviolent protest.
The role of the media in shaping public perception of the Civil Rights Movement.
The Civil Rights Movement in the North: Challenges and Achievements.
The Economic Bill of Rights proposed by the Poor People’s Campaign.
The role of music in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American law and society.
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC): Contributions and challenges.
The legacy of the Civil Rights Movement in contemporary America.

Native American History Thesis Topics

The impact of European colonization on Native American cultures.
The Trail of Tears: Causes, course, and consequences.
Native American resistance movements: King Philip’s War, Pontiac’s Rebellion, and others.
The impact of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
Native American life on reservations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The role of Native Americans in American wars.
The Ghost Dance Movement and the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Native American boarding schools: Policies and impact on culture.
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and its implications.
The American Indian Movement (AIM): Goals and major actions.
The impact of the Dawes Act on tribal land and culture.
The role of Native American women in their societies.
Contemporary Native American issues: Sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation.
The Native American Renaissance: A cultural and literary overview.
The impact of environmental changes on Native American communities.
The repatriation of Native American artifacts and remains.
The role of treaties in Native American history.
Native American spiritual beliefs and practices.
The impact of the fur trade on Native American societies.
Contemporary Native American political activism.

Which Topics to Choose for History Research?

Given the breadth and diversity of US history topics, choosing one to write about can be difficult. To reduce your options, think about your interests and the extent of your investigation. Look for themes that provide a balance of available materials and new perspectives to explore.

When choosing a topic, consider its significance in the larger context of American history. Consider how the topic has influenced or reflected societal, political, or economic trends. For example, topics such as the Civil Rights Movement and World War II provide insights into moments of revolutionary change and struggle.

Also, examine the availability of primary and secondary sources. A well-documented topic provides for a more thorough study and a stronger argument. Always ensure that your chosen topic adheres to the criteria and objectives of your assignment or research aim.

Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

In this journey through American history, we have explored various topics that offer a window into the nation’s complex and multifaceted past. From the struggles and triumphs of early American society to the transformative events of the 20th century, these topics provide a foundation for understanding how the United States has evolved. Engaging with these topics enriches our historical knowledge and deepens our understanding of the present. As students, scholars, or simply curious minds, delving into these aspects of America’s past can provide valuable insights and perspectives on the nation’s journey and its ongoing story.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Affiliate 💸

Get started free

Research Paper

132 Brilliant US History Research Paper Topics

Explore captivating US history research paper topics. Dive into rich narratives, analyze pivotal events, and craft compelling historical insights

Feb 16, 2024

mountain of presidents - US History Research Paper Topics

Are you fascinated by the rich tapestry of American history? Do you want to dive deep into the past and uncover the hidden stories that shaped our nation? Then buckle up, because I've got a treasure trove of US History Research Paper Topics just waiting to be explored! From the Revolutionary War to the civil rights movement, there's no shortage of exciting and thought-provoking subjects to choose from. Whether you're interested in the political, social, or cultural aspects of our nation's past, this blog will guide you through the Research Paper Structure to help you produce a top-notch paper that will leave your professors in awe. So grab your pen and let's embark on a journey through time!

What is the secret behind choosing a us history research paper topic, 132 best us history research paper topics, how to structure your research paper, supercharge your researching ability with otio — try otio for free today.

person writing topics - US History Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research paper topic in US history is an important task that requires careful consideration. The secret behind selecting a compelling and relevant topic lies in finding a balance between personal interest and academic significance. A well-chosen topic should not only captivate the reader but also provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration and analysis.

Passion-Driven Engagement

By selecting a topic that aligns with one's passion and curiosity, researchers can maintain a high level of engagement throughout the writing process. Personal interest in a subject matter often leads to a deeper understanding and a greater willingness to invest time and effort into research. Choosing a topic that resonates with the researcher's interests can make the writing process more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Research Topic with Impact

On the other hand, it is crucial to select a topic that holds academic significance and contributes to the existing body of knowledge. A well-researched and well-written paper should offer new insights, shed light on overlooked aspects, or challenge prevailing interpretations of historical events or figures. By addressing gaps in current scholarship or offering a fresh perspective, researchers can make a valuable contribution to the field of US history.

Balancing Passion and Significance

The secret to choosing a successful US history research paper topic lies in finding the intersection between personal interest and academic significance. By striking this balance, researchers can create a compelling paper that not only showcases their passion but also adds to the ongoing discourse and understanding of the subject.

Otio: Your AI Research and Writing Partner

Knowledge workers, researchers, and students today suffer from content overload and are left to deal with it using fragmented, complex, and manual tooling. Too many of them settle for stitching together complicated bookmarking, read-it-later, and note-taking apps to get through their workflows. Now that anyone can create content with the click of a button - this problem is only going to get worse. Otio solves this problem by providing one AI-native workspace for researchers. It helps to:

A wide range of data sources, from bookmarks, tweets, and extensive books to YouTube videos.

2. Extract key takeaways

With detailed AI-generated notes and source-grounded Q&A chat.

Draft outputs using the sources you’ve collected. Otio helps you to go from reading list to first draft faster. Along with this, Otio also helps you write research papers/essays faster. Here are our top features that are loved by researchers: AI-generated notes on all bookmarks (Youtube videos, PDFs, articles, etc.), Otio enables you to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, just like you chat with ChatGPT, as well as AI assisted writing. Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

The Importance of Structuring Your Research Paper

Introduction.

Begin your research paper with an engaging introduction that provides an overview of your topic and captures the reader's attention.

Start with a hook, such as a thought-provoking question or an intriguing fact, to grab the reader's interest .

Provide a brief background of the topic and explain its significance in the context of US history.

End your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your paper.

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Thesis statement.

The thesis statement is the backbone of your research paper and should clearly state the central argument you will be making.

Make sure your thesis statement is specific, concise, and arguable.

It should address the main topic or question of your research paper and provide a clear direction for your analysis.

Avoid vague statements and ensure that your thesis statement can be supported with evidence throughout your paper.

Conducting Thorough Research

Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic, using a variety of reputable sources such as books, scholarly articles, and primary documents.

Take notes and organize your research materials to ensure easy referencing during the writing process.

Make sure to critically analyze and evaluate the information you gather, considering multiple perspectives and potential biases.

Organizing Your Ideas and Outline

Create an outline to organize your ideas and provide structure to your research paper.

Start with a clear introduction, including your thesis statement.

Divide the body of your paper into logical sections or paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your topic.

Use subheadings within each section to further categorize your ideas.

Include a clear and concise topic sentence for each paragraph to guide the reader and maintain coherence.

Conclude each section with a transition sentence that leads smoothly into the next topic.

Writing the Main Body

The main body of your research paper should consist of several paragraphs that support your thesis statement.

Each paragraph should present a single idea or argument and support it with evidence and analysis.

Use primary and secondary sources to back up your claims, providing quotes, statistics, or examples to strengthen your arguments.

Analyze and interpret the evidence, explaining its significance in relation to your thesis statement.

Ensure that your paragraphs flow logically and smoothly, using transition words and phrases to create cohesion between ideas.

Crafting Effective Topic Sentences

Topic sentences.

Topic sentences are crucial in guiding the reader through your research paper and maintaining a clear focus within each paragraph.

Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea or argument of that particular paragraph.

Make sure your topic sentences are clear, concise, and directly related to your thesis statement.

Use topic sentences to establish connections between paragraphs and create a cohesive narrative.

Incorporating Counterarguments

Counterarguments.

Addressing counterarguments in your research paper demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic and strengthens your overall argument.

Identify potential counterarguments to your thesis statement and include them in your paper.

Refute the counterarguments by presenting evidence, logical reasoning, and alternative interpretations.

Acknowledge the validity of opposing viewpoints, but ultimately demonstrate why your argument is stronger.

Writing a Strong Conclusion

Conclude your research paper by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis statement.

Provide a concise synthesis of your arguments and the evidence used to support them.

Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, focus on reinforcing your main argument and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Final Thoughts

Writing a well-structured research paper requires careful planning, thorough research, and clear organization.

By following these guidelines, you will be better prepared to write a solid research paper on any US history topic.

Remember to revise and edit your paper carefully, ensuring clarity, coherence, and proper citation of sources.

Staying organized and maintaining clarity amidst the sea of information is paramount. Otio offers a solution to this problem by providing a unified workspace for researchers. It empowers you to collect diverse data sources, extract key takeaways effortlessly, engage in source-grounded Q&A chat, and create draft outputs with ease. With Otio, researchers can navigate the content overload and embrace a more efficient and effective approach to knowledge management and research paper writing. Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner —try Otio for free today!

• Ai Research Paper Generator • Ai Generated Research Paper • Ai Research Tools

May 19, 2024

Second Brain Method

Best Tana Features For Building A Tana PKM System

May 18, 2024

15 Best Mymind Alternative Recommendations For Note-Taking

Join thousands of other scholars and researchers

Chrome Extension

Refund Policy

Try Otio Free

153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]

American history is not as long as the European one. However, it’s one of the richest histories in the world. It’s full of controversies, different opinions, and interesting facts. Those who study American history will find how many voices, perspectives, and points of view can coexist.

When writing an essay about America, you should try to stay as objective as possible. Think creatively and consider historical events from a new perspective.

This abundance of information and events can intimidate anyone. That’s why it can be very challenging to select one single US history topic to write about. There are so many!

To decide on it, students should answer several questions:

What time period interests me the most?
What specific event sounds the most appealing to me?
What historical figure impresses me?

It is indeed a daunting task to attempt to put the remarkable story of the US into an essay list. Fortunately, we’re not trying to do so.

Tired of researching historical encyclopedias? This is the perfect article for you – read through this collection of 153 US history essay topics prepared by our team .

🌎Top 10 American History Topics to Write about

🏗️ Topics before 1877
🌻 Topics: 1878-1899
🏙️ US Topics: 1900s

🧊 Cool American History Topics

🧐 US Regents Topics
✊ Black History Topics

🎉 Fun US History Essay Topics

👌 easy american history essay topics, ❓ us history essay questions, 📋 how to cite an american history essay.

The 20th Century.
America’s Role in Normandy Landings.
Conquest of California.
The Great Depression.
USA: Colonial History.
The Oregon Trail.
African American Slave Trade.
Who was Harriet Tubman?
America in the Modern World.
Klondike Gold Rush.

☝️ Good US History Topics by Period

This is the IvyPanda list of American history topics that can help students get inspired!

We divided the history into epochs and organized the US history essay topics accordingly. Besides, this US history topics list structured thematically. It, hopefully, will make it easier to navigate and get started.

One of the best ways to look at history is to examine it from a chronological perspective. The topics in this section are structured based on the time period.

Every period is filled with key events and figures. American society is the product of those events—it’s vital to have a closer look at it.

🏗️ History Topics before 1877

America before Columbus . In this topic, you can talk about the first people in the Americas and what historians know about them. There are a lot of archeological findings and artifacts that survived thousands of years. Write about Christopher Columbus and how “the discovery” was not a discovery. The Americas have been inhabited and had developed civilizations long before Europeans put their foot there.
The first landing of Christopher Columbus and the New World

These ideas are for essays and research papers.

Christopher Columbus: Biography, Discoveries, Contributions . You can talk about Christopher Columbus and his biography. Track how his image has been changing throughout history. Modern historians see him as a person who contributed to the genocide of Native Americans. What is your opinion about him?
The British Rule in the Americas and the first British Settlements. Explore the first permanent colony in North America and what English wanted the colonies to be. There were a lot of obstacles, which first settlers had faced before Jamestown became a prosperous city. They suffered from a shortage of food, severe climate conditions, and disease. Plus, there were problems with the Indians. Research what “the middle ground” was and why this concept is relevant to this topic.
What is Puritanism?
Puritans in Great Britain
The Puritan Ethic in the United States . Who the Puritans were? Why were they sent to the New World? What were their religious beliefs? Explore the influence puritans had in the past. Is puritanism still relevant in the US today?
The Effects of the Spanish Rule and The Conquistadors in the Americas. Spanish Colonization of the Americas laid foundations for the Latin American identity. It is also considered the very first mass genocide in the world. It is indeed a matter of perspective. You can talk about how the contact between the Native Americans and the Spaniards affected both parties.
The Protestant Reformation and its influence on the US History. Religion was one of the main reasons why the first settlers decided to travel to the New World. Write about the connection between the freedom of religion in the US. What influence did it have on the nation as a whole in the future? Why is it crucial? How did it affect the lifestyle of people in the US?
Native Americans and “the Middle Ground” . Not everyone knows that the famous Disney cartoon Pocahontas is based on the true story. If this story was told by a Native American, it would be different. In this essay, you can comment on the role that Native Americans played in the European Colonization. Elaborate on the disappearance of “the Middle Ground.”
The beginning of slavery in British America and the Middle Passage. You can analyze the way this institution was established. Write about the factors that influenced it in the 17th century, try to include first-person accounts of slavery. Use the American Slave Narrative , for instance, Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa . This inclusion will demonstrate how inhumane slavery was and will open a good discussion.
Christianity, slavery, and colonialism in the US
The witchcraft trials . Elaborate on religious views of the New England public. How such views made it possible for more than 200 people to be accused of witchcraft. Discuss a Puritan code, the structure of the society, and what type of women were prosecuted.

Salem was an epicenter of the witchcraft trials in the US.

The Boston Tea Party as the key event of the American Revolution. The Boston Tea Party is a highly celebrated event in the history of the US. Discuss why is that? Why is it so important for the Americans? Talk about the birth of patriotism, resistance and the revolt against colonialism. What did the rebels mean by “taxation without representation?”
The American Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. This topic is one of the most popular in the history of the United States. First, you could write about a military battle with Great Britain and the reasons for it. Second, talk about political battles within the US at that period. Examine the establishment of the new nation.
How the Revolutionary war changes American Society
Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
Was the American Revolution really revolutionary?
The meaning of the Constitution. This is one of the most fruitful and fascinating debates in US history. Some people argue that it is written in a very vague way to allow American society to evolve. Others say that its text allows minorities to be deprived of the very things it promises to establish. Elaborate if you find the Constitution to be a liberal, radical, or a conservative document.
Why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. Talk about the first 10 amendments to the Constitution and explore why these amendments are so important. What did the amendments guarantee? Why was The Bill of Rights added to the Constitution in the first place?

James Madison wrote the amendments in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties.

The Founding Fathers’ influence on the US. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence are sacred documents. The Founding Fathers are major figures for the Americans as well. Writing about the influence of the Founding Fathers, select one or two members to focus on. Consider the diversity among the members. How did it help the Founding Fathers in leading the war and framing a sustainable government?
What is the role of the Founding Fathers in American society and religion?
European Colonization influence on the Native American population
Removal of Indian tribes. American History is unjust at times. Explore how unconstitutional the treatment of Indian Americans was and why they find it this way. Look at the way the Founding Fathers addressed this issue. Examining the Indian Removal Act of 1830 will allow you to fully develop this topic. Analyze why the policy was accepted in the first place. Why is it called “ethnic cleansing” by the majority of historians nowadays?
Native Americans lost their freedom
The impact of railroads in America. The rapid expansion of America would be impossible without the railroad construction. The railroads triggered the development of the Midwest and the West. Despite that, the construction of the railroads was highly monopolistic and undemocratic. Comment on the richest men in the US – John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Cornelius Vanderbilt.
The role of cotton in the American economy. The American Economy in the 19th century heavily depended on cotton production. There was even a saying “Cotton is King” that was very popular at that time. Besides cotton, it heavily depended on the slaves. This period in American History is called the Antebellum Era. Look at the role of cotton from several perspectives. How profitable was it? How did slaves contribute to the American economy? How financially unviable was the abolition of slavery?

he cotton plantation is “the Second Middle Passage.

History of American Transcendentalism.
Why was Transcendentalism important for American Culture? The essay can start with a broad explanation of what transcendentalism is. Explain where it started and how it evolved. Explore what views the group had on women’s rights, slavery, education, government, and religion. You could write about the most prominent transcendentalists – Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Thoreau.
Religions in the 19th Century America. Known as the Second Great Awakening or Christian Revivalism, religion in the 19th century America was altered. Look back at the beginning of the American Revolution. Anglicans, Methodists, and Quackers were the fastest-growing religious groups then. Discuss all of them.
The abolition of slavery and the Civil War . A lot of historians believe that slavery in itself did not cause the conflict. In this essay, you could elaborate on this idea and consider the other point of view. For a long essay, write about Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on slavery. His ideas about slavery and racial inequality were one of the most discussed aspects of his entire life. Look at his letters and write about the complexity of his views.
The causes of the Civil War and the aftermath of war. This essay is one of the easiest American history essays to write. Talk about the causes and effects of the Civil War (1861-1865) in the US. Why did it happen? What was achieved?
The struggle over the goal and the meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment . You can elaborate on the goal of the amendment. Was it able to protect the rights of black citizens? Why was it still possible for the states to deny them their right to vote?
How did Reconstruction change the United States after the Civil war?
The Reconstruction governments. What type of reforms did the reconstruction government implement? What positive reforms happened during the Reconstruction Era? You could discuss radical reconstruction and white supremacy that spawned during the Reconstruction period. Elaborate on the idea of manifest destiny. Why was it so popular in the 19th century in the US?
The Compromise of 1850 . Why was reaching the compromise necessary? You can describe the terms of the compromise. Explain what results were achieved: political, economic, and cultural.

🌻 American History 1878-1899

The United States was going through many changes during this period: from various social changes and changes in foreign and domestic policies to rapid economic and cultural changes. This time saw the country changing for the best in some aspects and for the worst in others.

Industrialization after the Civil war. Industrialization of the United States was going on for almost half a century. However, the most impressive growth happened in 1880-1900. The expansion of the steel, iron and oil industries drove the American economy. Comment on all the inventions, technological advancements that happened in the US at that time.
Immigrants and their ideas of the American Dream
Social reforms during the Progressive Era
American Foreign Policy in the 1890s

George Washington's quote from his Farewell Address to the American people.

The importance of the Progressive Era reforms
Race relations during the Progressive Era reforms
Japanese Americans Immigration in the 19th century

🏙️ 20th Century US History Topics

The 20th century for the United States and the world, in general, was highly eventful. Economic crises, two World Wars, the Cold War, and the fight over civil rights. Plus, a huge economic and technological upheaval, the space program.

This list of American History topics after 1900 can be great for those looking for inspiration for a paper.

Here you go:

The door to America— Ellis Island. What are America’s best features? Economic opportunities, political and religious freedom? An abundance of jobs and opportunities? Land and natural resources? All of these made the United States experience the migration flux from all over the world. Elaborate on how Ellis island is a symbol of American immigration and the American dream.

Many immigrants entered the US through Ellis Island

The rise of capitalism
Work environments during the Progressive Era
Women’s suffrage movement in America
The causes and effects of women’s suffrage movement in the US
Changes in American Government after WWI
Is prohibition to blame for the organized crime in The United States?
The economic impact of the Great Depression. The Great Depression is one of the longest economic downturns in the history of the United States. You can talk about several main causes of the crisis. Another good approach would be to analyze the way American presidents handled this crisis.
Japanese American discrimination during the Great Depression
How did Roosevelt plan to end the Great Depression?
The Great Depression and what is the new deal?
The Role of the United States during World War 2
Why did the United States fight and lose the Vietnam War?
The war in Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement
A Comparison of the traditional and the revisionist arguments regarding the Origins of The Cold War
The Cold War and US diplomacy
The Cold War and how it influenced American society

History is tough, but some significant historical events take our breath away even centuries later. Here is our list of cool American history topics. Even if you don’t find any topic that works for you, it can inspire you to look for moments in history that appeal to you personally.

The true Story of Pocahontas: An untold story of a Native American girl. The true story of Pocahontas is covered with myths. Critically examine the story of her life and death. Try to understand it from a standpoint of a 12 years old Native American girl kidnapped by a white colonizer.
Native American tribes in the US History
What was discussed at the Constitutional Convention?
The history of the Statue of Liberty
Henry Ford and how his inventions changed America
Moon landing conspiracy
The war on drugs in US History
Illegal immigrants in the US
The American sense of humor
American pop culture in the 1920s . This time period is called “the roaring twenties.” It was filled with drastic political and cultural changes in the United States. Jazz, flapper culture, prohibition, and economic abundance are important elements of the 1920s.

The 20s were“roaring” due to the popular culture of the decade.

The history of gangs in the US
What did hippies believe in?
History of Hippie’s Culture
Presidential assassinations in the United States History. Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley, and JFK were the only US Presidents murdered while in office. You don’t have to retell the stories of their deaths! Instead, explore how these assassinations triggered some vital political reforms.
The history of the Fifth Amendment

🙌 Most Interesting American History Topics

Use the following list of most interesting US History topics for your next essay. Choose what US history interesting event or a historic figure captures your attention the most.

🧐 US History Regent Topics

The Relationships Between Federal and State Governments
Was there a need to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The Cold War: Origins, Causes, Phases, and the Results
Why and How the Cold War Was Fought
The US Army in the Iraq War
The Iraq War: Background and Issues
Why did the Iraq War go against the plan?
Executive Orders and Presidential Power in the United States
History of the American Constitution
The Turning points of the American Revolution

The Battle of Saratoga was a key turning point of the Revolutionary War.

✊ Black History Essay Topics

Studying the history of the United States without studying slavery is impossible, mainly because the issue of race is ingrained into the DNA of America.

Black African American history allows students to get a different perspective on the same events. It lets them hear the voices that are so often erased from the history books. These African American history essays can help anyone looking for a good topic to write about.

Slave Resistance in the Eighteen Century. Continuously throughout history, African American slaves were portrayed as voiceless and victimized. Others presented them as almost indifferent and passive to their own destiny. You can examine a different perspective, an Afrocentric one. The history of slavery was not the history of passivity, it was a history of black resistance.
African American Music as a Form of Resistance
African American Religion and Spirituality in the United States
The 13th Amendment and the End of Slavery
The Jim Crow Laws in the United States History . Jim Crow Laws were the laws that enforced racial segregation in the country. Dedicate an introduction to discuss where the name “Jim Crow” comes from. Give a historical background to how the laws were used. This topic can make a strong essay because no one can stay indifferent.
Gender and Jim Crow
The Role of Martin Luther King, Jr in The Civil Right Movement
Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream”
Brown vs The Board of Education . The ruling in Brown vs. The Board of Education was one of the most fundamental changes in the US educational system. How did the general public receive the news about the desegregation of public schools? How did the American educational system change after this case?
The Significance of the Harlem Renaissance
Barack Obama: The First African American President
Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms
Has Obama’s Presidency changed America?

The Cowboy Culture in the US
How Did Yellow Journalism Start?
Why is Superman the most American of all the heroes?
The History of American Flag
History of Sports in the United States
History of Thanksgiving Turkey in the United States
How Did Highways Change the United States of America?
American History through Hollywood Film

Sometimes you simply do not have enough time to write a profound essay. These American history topics are relatively easy, and you don’t have to research them a lot. Even if you do, there is a ton of information available.

British Colonization of the Americas
Slavery and racism in the United States
The Puritans Influence on the American Society
The pilgrims and the puritans
The Causes of the Vietnam War
Why Was Martin Luter King Assassinated?
American Moon Landing
What Are Major Events in the US History?
What Started the US History?
What Is the Most Important Piece of the US History?
What Is the US History Summary?
What City Was the First Capital in the US History?
What Was the First American State in the US History?
What Are Some Controversies in the US History?
How Far Was the New Deal a Turning Point in the US History up to 1941?
How the Airplane Industry Changed US History?
What Was President Reagan Known For in the US History?
How Reagan’s Ideology Shaped the US History?
Why Is the Reagan Revolution in the US History?
How Richard Nixon Influenced the US History?
What Vietnam War Showed About US History?
Did the Concept of Imperialism Exist in the US History?
Why Did the Wars in the Middle East Go Down in the US History as Unnecessary?
What Is the Most Popular Ideology in the US History?
How Does the US History Describe George W. Bush?
How Did the Use of Nuclear Weapons in Japan Affect the US History?
What Are Some Horrible and Forgotten Events in the US History?
Is Donald Trump the Second Worst President in the US History?
What Was the Biggest Political Miscalculation in the US History?
Who Is the Most Overrated First Lady in the US History?
How Well Do US History Teachers Really Know About the US History?
Who Was the Wimpiest President in the US History?
Who Are Some of the Great Asian Americans in the US History?
What Was the Most Corrupt Time in the US History?
What Was the Bloodiest Single Day Battle in the US History?
Who Is the Greatest Hero in the US History?
How Did King Philip’s War Change the US History?

Your citation will depend on the type of requirements your instructor will provide you with. You can ask your teacher which style of citation is preferable before the essay writing. The school itself may have specific guidelines for every typeof academic writing.

Chicago, MLA, APA are the main styles of citation in academic writing.

For history essays, there are two key methods of referencing both primary and secondary sources:

In-text citation. In this method, you mention the author and the year in the body of the essay. The list of references is placed at the end of the essay.
Footnote Referencing. In this method, you put a number in the body. It corresponds with the reference at the bottom of each page. At the end of the essay, a list of works read rather than cited should be included.

All the citation entries should be listed in alphabetical order. If you mention the same author multiple times with different works, use chronological order.

Keeping track of all the sources, both read and cited, is time-consuming. For that, students can try to use different online software systems. These systems can help arrange the list alphabetically and correctly organize all the citations.

These digital tools are worth checking out:

Thank you for reading so far! Now you’re ready to start an amazing paper on US history. Share this article with those who may find it helpful, and leave a comment below.

🔗 References

U.S. History and Historical Documents: USAGov, the Official Guide to Government Information and Services.
All Topics: National Museum of American History.
TIMELINE, United States History: World Digital Library.
How Do I Cite Sources: Plagiarism.org.
Citing Primary Sources, Chicago: Teacher Resources, Library of Congress.
Black History, Topical: National Archives.
Black History Month: National Geographic Society.
College Writing: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Writing Historical Essays, A Guide for Undergraduates: Department of History, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Writing an Essay Introduction: Research & Learning Online.
Research and Citation Resources: Purdue Writing Lab, College of Liberal Art.
Citing Your Sources, Citing Basics: Research Guides at Williams College Libraries.
Citing Electronic Sources: Academic Integrity at MIT, a Handbok for Students.
Generate Topic Ideas Quickly and Easily: Online Research Library Questia.
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 12). 153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/

"153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]." IvyPanda , 12 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]'. 12 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]." March 12, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]." March 12, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]." March 12, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

Colonization Essay Ideas
Political Parties Research Ideas
Culture Topics
Demography Paper Topics
Financial Crisis Paper Topics
Ethnographic Paper Topics
Obamacare Questions
Urbanization Ideas

197 Fascinating US History Research Topics To Top The Class

There is no doubt that America is one of the greatest countries in the world. With its rich history and diverse culture, America has something to offer everyone. The good news is that a wealth of information is available on American history, so you will find one of the research topics that interest you. Today, we will talk about those very US history research topics.

Whether you are looking for a specific event in American history or want to learn more about the country, there is plenty of material to help you get started. If unsure where to begin, try starting with a general search on American history. You can also look for specific topics, such as the American Revolution or the Civil War.

Once you have chosen a US History research topic, you’re on the way to greatness.

Table of Contents

US History Research Topics: Classic, Neo-Classic, Mind Blowing

The initial step in writing a research paper on the history of the United States is to decide on a fascinating topic. If you’re experiencing difficulty finding an excellent US History research topic, don’t fret – we have you covered. This article includes a list of intriguing American History research paper topics for your convenience and to help you ace your thesis. You can also avail History Research Help Service to achieve good grades.

Classic US History Research Topics

Voyage to Indies and Discovery of North America
Influence of The New World On the Lives of American Indians
British colonization of North America: Reasons and motives
Life and conditions for early settlers in America
The difference between Southern Colonies and Northern Colonies
The role of women in the Appalachian colonies
The causes of slavery in Newfound America
Benefits and harms of slavery in the United States of America
Puritans influence American society and prejudice against other communities
Conflicts and battles between native Americans and European settlers
The reasons behind American Revolution and war for freedom
Research on Salem Witch Trials: Causes and Consequences
American Revolution War: Causes and Consequences
Status of African-Americans and condition of slavery after the civil war
Who were the pilgrims?

More from our blog: Argumentative Research Topics : Religion, Health, Economics, etc.

Neo-Classical US History Research Topics

Why was the Civil Rights Movement in the United States influential?
Is John Kennedy’s death still a mystery?
Legal Trials and Investigations over JF Kennedy’s Assassination
Media works, documentaries, and films based on the Life and Death of John Kennedy
Cuban Missile Crisis: The Threat of Escalation and War
The reasons behind America fighting the Korean War and its consequences
Primary causes and consequences of The Vietnam War for The United States
Analysis of Apocalypse Now in the light of the Vietnam War
The Iraq War: Causes and Consequences
What was the Cold War?
Was The Iraq War a mistake?
History of the Cold War and its impact on The World and United States
Impacts of the Iraq War on the global scenario
War on Terror in Afghanistan
Reasons behind 9/11 attacks and what could we have done to avoid this?
Importance of political stability in Pakistan for Global Peace
Hiroshima Bombing: The Greatest Crime Against Humanity in the history of humankind
Was the bombing of Hiroshima justified?
Robert Oppenheimer: The Maker Maker of The Atomic Bomb
History of Nuclear Weapons in the light of the sentence “Now I become death, destroyer of the world.”
The attack of Pearl Harbor: The First Major Allies Defeat
The role of the United States in World War II
The Great Depression: Causes and Consequences
The reasons for Americans Entering World War I
Causes and consequences of The National Ban
Purpose of the First Constitution Amendment

American History Research Topics For High School

The role of the Sons of Liberty in the history of the United States
History of Slavery and Racism
Native American opposition against the settlers
A wave of slavery in the United States
President impeachment over moral issues
President’s impeachment over national security
Can the Vietnam War be justified?
Possibilities of neutrality for the United States in World War I
Did the world become safer after the Cold War
Countries involved in The Cold War
The role of America In The Cold War in The Middle East
The history behind the Russo-Ukrainian War and the role of America
Role of Slavery in the American Civil War
Was slavery the only reason behind American Civil War?
Imagine yourself in America of 1776? What would be your role? A revolutionary or not?
Influence of Puritanism On Modern American Culture
The reasons why America is called The Land Of Opportunity
The reasons for the creation of the Articles of Confederation
Difference between North and South American Politics
The influence of George Washington on the results of the American Revolution

Explore some more history research paper topics

US History Research Topics for College

The time of president Jackson
Monroe doctrine: “America is for The Americans.”
Presidency of Jefferson
Conquest of the wild west
Systematic plunder and annihilation of the Indians
Constitution of the united states
Constitutions of the states: the sovereignty of the people, division of powers, the election of positions
Public, church and state separation
Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence: “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
War of independence
Bill of rights; suspension of trade with England
Boston tea party against England
First English emigrants to North America
From the end of the great depression to the consumer fever
The marginalized societies
Black people as a marginalized society
Transgender as a marginalized community
Women as a marginalized community in America
The time of interwar
The great depression
From the civil war to the 1st world war
Consumer society
The war of secession
The war against Mexico
The destruction of Indian cultures
Persecution against Indian People
The policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean during the second presidency of Barack Obama
Americans and political influence in Latin America
Changes in the power equation, strategic constants in the last two centuries
Defense Policies in a Global Economic Context and unstable politician
The United States and anti-Americanism
Cultural identity and national security
Political and economic reforms
The four pillars of US foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere in the 21st century
History of Science and technology in the United States
Work, job insecurity and inequalities youth income in the United States
History of US-Russian relations and the crisis in Ukraine
Hegemony, geopolitics and the United States
The Capitalist World System and the New Alignments Geopolitics in the 21st Century

Political US History Research Topics

Ages of consent and marriage: steps throughout US History
History of sexual freedom in America
The history of Political Science
Political wounds before and after the death of John F. Kennedy
Jimmy Hoffa as, a notable figure
Involvement of Sicilian Mafia in the Political History of the United States
Right to abortion: Past and present
Immigration to the United States over the last century
Evolution in the rights of immigrants
History of Human Rights in The US
History of Capital Punishments
The US In International rankings
Issue of Mass Surveillance: Predictions of George Orwell
Political terrorism by the United States officials
Economic terrorism
Separation of the church from politics
Foundation of Healthcare policies
Issue of national security and crimes against prisoners
War crimes in Iraq
Environmental politics over the year
Business vs. working-class conflicts
Poverty among marginalized societies and the role of the state to overcome the issue
Global politics and the role of America
Religious prejudice in the United States
Racism in Politics
The political history of American capitalism

Let us write your research Paper at Paper Perk: Order a research paper .

US Industry History Research Topics

The United States Patent and Trademark Office
History of Science and Technology in The United States
History of NASA and space quest
Attempts to land on the moon
History of American Medicine and Pharma
History of American discoveries
History of American inventions
Appreciative research about American engineers and industrialists
Research on African-American Inventors
A deep look into the National Investors Hall of Fame
Science and technology in the United States
Industrial revolution in the United States
Role of Capitalism in industrial America
History of Astrophysics
Research in molecular genetics and genomics
Health care in the United States and the History of biotechnology
History of nuclear weapons
Manhattan Project: Historical Aspects
The space race between USA and Russia
Technology during World War I and Technology during World War II
The military-industrial complex in the United States
History of Banking and Finance
History of Wall Street
Labour unions in the United States and Immigration to the United States
The agricultural history of the United States
History of the automobile and Interstate highway system
Ford Vs. Ferrari: Historical Industrial elements portrayed in the movie
History of electromagnetism and War of currents
History of the oil industry and Pennsylvania Oil Rush
The invention of the telephone
History iron industry
History of the steel industry
History of Iron and Steel Manufacturing
History of rail transportation in the United States
Second industrial revolution
Role of industry and technology in World War I
Role of industry and technology in World War II
History of coal mining
Efficiencies introduced during the industrial revolution by motorways and canals
Highways and road structures in the US
History of freeways and canals in the United States
Native American inventors: A more profound look
Native American Industrialists in the United States
Structures and industries built by the indigenous people

Business and industry go side by side; you might want to explore: Business Research Topics through Paper Perk.

International Relations: History of US Research Topics

The institutionalization of Political Science
Studies and Trends in Politics and International Relations
Historical threats to the US International Relations
The origin of international relations
Traditional thought of international relations
The objective study of historical international relations of the United States
Origin of Globalization as the US as the center of it
The United States regarding the international exchange of Technology and cultural industries
Humanitarian intervention, conflicts and genocide
Environment, migrations and development
Security in Relationships Contemporary Internationals

Related to International Relations and Diplomacy: 266 Political Science Research Topics To Get All The Votes

History of Hollywood Research Topics

Filmmakers from New York
Life at Hollywood
History of Visual Effects in American films
Mafia movies as the rise of emerging US Cinema
History of American cinema
Origin and History of Hollywood
History of motion picture
Cinema: from the end of the 19th century to the present day
Reflection of social and historical facts in Hollywood
Pioneering studies on ideological and historical traits
Historical Trends That Have Impacted Movies
Movies explain the past and relate to it
Initial studies on cinema and its impact on the society

Talking about Hollywood, let’s look at some Music research topics

In conclusion, this article has provided 197 US history research topics. With such a wide range of topics, you will find one that interests you. With careful research and a well-written thesis, you can win your supervisor’s heart and write the year’s thesis. If you are still confused, you can contact our writers for an immediate consultation.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

520 Excellent American History Topics & Tips for an A+ Paper

How can you define America? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, studying US history will help you find the answer.

This article will help you dive deeper into this versatile subject. Here, you will find:

Early and modern US history topics to write about. We’ve also got topics for DBQ essays for students taking an AP US history class.
Tips on how to create a great history paper.

Have you checked out our custom writing service yet? Our experts are always ready to help you with your assignments.

🔝 Top 10 American History Topics

✅ how to write a history paper, ⭐ top 10 us history topics to research.

🦅 Topics Before 1865
⚔️ Civil War Topics
🛠️ Reconstruction & Industrialization
🗽 20th Century Topics
🔫 Topics on WWI & II
☮️ Civil Rights Movement Topics
💬 Debatable Topics
✊🏿 Black History Topics
🏞️ Native American Topics
⭐ Topics on Famous People

🔍 References

The ideology of the Black Panthers
How did tenements affect America?
Why was Wilmot Proviso so controversial?
What characterizes the Roaring Twenties?
Cause and effect of the Missouri Compromise
The role of women during the Great Depression
Did anyone profit from the 1929 Stock Market Crash?
Michael Collins’ contribution to the space exploration
How did the US benefit from the Bracero Program?
Brigham Young’s contribution to the development of the West

History writing is controversial by nature. Selecting questions and topics is already a subjective process. On top of that, you need to interpret the sources. So, there is much to think about when it comes to history papers.

We’ve compiled several tips to make it easier for you. Check it out:

Don’t be afraid to disagree . People explain many issues by conventional wisdom. Be skeptical and examine your own bias.
Explore new terrains . Not all historical events get the attention they deserve. Writing about generally neglected topics can yield fascinating results.
Consider how situations change over time . Frame your subject with a start- and endpoint.
Wonder . History is not just descriptions of what happened—it also questions how and why specific events took place.
Avoid relating everything to the present . Examine the past on its own terms. In doing so, keep the chronological order straight.
Don’t judge your subject . Your goal is to understand the past. Remember: moral norms might have been different in the period you’re studying.
Give context . It’s crucial to engage with and interpret your sources. Pinpoint their place in the grand scheme of events.

Finally, you might want to write in the present tense. While this works for other social sciences, it’s not advisable for history. It’s best to keep the past in the past! Also, if you need to construct a MLA title page , there’s nothing wrong in using a specialized tool to do that, as long as it allows you to concentrate on the more important part—writing.

What caused the Red Scare?
What did the Loyalists fight for?
Literacy rates during Puritan times
The effects of the Great Awakening
Why was the Boston Tea Party justified?
The aftermath of the Battle of Bunker Hill
Why was presidential Reconstruction a failure?
The causes of the economic recession of the 1780s
Railroads development role in the Industrial Revolution
Frederick Douglass’s contribution to the abolition of slavery

🦅 Essay Topics on US History before 1865

The period of colonial America is packed with turmoil. Think of the Boston Tea Party or the American Revolution. And these are only two of that era’s most notable events. In this rubric, you’ll find colonial American history essay topics. The period in question starts with the British arrival in the New World and ends with the Civil War.

The origins of Thanksgiving. One idea is to find out why the Pilgrims started celebrating it in the first place. Alternatively, you could examine how it became a national holiday.
Why did the British begin settling in the New World? This topic allows you to explore the rivalry with Spain. Or you could investigate England’s problem with poverty.
Discuss the emergence of joint-stock companies. Who profited from them? What is their legacy? You might also want to study their role in early settling attempts.
Compare and contrast the Jamestown and Plymouth settlements. You can concentrate on areas such as religion and government.

Why did Americans start revolting? An excellent place to begin might be America’s position in global power struggles. The impact of the European Enlightenment movement is also something to consider.
The history of African American culture . Ask yourself these questions: How does it differ from the way it is now? What factors influenced its development?
What problems arose during the drafting of the Constitution? You might want to write about the economic crisis. Other important factors include different interest groups and their expectations.
How did the American Revolution influence society? Your essay can be concerned with its immediate or long-term impact. Find out how women, slaves, and other groups reacted to the revolutionary spirit.
Consequences of the Royal Proclamation of 1783. American settlers didn’t obey the proclamation, but it still proved to be influential. Your paper could discuss why. Perhaps you’d also like to ponder if it was a good idea.
The role of nationalism in the westward expansion. Explore how Americans justified their belief in Manifest Destiny .

Don’t forget to check out these essay topics on early American history:

Why did the settlers start importing slaves?
How did Texas become a sovereign republic?
Why was the American Revolution successful?
Discuss the significance of the Louisiana Purchase.
What events led to the war of 1812 ?
How did the French Revolution impact America?
Describe the changes the American Revolution brought to the states.
What did “American” mean in the 18 th century?
The role of the Sons and Daughters of Liberty in achieving unity.
Why was the right to bear arms included in the Bill of Rights?
The first President of the United States.
Investigate the origins of the two-party system.
Alexander Hamilton’s financial policies: opposition and political consequences .
How did Washington, DC become the national capital?
Trace the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Analyze the importance of cotton for the South’s economy in the 1800s.
How did the relations between the settlers and Native Americans develop over time?
Who formed the abolitionist movement, and why?
How did Kansas become a battleground for proponents and opponents of slavery?
Who were the Border Ruffians?
What was the Compromise of 1850 ?
Consequences of the Mexican-American war.
Long-term influences of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin .
Compare the real Underground Railroad with the Underground Femaleroad in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale .
The Declaration of Independence and its legacy.
What did the philosophy of transcendentalism entail?
Abigail Adams and the fight for women’s rights in the new republic.
Who was Daniel Shays?
Trace the ratification process of the United States’ Constitution.
What problems arose with the Missouri Compromise ?
The revival of religion in the US after achieving independence.
How did the mass immigration of Germans and Irish people impact the US?
Nativism in the US: riots and the politics of the Know-Nothings.
How did the South and the North respectively argue for and against slavery?
Investigate the emergence of the “Old American West.”
Study the connection of the blue jeans’ invention with the California gold rush .
Describe a day in a life of a slave.
Why was the Dred Scott Decision significant?
How does the 1860 election relate to the southern states seceding from the Union?
Explain the term “popular sovereignty.”

⚔️ Civil War Topics for Your Paper

In the pre-war period, tensions in the US over state rights and slavery were high. The differences seemed impossible to overcome. Eventually, this led to several southern states seceding from the Union. What followed was the bloodiest war ever to take place on American ground. In writing about the Civil War, you can explore military, political, and social issues.

Did the South ever have a chance to win? The conflict seemed to be heavily in favor of the more industrialized North. Still, it took four years of fighting to get the South to surrender. Your essay could examine the South’s underestimated strengths.
Compare and contrast the South’s and North’s economic situation on the eve of the Civil War . You might want to investigate the following questions: What did they produce? How did this influence the decision to wage war?
How did the Emancipation Proclamation affect the war? You could focus on the contributions of African American soldiers.
Discuss the fatal mistakes made on the battlefields of the Civil War. What decisive moments impacted its results the most? Your paper might explore what the generals could have done differently.
Was the Civil War inevitable ? It may be interesting to contemplate a possible compromise. In doing so, think about whether this would have merely delayed the war.
The general public’s position on the Civil War. It might be compelling to analyze who supported the effort and why. One focal point could be on differences between social classes.
The role of beliefs during the Civil War. You could investigate what the South and the North respectively held sacred. Were religious beliefs a crucial motivator for one or both sides?
The “Angel of the Battlefield”: Clara Barton. An essay could analyze how she contributed to the recognition of women’s war participation. It could also examine how it forwarded the struggle for women’s rights.

What were the political reasons to fight the Civil War? Investigating this question might yield surprising insights.
Contrasting Stonewall Jackson and Ulysses Grant might be engaging for those who are interested in military strategies.

Do you want more? Have a look at the following topic samples for high and middle school students:

Analyze why Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address became a critical moment in American history.
Was the Civil War justified?
Why was Fort Sumter relevant?
How did the Civil War battles impact the American social sphere?
What does the notion of the “Lost Cause” mean?
Would the election of a different man other than Abraham Lincoln as president have prevented the Civil War?
Why did many former slaves enlist in the Union army after the Emancipation Proclamation?
Describe the consequences of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination .
Why was slavery essential for the South?
Foreign US policy during the 1860s.
European reactions on the American Civil War.
How did Jefferson Davis’ government differ from Abraham Lincoln’s ?
Analyze the notion “A rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.” Why was this especially true in the South?
Why did the Union rely heavily on blockades to weaken the Confederation?
Examine how Mary Boykin Chesnut’s A Diary from Dixie reflects on the war.
How did the war affect life in the South vs. the North ?
Investigate the events that led to the Union victory in 1864-65.
Was the abolitionist movement the catalyst for the war?
The impact of industrialization on the battlefield.
What technologies emerged during the Civil War?
Discuss the societal effects of war photography .
How did the Civil War affect the many immigrants who recently entered the United States?
Did the American Civil War impact the rest of the globe? If so, how?
Can one consider Abraham Lincoln one of the best presidents in American history? If so, why?
Compare and contrast the most important generals and their tactics.
Debate the influence of Manifest Destiny on exacerbating tensions.
What states were devastated the most after the war, and why?
Describe the South’s and North’s goals during the Civil War.
What does the term “Bleeding Kansas” mean?
Newspaper coverage of the Civil War in the South vs. the North.
Analyze various letters to understand how people from different backgrounds perceived the Civil War .
Art and theater in 1860s America.
Debate how sectionalism and protectionism contributed to pre-war tensions in the US.
Why did the Crittenden Compromise fail?
How did the border states perceive the battles of the Civil War?
Explore the war contributions and legacy of Mary Edwards Walker.
The importance of the US navy in leading the Union to victory.
What happened on the West Coast during the Civil War?
Trace a timeline of the Civil War’s key battles.
Nation-building and national identity: how did the Civil War shape the idea of “Americanness”?

🛠️ Essay Topics on Reconstruction & Industrialization

After the war, industrialization was rapidly changing the American landscape. Additionally, restoring the order after years of fighting proved a challenge. In abolishing slavery, Republicans took the first step to ensure constitutional rights for African Americans. But not everyone shared the same viewpoints. Dive deeper into these confusing times with one of our topics on American history before 1877:

Why did scholars initially view the Reconstruction Era in a bad light ? When answering this question, you can focus on the idea of “Black Supremacism.” You also might want to analyze what compelled them to shift their perspective.
Another option is investigating what caused Reconstruction to fail . You can further argue where it succeeded and perhaps offer a new interpretation.
Maybe you’d prefer an essay on why the Reconstruction Era mattered . This topic allows you to highlight crucial contemporary debates still relevant today.
Tracing the origins of the Ku-Klux-Klan has much to offer. You can link this topic to today and question if handling them has changed.
Why did President Johnson veto the enactment of the Civil Rights Act in 1866? It might be interesting to contrast his political reasoning and his personal beliefs.
Compare the phases of Reconstruction. How did the concept change from Lincoln’s initial plans to President Johnson’s execution?
How did urbanization affect American life? Your paper could contrast life in the city and the countryside. You can take economic, social, and health factors into account.
How did the American landscape change during industrialization? You might want to examine city growth and architecture.
The invention of electricity was one of the most important events in human history. It might be compelling to wonder what side effects its implementation had.
Why not investigate the symbolism of skyscrapers? Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead is a fascinating source for this subject.

But wait, that’s not all of it. We’ve got more, including topics on American history since 1877:

Did the situation for freedmen improve after Reconstruction?
How did industrialization affect African Americans?
Discuss what consequences the Compromise of 1877 had.
The role of transportation during industrialization .
How does an assembly line work?

The first ever assembly line was installed by Henry Ford.

The invention of the automobile.
Describe in what ways mass production affected American society.
What was the Panic of 1873?
Long-term effects of Plessy v. Ferguson.
How did the Freedmen’s Bureau help former slaves?
Why did rebuilding the South prove so difficult?
Debate the effects of the print revolution on American society.
What was the primary goal of Reconstruction?
How did the Reconstruction Act affect politics in the South?
What caused the formation of Radical Republicans?
The transformation of leisure in late 19 th century America.
Analyze why landownership was a crucial issue in establishing African American equality.
Was President Johnson’s attempted impeachment in 1868 justified?
How did the US government help exacerbate the wealth gap in the late 19 th century?
What changes did transcontinental railroad transportation bring?
How did John D. Rockefeller influence the American economy?
The role of oil in industrializing America.
Discuss the relevance of the Great Upheaval.
Changing gender roles in times of urbanization.
Industrialization and Education: obstacles and opportunities for women and African Americans.
Analyze how industrialization and urbanization in the USA challenged old values.
How did the American newspaper business change in the 19 th century?
The impact of sensationalism on the American public.
Why did steel become such a crucial material during the late 1800s?
What caused the Reconstruction Era to come to an end?
How did contemporary cartoons attempt to depict the mood during Reconstruction?
What problems did Ulysses S. Grant have to face with his administration?
Compare and contrast reconstruction measures in various states.
Why did cities become increasingly attractive for America’s rural population in the 19 th century?
Examine the significance of the Slaughterhouse Cases.
Determine the difference between Presidential Reconstruction and Radical Reconstruction?
From the black code to Jim Crow: institutionalized racism in the southern states.
The combined rise of populism and imperialism in the 1800s.
Discuss the significance of regional differences during industrialization .
The impact of labor unions on the American work environment.

🗽 20th Century US History Topics to Write About

By the turn of the century, the US was a significant global player. Events such as the Great Depression affected the whole world. In addition, American contributions to the arts changed the cultural sphere forever. If you’re looking for modern US history thematic essay topics, this section is for you.

Why did the “final frontier” gain such importance in the 20 th century? Your essay could examine if the space race was an extension of Manifest Destiny.
How did the Titanic’s sinking influence innovation and safety regulations ? The ship was the biggest and most technologically advanced ocean liner at the time. Carrying over 2000 passengers, it sank on its maiden voyage. Investigating its legacy might yield fascinating results.
How did progressivism shape the political landscape in America at the turn of the century? In the early 1900s, the USA was almost a different country than it was 50 years prior. How did this happen? And who were the leading figures of this process?
Are you curious about the development of American workplace laws? Write about the consequences of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire .
If you’re into corporate history, look into the rise and fall of America’s formerly largest retailer, Sears.
The real William Randolph Hearst vs. his portrayal in David Fincher’s Mank . This topic allows you to combine film theory and the history of American journalism.
The impact of Citizen Kane on movies around the globe. To this day, Citizen Kane is considered one of the most influential films ever made. In a paper on the 1941 masterpiece, you can focus on what made it special. Which features are still prominent in cinema today?
How did the eugenics movement affect American society? You might want to investigate marriage laws or forced sterilizations.
Consequences of the Spanish-American War . The brief battle didn’t last long, but its impact was immense. Your essay could highlight the war as a stepping stone to making the US a global power.
Escalating racial violence: The Rosewood Massacre. In 1923, the entire town of Rosewood, Florida, was wiped out by white aggressors. How did racial tensions get so far?

Haven’t found anything yet? Here are some other American history thesis topics for you to explore:

The impact of the Cold War on the American economy.
What caused the Great Depression ?
Ellis Island as a beacon of hope for immigrants and refugees.
The transformation of the American school system in the 1920s.
What were pop art’s main concepts?
Moral vs. political considerations during the annexation of Hawaii.
Who were the Social Gospel preachers?
John Dewey’s role in advancing education.
What sources fueled American progressivism ?
Trace the timeline of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
What was laissez-faire capitalism?
How did President Woodrow Wilson reform businesses?
A dive into the speakeasy culture.
How did the widespread availability of cars impact American dating life?
Prohibition : reasons and consequences.
Connecting arts and civil rights: The Harlem Renaissance .
Al Capone and the rise of organized crime in the 1920s.
What was the New Deal, and why was it necessary?
How did FDR’s “Alphabet Agencies” help the economy after the Great Depression?
Explore the funding of the UN.
Discuss the significance of the Berlin Airlift.
Screen rebels: how James Dean and Marlon Brando changed American cinema forever.
Find a connection between McCarthyism and the Salem Witch Trials.
How did affordable television perpetuate the idea of the ideal American family?
Analyze the political consequences of the Watergate scandal.
A new American culture: variety shows in the 1950s.
The origins of Rock’n’roll .
What caused the US to slide into inflation in the 1970s?
Counterculture literature in the middle of the century: The Beat Generation.
The aftermath of the Vietnam War .
What made John F. Kennedy a popular president ?
The development of Hippie culture in the 1960s.
Reproductive rights and the rise of American feminism in the late 20 th century.
Intertwining show-business and government: Ronald Reagan’s presidency .
Outline the tactical maneuvers of Operation Desert Storm.
How did MTV revolutionize the music industry ?
Why did drug use become an existential problem in America during the 1970s and 80s?
American environmental reform policies from 1960 to 1980.
’70s fashion as a social and political statement in the US.
How did the sexual revolution redefine American social life?

🔫 Topics about America in World Wars I & II

America during the World Wars is an engaging writing prompt. But it may be too broad for an essay. That’s why it makes sense to narrow your focus. Which area do you find most interesting about the subject? For example, you can choose between culture, economy, technology, and, of course, the military.

Repressions and progress went hand in hand in the postwar US. Writing about the impact of WWI on domestic American politics would give you various directions to research.
President Woodrow Wilson was against entering the war until 1917. What events led the US to break its neutrality?
Many Germans of the time called the Treaty of Versailles a “dictate of shame.” It is often considered a significant reason for World War II. What was the US’ position on the Treaty of Versailles?
After WWI, America followed isolationist politics. Until 1941, when they declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Could the USA have stayed out of WWII?
How did WWII affect the American economy? Think about military needs and rationing.
President Woodrow Wilson was a fierce supporter of the League of Nations. But congress coerced him not to have the USA join. Should America have become a member of this organization?

How did American civilians contribute to the war effort? Your essay can focus specifically on women. Be sure to examine new arrangements in daily life.
If you’re more into art, why not analyze how the world wars influenced American art?
WWII changed all aspects of American life, including their diet. What new methods of food preservation emerged during that time?
Another fascinating topic to engage in is propaganda and advertisement in the US during WWII. Your focus might lie on how they targeted different members of society.

Don’t forget to read the rest of our topics on this issue:

Evaluate Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points program.
How did the American army recruitment work in WWII?
“Kilroy was here”: examine where the mysterious slogan comes from.
Outline the history of Japanese Americans in Japanese internment camps.
US spies: where and how did they operate?
The Manhattan Project: trace the making of the atomic bomb.
How did migration shape American society in the 1930s and ‘40s?
The notion of freedom in America before, during, and after the wars.
What role did communication play for the military in WWI vs. WWII?
Canadian-American relations during WWII.
How did the wars spur transportation developments in the US?
Discuss the significance of D-Day .
Could the allies have won WWII without the USA?
Why did America emerge as a “Global Policeman” after the world wars?
The effects of National Socialism in America.
In what ways does the outcome of WWII still influence American society today?
Compare and contrast military strategies in Europe vs. the Pacific.
Was the dropping of the atomic bomb necessary?
After the Little Boy’s devastating results, why did the American government decide to drop Fat Man?
What made the Zimmerman telegram such a central document for American war participation?
What happened to prisoner-of-war camps in the US after the fighting was over?
Compare the leadership styles of Franklin D. Roosevelt in WWII and Woodrow Wilson in WWI.
Why did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor ?
What methods did the American government use to conceal their operations?
Growing up in the ‘40s: how did the war impact the manufacture of toys?
Which medical advancements were helpful to American soldiers in WWII that didn’t yet exist in WWI?
How did the 1940s fashion in the USA reflect the global situation?
Did the two world wars change the civil rights situation for African Americans? If so, how?
How did the war affect employment in the US?
What was unique about the Higgins boats?
The role of submarines in WWI.
How did America cooperate with the allied forces in Europe in WWI?
Discuss how the American citizens reacted to being drawn into WWI vs. WWII.
Did anyone in the US profit from the wars? If so, who?
Describe how American families changed during WWII.
What stories do letters that soldiers sent to their families back home tell?
Joseph Heller’s depiction of World War II in the novel Catch-22 .
Compare and contrast memory culture concerning WWII in Russia vs. the USA.
How did the perception of America on the global stage change after World War I?
The role of women in the US military.

☮️ Essay Topics About the Civil Rights Movement

The struggle for African American equality finally intensified in the 1950s and 60s. Influential figures such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks emerged. Their resilience inspired countless others. Seventy years later, the fight is far from over. The rights of minorities and people of color are still a crucial topic in American society today.

Nine months before the Montgomery Bus Boycott , Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat to a white woman. Yet, Rosa Parks is the one commonly associated with sparking the event. Why is Claudette Colvin often ignored in history?
Everybody knows Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr , but who were the Civil Rights Movement’s lesser-known figures? Start your research with Aurelia Browder and Susie McDonald.
Which concepts and themes can you find in Martin Luther King Jr. ’s I Have A Dream speech ? One idea is to focus on how he expresses hope and freedom for black Americans.

Which committees and organizations were central to the Civil Rights Movement’s success ? Discuss the roles of the SNCC, CORE, and NAACP.
What makes Malcolm X a controversial figure? Be sure to mention his nationalist ideas and membership in the Nation of Islam.
The Little Rock Nine: what made their integration into Little Rock Central High School difficult? In your research paper, you can write about harassment issues and military intervention.
What did the Civil Rights Act of 1957 change? On the one hand, you can talk about the history of voter rights. On the other, you might want to investigate how the public reacted to the new law.
If you prefer personal stories, you can trace Ruby Bridges’ experiences. She became famous as the first black person to go to an all-white school. She’s still alive today.
History can be ugly. If you’re not afraid to encounter violence during your research, check out the Freedom Rides. How did they help attract international attention to the Civil Rights Movement?
Consequences of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Did the movement die with him? How did the government respond?

Are you curious for more? Have a look at these prompts:

Compare the modern Black Lives Matter movement with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
What did the Black Panthers party achieve?
The best way to teach about the Civil Rights Movement in 8 th grade.
What happened at the Greensboro sit-ins?
Why did the civil rights activists encounter so much violence, even though they mostly protested peacefully ?
Compare and contrast Gandhi’s methods and those of Martin Luther King Jr.
Why was Bloody Sunday a crucial moment for the Civil Rights Movement
What was the “long, hot summer”?
Examine the creation of the Kerner Commission.
The role of students in advancing civil rights for African Americans.
What rights did black Americans gain through the Civil Rights Movement
Describe the Nation of Islam’s goals.
Who were the members of the Black Panther Party ?
What distinguishes the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s from previous movements to establish more rights for African Americans?
Give a brief overview of the most important Supreme Court decisions concerning the struggle for equality.
The importance of the church for the Civil Rights Movement.
Compare the effects of various marches for freedom.
What made Martin Luther King Jr. a great leader for the movement?
How did the murder of Emmett Till affect the public’s view on segregation and racism?
How did the press support or hinder the Civil Rights Movement ?
Loving v. Virginia: legacy and contemporary significance.
What did the notion of “miscegenation” entail?
What were the Jim Crow laws ?
Describe the goals and achievements of Operation Breadbasket.
Who was Stokely Carmichael?
Analyze Ralph Abernathy’s autobiography And the Walls Came Tumbling Down . Why do some people consider it controversial?
Debate the criticism brought up against the Congress of Racial Equality.
Why did some civil rights activists in the 1960s radicalize?
Did the election of Barack Obama mark the end of the struggle for equal rights?
Discuss the success of the Baton Rouge bus boycott.
What events led to Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Voting Rights Act?
Examine Coretta Scott King’s career after her husband’s passing.
Investigate conspiracy theories concerning James Earl Ray’s role in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
The publishing and writing process of Malcolm X’s autobiography.
How and why did the 2020 election undermine parts of the Voting Rights Act?
Is studying the Civil Rights Movement still relevant today? If so, why?
How did CORE help desegregate schools in Chicago?
Who is Jesse Jackson?
Contemporary commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement.
How did John F. Kennedy’s death impact the Civil Rights Movement?

💬 Debatable US History Topics to Research

Controversy has been a constant companion of American history. And it’s not only questionable segregation practices that are up for debate. Women’s and LGBT rights, as well as welfare programs, are issues still unresolved today. If you want argumentative or persuasive essay topics about American history, check out this section.

Memories are always socially constructed. “How do various communities around the US perceive monuments of slaveholders?” is an engaging question to explore in your essay.
In 1995, an exhibition at the Smithsonian centered around the Enola Gay sparked a nationwide controversy. Critics said the exhibit focused too much on the Japanese suffering the nuclear bomb dropped from the aircraft caused. Was that criticism justified?
In the past, Colonial Williamsburg’s issues with slavery were often overlooked. Instead, when creating and developing the historical site, the focus lay on its democratic values. Is Colonial Williamsburg still a good place to learn about American history?
What does the Liberty Bell stand for today? You can include recent and older controversies surrounding the location and custody of the bell.
Tracing the history of LGBT rights will yield many debatable insights. Which court decisions would you consider especially controversial, and why?
The legacy of the Centralia massacre in 1919: are the events linked to the Red Scare? How did the town try to obscure the truth?
In 1887, President Eisenhower supported a campaign to promote patriotism. Part of this was the addition of “under God” to the American Pledge of Allegiance. Analyze the debates surrounding the issue.
The history of prostitution laws in the US. Your thesis could suggest a connection between decriminalizing sex work and the workers’ wellbeing.
In the 2020 election, several states voted to legalize not only marijuana but also other drugs. History shows many movements to legalize recreational drug use. What was different now?
Many older Disney cartoons depict racist stereotypes. The question of adjusting them to modern values sparked much debate. Using this discussion to explore how America should deal with problematic media from the past might be promising.

Keep reading and discover more controversial United States history topics.

Did President Barack Obama deserve his Nobel Peace Prize?
What did the US gain from the Iraq War ?
Would Germany have won WWII without America’s intervention?
Should the presidents of the previous century have done more to promote animal rights ?
Given its historical context, should we keep celebrating Thanksgiving?
Why did it take so long for American women to achieve legally equal rights ?
Find historical reasons why the US never instituted universal healthcare.
The necessity of cow’s milk in America: past vs. present.
Was the annexation of Puerto Rico justified?
Did the Chicano Movement achieve positive changes for Mexican Americans?
John F. Kennedy’s most controversial presidential actions.
The ratification of the 8 th amendment.
Was the government’s response to 9/11 justified?
The role of faith in American history before 1877 and after.
Who or what caused the US’ drug overdose epidemic?
HIV/AIDS denialism in America in the 1990s.
What should Locust Grove do to restore its deteriorating African American cemetery? Can the place be considered a historical site?
Why did some states introduce felon disenfranchisement in 1792? Did the new law spark any outrage?
Trace the historical timeline of the same-sex marriage debate.
The USA has always been a country of immigrants. How did this lead to immigration being a fiercely discussed topic nowadays?
How did the US contribute to the current instability in the Middle East?
Was the “Lost Generation” reckless?
How do US historians influence public opinion?
Does the Red Scare reflect on Russian-American relations today?
Should Bill Clinton have stayed in office ?
Discuss the benefits of being a hippie in the 60s.
Can the members of the Beat Generation serve as role models for travel enthusiasts today?
Roe v. Wade : what made the court case a turning point in the fight for women’s reproductive rights?
Did American feminism become too radical by the late 19 th century?
The rise and fall of DDT: Why was it allowed in the first place?
What should US history education for high school students look like?
From a historical perspective, does the reality in Watchmen seem like a likely scenario for the future?
Psychiatric methods in early 1900s America.
The role of performance-enhancing drugs in the history of American sports achievements.
Why do some people believe that the moon landing was staged?
Criticism against Ayn Rand’s objectivism and its influence.
Before opening America’s first women’s hospital, gynecologist J. Marion Sims experimented on slaves. Should he still be celebrated as the ‘father’ of modern gynecology?
Is the notion of “American Century” accurate?
American exceptionalism in the 20 th century vs. now.
Has technological innovation always been beneficial for the American public?

✊🏿 Black History Topics for an Essay

African American experiences are still very different than those of their white compatriots. That’s why it’s crucial to analyze people of color’s perspectives of and contributions to history. Black history includes thematic topics on education, society, and culture.

Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave adapts the 1853 memoirs of Solomon Northup. Though the film doesn’t shy away from brutal images, critics argued it was too soft. Should film writers surrender accurate historical representation to make their content more accessible?
After the Civil War, slavery was officially banned in the US. Still, the South continued to find ways to exploit black labor. Examine the consequences of new methods such as convict leasing and sharecropping .
Many of those who opposed slavery complied with the system by staying silent or inactive. What did this mean for the reality of African Americans? Why didn’t these people stand up?
A paper on what caused the Red Summer of 1919 can focus on the South to North migration of African Americans during WWI.
In the 20 th century, the Great Migration relocated many African Americans. How did this event impact the development of black culture? Your paper could concentrate on art movements or political activism.
The GI Bill promised financial benefits to veterans. But former black soldiers didn’t profit as much as their white compatriots. To analyze a concrete example of racist inequality, you can write about how the GI Bill affected African American veterans.
For decades, American universities did their best to keep African Americans from receiving higher education . How is education inequality still impacting black students today?
After WWI, Tulsa was a prosperous city home to the so-called “ Black Wall Street .” Then the Tulsa Race Massacre happened, and the area was left in shambles. Explore the moving history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District.
Do you want to investigate the powerful interplay between cinema and reality? Dedicate your essay to the connection between D.W. Griffith’s 1915 picture The Birth of a Nation and the Ku Klux Klan’s revival. What did this mean for black lives in the early 20 th century?
Pan-Africanism in the United States: Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Writing about this topic, you might want to highlight African American nationalism in the 20 th century.

Are none of these prompts for you? Don’t worry; we’ve got more African American history paper topics for college students:

Booker T. Washington vs. W. E. B. Du Bois: similarities and disagreements.
African American innovators who never received credit for their inventions.

The most important African American inventors.

From Hiram Rhodes Revels and Shirley Chisholm to Barack Obama: African Americans who paved the way for modern American democracy .
Should the US government pay reparations to descendants of former slaves?
Sojourner Truth : how did the former slave fight to end injustice?
How did job competition in the North intensify racial tensions in the 20 th century?
The accomplishments of Dorothy Johnson Vaughan.
Ida B. Wells’ legacy and the history of lynching in America.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month, and why is it important?
What does Juneteenth commemorate?
Histories of the most famous black scientists in the United States.
How did the geographic distribution of black people in America transform over time?
Key activists of the abolitionist movement .
How did African Americans contribute to NASA’s success?
African Americans in the age of Prohibition: views and effects.
Juxtapose the development of black rights and felon rights.
Analyze the significance of Marian Anderson’s show on the National Mall for the Civil Rights Movement.
African American women in the beauty business: the story of Madame C. J. Walker.
What motivated many black Americans to fight in WWI voluntarily?
How did enslaved people manage to escape to the Northern states ?
Compare the origins and outcomes of the Civil Rights Movement’s various marches.
The New Deal’s effect on African Americans.
Explore the connection between black history in the US and cotton .
What does the term “black flight” mean, and why might the phenomenon be a problem?
How did white capping inhibit the development of black communities?
What were the goals of the Che Lumumba Club?
Analyze the Regents of the University of California v. Bakke case. What did its outcome mean for equality?
What makes Angela Davis a crucial figure in the black history discourse?
Analyze how Jackie Robinson broke the “color line” to pave the way for African American participation in professional sports.
Discuss the long-term consequences of the Tuskegee experiment.
How did the Watts Riots affect African American communities in California?
Explore the origins of Kwanzaa.
African American poetry before 1877: Lucy Terry’s Bars Fight .
Not so free after all: enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law.
Did the situation for American people of color improve after the implementation of Affirmative Action laws? If so, how?
Trailblazing black Americans in education.
How did sports help promote equality for African Americans in the 1900s?
Who were the Scottsboro boys?
Journalism’s fight for social justice: The Crisis magazine then and now.
How did Prohibition help dissolve segregation?

🏞️ Native American Topics to Write About

Much effort has gone into improving the relations between Americans and the indigenous peoples. Unfortunately, this hasn’t always been the case. The history of native Americans is tainted with cruel battles. Taking a closer look reveals the interplay of various cultures and customs.

Pocahontas is one of the most renowned figures in Native American history. Compare Pocahontas’ real life vs. how she is depicted in the media. Why was she often romanticized?
How did Andrew Jackson’s government justify the Indian Removal Act ? Moral standards during that time and economic reasoning might be a compelling area to focus on.
Native American participation in American wars. The colonists fought many battles with each other. France, Spain, and England all competed for the new territory. Did Native Americans participate in these fights? If so, whose side were they on?
African peoples were not the only ones who suffered serfdom. Your research paper could cover the colonial enslavement of Native Americans .
In the 18 th century, settlers and natives negotiated a variety of treaties. What did they say? Were these treaties ever beneficial for the natives?
The Indian Appropriations Act of 1851 organized Native American lives into reservations. What did life look like for natives in these reservations? Additionally, you could examine how reservations affect their lives today.
Attempts to deal with Native Americans included assimilation and “civilization.” How did these methods work out? For a concrete example, investigate Henry Pratt’s Carlisle Indian Industrial school.
If you want to know more about Indian belief systems, research the emergence of the Ghost Dance. Originating in the late 19 th century, many native communities adapted the new tradition.
Geronimo escaped captivity countless times before turning himself in. How did he do that? Your essay can look at his beliefs and this geographical knowledge.
The Narragansett was the first tribe to encounter European settlers. What were their relations? How did they develop? Consider territorial struggles and the role of Roger Williams.

Are you looking for something else? Check out these US history essay questions and prompts:

Compare and contrast American and Australian historical relations to their native population.
What events led to the breakout of King Philip’s War?
Ancient Indian burial rituals and modern myths.
How did the Cherokees rebuild their lives after the Trail of Tears?
Sacagawea’s contribution to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Great Native American leaders: Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.
What happened at the Battle of the Little Bighorn?
Consequences for Native American lives after the proclamation of 1763.
The crucial role of Navajo Code Talkers in WWII.
How did integration into American culture transform tribal life for different tribes?
Explore naming customs of various Native American tribes.
Is Black Elk Speaks an accurate representation of Lakota culture?
What did the American Indian Movement achieve?
What makes the Massacre of Wounded Knee significant?
Trace Leonard Peltier’s career in politics and activism.
Chief Tecumseh and the Indian confederacy.
Compare and contrast the cultures of native tribes from various regions in America before colonization.
How did American policies regarding the indigenous population change from the Mayflower’s arrival until now?
What happened to California’s extensive Native American population after it became a state?
The development of Native American music.
Traditional Cherokee farming tools and techniques.
Native Americans and religion : what compelled some chiefs to convert to Christianity?
How did N. Scott Momaday’s House Made of Dawn shape indigenous cultures’ image for the general public?
How did native spiritualism relate to the environment?
Gender roles of the Sioux tribe before 1900.
The greatest battles between First Nations and Americans.
Why were the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee considered the “ Five Civilized Tribes ”?
America’s first native newspaper: The Cherokee Phoenix and its modern equivalent.
How did many of today’s Native Americans become entangled with alcohol and gambling ?
Myths and speculations on the ancient origins of indigenous Americans.
Economic development of Native American tribes in the 20 th century.
Why did Cochise and his Apache warriors raid American settlements?
Trace the history of indigenous feminism.
What were the blood quantum laws, and why were they introduced?
Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill: forging an unlikely friendship.
The accomplishments of Oglala Lakota chief Red Cloud.
How did the Louisiana Purchase impact First Nations in the region ?
The history of Native Americans in law and politics.
The political aftermath of the Sand Creek Massacre
Cheyenne warrior societies: the emergence of Dog Soldiers as a separate band.

⭐ Topics on Famous People in American History

People shape history. Many of America’s leading historical figures made it to global importance. This section provides you with history essay topics on American artists, presidents, innovators, and more.

The “King of Pop” Michael Jackson died a decade ago. Why is he still one of the most debated American celebrities? Your essay could focus on the controversial allegations of child abuse towards him.
The social influence of Benjamin Franklin’s journalism is an enticing topic. It allows you to look at the founding father from a different angle. Make sure to include in your essay his desire to educate Americans in morality.
John Harvey Kellogg was a progressive healthcare leader. He was also a fierce follower of Adventism. If you endorse obscure things, write about Kellogg’s “warfare with passion.”
Mural made Jackson Pollock famous. Reflect on his career before and after the painting. How did the artist find his passion for drip painting?
As a First Lady, Betty Ford was a strong advocate for women’s rights. But her political influence didn’t end with her husband’s career. Discuss Betty Ford’s accomplishments after her time in the White House. Mention her addiction and the subsequent establishment of the Betty Ford Center.
In 1935, J. Edgar Hoover founded the FBI. In his later years, he became a controversial figure due to his abuses of power . Examine Hoover’s investigations of subversion. What do you find surprising about them?
Before his brother’s assassination, Bobby Kennedy wasn’t particularly popular in the US. Analyze his speeches during his political career after the event. What made him a compassionate orator?
The Kennedy-Nixon debates provide a rich foundation for those interested in political campaigning. How did the public react to them? What did the polls say? Keep in mind that it was America’s first televised presidential debate.
If you seek to combine environmentalism and politics, Al Gore is your man. How did Al Gore shape America’s political discourse in the 2000s? Consider his loss against George Bush in the controversial 2000 election.
Literature enthusiasts know Allen Ginsberg for his explicit poem Howl . How did he express his political and social activism in his works? You could focus on his fight for free speech and the Howl trial.

We’ve got more topics on regents and other famous Americans for you to check out:

Just Say No: Nancy Reagan and the failure of her anti-drug campaign.
Why was Abraham Lincoln such a controversial figure?
Kurt Cobain and Nirvana: the voice of the ‘90s youth.
Ronald Reagan was an actor before he became president. What drove him into politics?
What circumstances made Donald Trump’s presidency possible?
Why was Jimmy Carter such an unpopular president?
Discuss what Eleanor Roosevelt achieved for women.
Stanley Kubrick: was he the greatest filmmaker of the 20 th century?
The role of First Ladies before the Civil War.
Judith Butler’s influence on American feminism.
Margaret Sanger: the initiator of the birth control movement.
How did Oprah Winfrey get to where she is now?
Steve Jobs and the revolution of computer technology.
Research the mysterious Zodiac Killer and his ciphers. Why were many people obsessed with him?
How did the Wright Brothers shape the history of aviation?
Amelia Earhart’s disappearance: myths and facts.
J. Robert Oppenheimer’s contributions to physics.
Bruce Lee and the transformation of martial arts.
How did O.J. Simpson end up in the US’ most famous car chase?
Charles Goodyear and the road to vulcanized rubber.
Creating nanotechnology : the legacy of Eric Drexler.
Muhammad Ali’s influence on raising awareness for Parkinson’s research.
Describe how Bobby Fischer impacted the world of chess.
What made Chuck Norris so famous?
How did Marilyn Monroe change the American attitude towards sexuality?
Truman Capote’s role in advancing LGBT rights.
Harper Lee’s biography after the publishing of To Kill A Mockingbird .
Transforming science fiction: the legacy of Philip K. Dick .
Andy Warhol as a global anti-capitalist icon.
Bringing quantum physics forward: the brilliance of Richard Feynman.
Samuel Colt and the consequences of inventing the revolver.
Analyze the significance of Helen Keller’s work for women’s and disabled persons’ rights.
How did Sam Walton become the wealthiest American in 1985?
Discuss the importance of Thurgood Marshall for the Civil Rights Movement.
What inspired Bill W. to found Alcoholics Anonymous ?
Paving the way for gay politicians: the activism of Harvey Milk .
What was Louis B. Mayer’s management style with MGM?
Walt Disney : who was the person behind the chipper cartoons?
Trace Estée Lauder’s success story.
How did Olympia Brown contribute to advance gender equality in the religious sphere?

We hope you found your ideal essay or project topic on US history. Good luck with your assignment!

Navigating US History: A Student’s Guide to Research Paper Topics

As a student of history, you’re on a constant journey through time. Writing a research paper is more than just an assignment—it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the events and periods that shaped the world we live in today. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for fresh perspectives on well-trodden paths, this guide will provide a comprehensive list of US history research paper topics.

Table of content

The Importance of History Learning

Studying history provides a deeper understanding of societies, cultures, and the human condition. History shapes our collective memory, instilling a sense of identity and understanding of our place in the world. Exploring different eras helps us comprehend the consequences of certain actions, understand patterns, and better anticipate the future. Writing research papers on US history equips us with an analytical lens to critically assess the past, promoting empathy and encouraging informed citizenship.

The Art of Research Writing

Research writing requires a careful synthesis of existing knowledge with original thought. As a historical researcher, you act as a detective, deciphering mysteries, drawing connections, and unveiling the truths hidden in the annals of time. Your research paper is an exploration of your chosen topic and a demonstration of your analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas coherently.

Crafting your Research Paper Topic

Selecting an engaging and manageable topic is crucial in the research process. Your topic should be both broad enough to offer plenty of study sources and narrow enough to allow in-depth exploration. Below is a list of possible US history research paper topics.

Colonial Period

The Colonial Period, from the late 15th Century to the late 18th Century, marked the beginning of European settlement in what is now the United States. This era saw significant events such as the arrival of the Pilgrims, the establishment of the thirteen colonies, and the interactions between the settlers and the Native American tribes. This period set the stage for America’s diverse cultural, political, and social foundation.

Research Paper Topics for the Colonial Period

Role of the Church in Colonial Society.
Jamestown: Successes and Failures.
Impact of Tobacco Cultivation on Colonial Economy.
Life of Indigenous Tribes Pre-Colonization.
The Salem Witch Trials: Causes and Consequences.
The Role of Women in Colonial America.
Early Forms of Democracy: The Mayflower Compact.
Slavery in the Early Colonies.
The Transatlantic Trade: Its Impact on the Colonies.
Comparison of Northern and Southern Colonies.
Analysis of Colonial Laws and Their Impact on Society.
Evolution of Education in Colonial America.
The Great Awakening and Its Impact on American Society.
Indentured Servitude vs. Slavery: A Comparative Study.
Navigation Acts and Their Influence on the Colonies.
Impact of European Diseases on Native American Population.
The Role of the Dutch in New Amsterdam (New York).
The French and Indian War: Causes and Consequences.
The Influence of the Enlightenment in the Colonies.
Colonial Architecture: A Reflection of Cultural Identity.
The Pennsylvania Colony: A Quaker Experiment.
Cultural Exchange between Colonists and Native Americans.
The Evolution of Colonial Economies: From Mercantilism to Capitalism.

Revolutionary Era

The Revolutionary Era, roughly from the 1760s to the 1780s, marked a period of political upheaval and radical change. It included events such as the American Revolution and the drafting of the US Constitution. This period represents America’s struggle for independence and the nation’s birth.

Research Paper Topics for the Revolutionary Era

The Impact of the Stamp Act on the Colonies.
The Boston Massacre: An Analysis.
Role of Women in the American Revolution.
The Philosophical Underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence.
The Continental Congress: Achievements and Challenges.
The Role of Propaganda in the American Revolution.
Significance of the Battle of Saratoga.
Comparative Analysis of the American and Haitian Revolutions.
The Treaty of Paris (1783): Implications for America.
Founding Fathers: Contributions and Controversies.
The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Debate.
The Role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War.
The Impact of the Revolutionary War on Native Americans.
Influence of the Enlightenment on the US Constitution.
George Washington was a Military Leader.
The Articles of Confederation: Strengths and Weaknesses.
The Legacy of Thomas Jefferson.
The Formation and Influence of the Sons of Liberty.
Impact of the American Revolution on French Political Thought.
The Bill of Rights: A Study in Civil Liberties.
The Northwest Ordinance and Its Impact on American Expansion.
Impact of the Revolutionary Era on American Literature.
Loyalists during the American Revolution: Their Experiences and Contributions.

Nineteenth Century

The 19th Century was a time of dramatic transformation in America. From the expansion westward to the abolition of slavery and from the Industrial Revolution to the Civil War, these changes forged a new nation. It was an era defined by innovation, conflict, and expansion.

The Impact of the Cotton Gin on the Southern Economy.
The Missouri Compromise: An Analysis.
The Role of Women in the 19th Century.
Manifest Destiny and Its Impact on American Identity.
The Abolitionist Movement: Key Figures and Contributions.
The Mexican-American War: Causes and Consequences.
The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on American Society.
Analysis of the Compromise of 1850.
The Fugitive Slave Act and Its Implications.
The Influence of Transcendentalism on American Thought.
The Homestead Act and Westward Expansion.
Causes and Consequences of the Civil War.
The Reconstruction Era: Successes and Failures.
Role of African Americans in the Civil War.
The Trail of Tears: Causes and Implications.
The Emancipation Proclamation: Its Impact and Legacy.
The Indian Removal Act: An Analysis.
The Influence of the Gold Rush on American Society.
The Formation of Labor Unions and Workers’ Rights.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Key Events and Figures.
The Dred Scott Decision and Its Impact on American Politics.
The Impact of Railroads on Economic and Social Change.
The Gilded Age: An Analysis of Social and Economic Disparities.

Twentieth Century

Monumental changes in technology, culture, politics, and social norms marked the 20th Century. The US emerged as a global superpower through its involvement in two World Wars, the Cold War, and numerous other international conflicts. This era also witnessed significant social changes, including the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Liberation, and the Gay Rights Movement.

Research Paper Topics for the Twentieth Century

Impact of World War I on American Society.
The Harlem Renaissance: A Cultural Revolution.
Causes and Consequences of the Great Depression.
The Influence of the New Deal on American Government.
Role of Women in World War II.
The Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II.
The Rise of Suburbia in Post-War America.
The Cold War: An Analysis of US Foreign Policy.
The Civil Rights Movement: Key Figures and Milestones.
Impact of the Vietnam War on American Culture.
The Watergate Scandal and Its Effect on Public Trust.
The Feminist Movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Space Race and Its Influence on Technology.
The Impact of Television on American Society.
The Environmental Movement and the Creation of the EPA.
The Gay Rights Movement: Key Events and Figures.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: An Analysis.
The Immigration Act of 1965 and Its Impact on American Demographics.
The War on Drugs: Causes and Consequences.
The AIDS Epidemic and Its Impact on Public Health Policy.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall and the End of the Cold War.
The Role of the Internet in the Digital Age.

Final Thoughts

History research can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Remember, the best papers reflect your curiosity and passion for the topic. So, pick a topic that resonates with you, immerse yourself in the research, and enjoy the journey through time.

📎 Related Articles

1. Hot Topic History: A Journey Through Pivotal Moments 2. Pioneering Perspectives: Navigating Civil War Topics for Your Research Paper 3. Engaging 8th Grade Research Paper Topics for Budding Historians 4. Unraveling Threads of Time: Early American History Topics for Students 5. The Great Wall: An Essay Topic Examples

How It Works
PhD thesis writing
Master thesis writing
Bachelor thesis writing
Dissertation writing service
Dissertation abstract writing
Thesis proposal writing
Thesis editing service
Thesis proofreading service
Thesis formatting service
Coursework writing service
Research paper writing service
Architecture thesis writing
Computer science thesis writing
Engineering thesis writing
History thesis writing
MBA thesis writing
Nursing dissertation writing
Psychology dissertation writing
Sociology thesis writing
Statistics dissertation writing
Buy dissertation online
Write my dissertation
Cheap thesis
Cheap dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help
Pay for thesis
Pay for dissertation
Senior thesis
Write my thesis

60+ History Research Paper Topics From Our Top Writers

Finding that fascinating topic for history research paper can be a pain in some students’ necks. In this article, we reveal our only suggestions of ideas for good history research topics.

Whether you need United States history research paper topics, Europe and across the world, we have you covered. We have selected relevant topics with a clear statement to jumpstart your writing process. Check out our ultimate list of American history research paper topics for college students:

US History Research Paper Topics

What was the history and culture of Native Americans before the invasion by Europeans?
How did 9/11 change the US foreign policy?
Why did Japan target Pearl Harbor and how significant was it to the US?
Why did American Revolution leaders fail to achieve equality for everyone?
What traditions define Independence Day in the US?
What events led to the abolishment of slavery?
Who were the initial inhabitants of the US, and how was it found?
Did the US have to use two atomic bombs on Japan?

World History Research Paper Topics

What happened in Germany after the fall of Hitler and the Nazis?
Communism and why it is considered it is considered a lousy system historically.
Explain why nationalism is a primary source of identity everywhere else but has failed among the Arab States
In what ways did the assassination of John F. Kennedy change the course of US politics?
Who was Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, and what were the impacts of his ideas on the Islam world?
What was the primary intention of the US dropping atomic bombs on Japan? Was it to end the war or to prevent the Soviet Union from amassing influence in Asia?
Why is the fall of Constantinople in 1453 perceived as the saddest moment in the history of humankind?

European History Research Paper Topics

Why Eastern Europe has always trailed Western Europe in terms of development
Which other country used women in World War Two other than Russia?
What was Hitler’s reasoning for attacking the Soviets during WWII?
What European nation has the most influential culture in history?
What are some of the events that shifted France and England’s relationship from enemies to allies?
Point out some of the differences between feudalism in Eastern Europe and Western Europe
How were European countries affected by the Industrial Revolution?
Define the factors the led to the mass degradation of French women in the aftermath of WWII

Ancient History Research Paper Topics

Explain how philosophy became so popular in Ancient Greece
What are some of the similarities between Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome?
Alexander the Great; who was he, and why is he considered one of the most outstanding leaders in history?
In what way was ancient Egypt unique from Ancient Rome and Greece?
Point out the difference and similarities between Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
What is the origin of democracy in Ancient Greece, and how did it come to be in general?
What is the story of Theagenes of Thasos, the strongest fighter in Ancient Rome?

Modern World History Research Topics

What was the status of women in the USSR through the 20th century?
Why didn’t any western countries intervene in Communist China in the mid-20th century?
What was the necessity of using an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
What are some of the reasons behind US policies towards immigrants in the 21st century?
What is the price of industrialization to the American nation?
What are some of the most prominent inventors and industrialists in the modern-day world?
How did industrialization influence social movements in the USA?
Explain American foreign policy from the start of the 21st century

History Topics To Write About Africa

How Idi Amin did change the world’s attitude to Uganda
In what ways is the Democratic Republic of Congo different from its neighboring countries?
Why did it take until the 19th century for European powers to start colonizing Sub-Saharan Africa?
How were oil and petroleum discovered in Ethiopia?
Explain why North Africa went from the wealthiest regions during times of the Roman Empire to a regional backwater
Historically speaking, what are the wealthiest countries in Africa, and what contributed to the wealth in those counties?
What are some of the post-colonial drawbacks that Africa has had to deal with in recent times?
What was the African continent’s state in the 1600s? Was it similar to Asia and Europe?
What religions were practiced in Africa before being influenced by Europe and Asia?
What were some of the most potent African empires between the 6th and the 8th century?
What were the consequences of German Warfare in Africa in 1884?

Middle East Historical Research Paper Topics

The Sumerians; what made the first great civilization of humankind?
What are some of the less known facts about the Byzantine Empire?
Explain how the Ottoman Empire spread to the Middle East
Which countries in the Middle East have been powerful economically throughout history?
In what ways were the Byzantine and Roman cultures adapted to and incorporated in the Middle East?
What are the main events that altered the Middle East in modern history?

African American History

What were some of the impacts of Martin Luther King’s speech on the African American community?
What was the position of black Americans during the industrial age?
What were the struggles of the African American population after the Civil War?
What are some of the beliefs and traditions of African American culture?
In what way did the African American women help during WWII?
What did the 14th amendment have to offer the black community?
What are some of the legends and cultural traits in black history?

Music History Research Paper Topics

What is the history of the film industry and classical composers?
How Classical German composers influenced further music development
How classical melody has been impacted by technology
Discuss the origins of classical composing
Analyzing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
A study of early music history and the evolution of musical instruments

History papers carry a lot of weight, allowing college students to learn the culture, traditions, and past of other nations. With our vast range of ideas, you should have a smooth time selecting an ideal topic.

Remember, you can always find research paper writing help online. Online writing services provide cheap, yet quality research papers that are carefully crafted by expert writers. What are you waiting for when help is only a few clicks away?

Search Google Appliance

Online Book Collections
Online Books by Topic
Biodiversity Heritage Library
Library Catalog (SIRIS)
Image Gallery
Art & Artist Files
Caldwell Lighting

Trade Literature

All Digital Collections
Current Exhibitions
Online Exhibitions
Past Exhibitions
Index of Library & Archival Exhibitions on the Web
Research Tools and OneSearch
E-journals, E-books, and Databases
Smithsonian Research Online (SRO)
Borrowing and Access Privileges
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives on PRISM (SI staff)
E-news Sign Up
Internships and Fellowships
Work with Us
About the Libraries
Library Locations
Departments
History of the Libraries
Advisory Board
Annual Reports
Adopt-a-Book
Ways to Give
Gifts-in-Kind

American Presidency and Political History

American religious history, american studies and history, american women's history.

American Automobile and Transportation History

Basic History Research Tools

Design and decorative arts, environmental history, food and beverage history.

Graphic Arts

History of American Education

History of Technology: Invention and Inventors

History of the Computer and the Internet

Lewis and clark expedition, medical history, military history.

Naval History

Numismatic Resources

Photography history, railroad history, united states cartography and maps.

World's Fairs and Expositions Resources

The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives' American History Research Guide is a select list of resources for students, teachers, and researchers to learn about various topics of American History.

Anacostia Community Museum
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
From Smithson to Smithsonian: The Birth of an Institution : Bibliography on the History of the Smithsonian Institution
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of American History
National Museum of the American Indian
National Portrait Gallery
National Postal Museum

Return to Top

Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies : The Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies which documents and interprets the ethnic and immigrant experience in the United States. Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies has recently merged into the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Bracero History Archive : The Bracero History Archive collects and makes available the oral histories and artifacts pertaining to the Bracero program, a guest worker initiative that spanned the years 1942-1964. Millions of Mexican agricultural workers crossed the border under the program to work in more than half of the states in America.
Ellis Island : The Ellis Island Immigration Museum and their online American Family Immigration History Center (AFIHC) allows visitors to explore the collection of immigrant arrival records stored in the Ellis Island Archives.
Immigrant Arrivals: A Guide To Published Sources : Library of Congress bibliography of print and web based resources.
Immigration History Research Center : The IHRC develops and maintains a library and archival collection, provides research assistance, produces publications, and sponsors academic and public programs. Its work supports the parent institution, the University of Minnesota.
Immigration to the United States, 1789-1930 : Immigration to the United States, 1789-1930, is a web-based collection of selected historical materials from Harvard's libraries, archives, and museums that documents voluntary immigration to the US from the signing of the Constitution to the onset of the Great Depression.
I mmigration: The Changing Face of America : A Library of Congress site for teachers and students.
National Archives & Records Administration Immigration Records: Immigration Records : NARA has immigration records for arrivals to the United States from foreign ports between approximately 1800 and 1959. The records are arranged by Port of Arrival.
Beyond Steel: An Archive of Lehigh Valley Industry and Culture : This Lehigh University Digital Library site highlights the Lehigh Valley's mid nineteenth-century boom, late twentieth-century decline and continuing community readjustment. Through the digitization and presentation of letters, books, photographs, maps, essays, and oral histories the site will aid researchers in understanding not only the lives of railroad barons and steel titans, but also the experiences of average folks who worked and lived in the community.
Inside an American Factory: Westinghouse Works Collection : A part of the Library of Congress American Memory Project, this collection of films, images and text. The collection contains 21 films showing various views of Westinghouse companies. Most prominently featured are the Westinghouse Air Brake Company, the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, and the Westinghouse Machine Company.
U.S. Steel Gary Works Photograph Collection : The Indiana University Digital Library Program is produced this series of more than 2,200 photographs of the Gary Works steel mill and the corporate town of Gary, Indiana held by the Calumet Regional Archives at Indiana University Northwest.

American Music History Resources

African-American Sheet Music, 1850-1920 : The sheet music in this digital collection has been selected from the Sheet Music Collection at the John Hay Library at Brown University. The full collection consists of approximately 500,000 items, of which perhaps 250,000 are currently available for use. It is one of the largest collections of sheet music in any library in the United States.
Azúcar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz

A bibliography of monographs and lesson plans for teachers from K to 12.

Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments : Features descriptions and images of many items in the collection and publication lists.
Historic American Sheet Music : The Historic American Sheet Music Project provides access to digital images of 3,042 pieces from the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library at Duke University, published in America between 1850 and 1920.
Historic Sheet Music, 1800-1922 : This sheet music collection from the Library of Congress consists of approximately 9,000 items published from 1800 to 1922, although the majority is from 1850 to 1920. The bulk was published in many different cities in the United States, but some of the items bear European imprints. Most of the music is written for voice and piano; a significant minority is instrumental. Notable in this collection are early pieces by Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern, as well as music by other popular composers such as Victor Herbert, Jean Schwartz, Paul Dresser, Ernest R. Ball, Gussie L. Davis, Charles K. Harris, and George M. Cohan. Numerous arrangements of classical tunes by Bach, Beethoven, Schubert and other famous classical composers are also well-represented.
Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music : This collection, at the Milton S. Eisenhower Library of The Johns Hopkins University, contains over 29,000 pieces of music and focuses on popular American music spanning the period 1780 to 1960. All pieces of the collection are indexed on this site and a search will retrieve a catalog description of the pieces and an image of the cover and each page of music.
RoJaRo Index : An index to more than 300,000 entries, covering 250 music magazines from 20 countries, covering all types of contemporary popular music: rock, jazz, roots, blues, rap, soul, gospel, country, reggae, etc.

The Sheet Music Consortium : The Archive of Popular American Music is a non-circulating research collection covering the history of popular music in America from 1790 to the present. The collection is one of the largest in the country, numbering almost 450,000 pieces of sheet music, anthologies, and arrangements for band and orchestra, and 62,500 recordings on disc, tape, and cylinder. Subject strengths within twentieth-century holdings include music for theater, motion picture, radio and television, as well as general popular, country, rhythm and blues, and rocksongs.

A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation : A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation consists of a linked set of published Congressional records of the United States of America from the Continental Congress through the 43rd Congress, 1774-1875. A select number of documents and reports from the monumental U.S. Congressional Serial Set are available as well.
American Presidency : This online exhibition from the National Museum of American History has a bibliography under the Resources and Teacher Materials which are age and grade specific.
American Presidency Project : The American Presidency Project was established in 1999 as a collaboration between John Woolley and Gerhard Peters at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The archives contain 75,117 documents related to the study of the Presidency.
American President : This resource is sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. Launched originally in 2000 as the online companion to "The American President" -- the six-part PBS television series -- American President is a resource on the history of the presidency and the nature of contemporary policy making.
Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress : Online publication of the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, published by the Senate Historical Office and the Legislative Resource Center of the House of Representatives. Includes images from the Senate Historical Office. Database is searchable by name, position, and state.
Center for the Study of the Presidency : The Center is a non-profit educational institution devoted to the study of the presidency, government, and politics.
Data.gov : The purpose of Data.gov is to increase public access to high value, machine readable datasets generated by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. Data.gov includes searchable data catalogs providing access to data in three ways: through the "raw" data catalog, the tool catalog and the geodata catalog.
Encyclopædia Britannica's profile of the American Presidency : Read about the presidents and explore the electoral process, election results, images, video, and important documents related to the evolution of the nation's highest office.
I Do Solemnly Swear... Presidential Inaugurations : This Library of Congress collection offers approximately 400 items or 2,000 digital files from each of the 54 inaugurations from George Washington's in 1789 to George W. Bush's inauguration of 2001. This includes diaries and letters of presidents and of those who witnessed inaugurations, handwritten drafts of inaugural addresses, broadsides, inaugural tickets and programs, prints, photographs, and sheet music.
JFK Assassination Records Collection Reference System : Over 170,000 assassination-related documents. Contributing agencies include: the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); the Department of Justice; and the Department of State.
Miller Center of Public Affairs : The Scripps Library and Multimedia Archive serves as a research facility for scholars of U. S. public policy. The Library’s collection is a specialized one focused on American politics and history with special attention paid to the American Presidency.
POTUS: Presidents of the United States : This resource you will find background information, election results, cabinet members, notable events, and some points of interest on each of the presidents. Links to biographies, historical documents, audio and video files, and other presidential sites are also included.
Presidential Libraries of the National Archives & Records Administration : The Presidential Library system is made up of ten Presidential Libraries. This nationwide network of libraries is administered by the Office of Presidential Libraries, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), located in College Park, MD. These are not traditional libraries, but rather repositories for preserving and making available the papers, records, and other historical materials of U.S. Presidents since Herbert Hoover.
The Role of the Vice President : A brief history of the role of the Vice President as President of the U.S. Senate.
THOMAS - The Library of Congress : THOMAS has the Congressional Record and full text of legislation available from 1989 (101st Congress) to the present. In addition, THOMAS has summaries (not full text) of legislation from 1973 (93rd Congress). From the Library of Congress.
Voting America: United States Politics, 1840-2008 : This University of Richmond project examines the evolution of presidential politics in the United States across the span of American history. It offers a wide spectrum of cinematic and interactive visualizations of how Americans voted in presidential elections at the county level over the past 164 years. There are expert analysis and commentary videos that discuss some of the most interesting and significant trends in American political history.
Voting and Registration (U.S. Census Bureau Data) : Contains information on reported voting and registration by various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics for the United States.
White House Historical Association : The White House Historical Association is a charitable nonprofit institution whose purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House.
The White House Building : Information on the White House, including historical details.
Women in Congress : This web site, based on the book Women in Congress, 1917–2006, contains biographical profiles of former women Members of Congress, links to information about current women Members, essays on the institutional and national events that shaped successive generations of Congresswomen, and images of each woman Member, including rare photos.
American Jewish Historical Society : The American Jewish Historical Society is the oldest national ethnic historical organization in the United States. The Society’s library, archives, photograph, and art and artifacts collections document the American Jewish experience.
American Religion Data Archive : The ARDA collection includes data on churches and church membership, religious professionals, and religious groups (individuals, congregations and denominations).
Divining America: Religion and the National Culture : Divining America: Religion and the National Culture is designed to help teachers of American history bring their students to a greater understanding of the role religion has played in the development of the United States.
Journal of Southern Religion : JSR is an online journal targeted toward scholars, students, and others who are engaged in or interested in the study of Southern religion and culture.
Material History of American Religion Project : The Material History of American Religion Project studied (1995-2001) the history of American religion in all its complexity by focusing on material objects and economic themes.
North Star: A Journal of African-American Religious History : An online journal sponsored by Princeton University.
Religion and the Founding of the American Republic (Library of Congress) : Encompassing over 200 objects including early American books, manuscripts, letters, prints, paintings, artifacts, and music from the Library’s collections and complemented by loans from other institutions, Religion and the Founding of the American Republic explores the role religion played in the founding of the American colonies, in the shaping of early American life and politics, and in forming the American Republic.
Religious Movements Homepage Project at the University of Virginia : This Web site presents detailed profiles of more than two hundred different religious groups and movements in the United States.
Santos: Substance and Soul : There are nine separate reading lists on topics related to the history, culture, preservation, and identification of Santos objects.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle Online (1841-1902) : The Brooklyn Daily Eagle was published from October 26, 1841 to 1955 and was revived for a short time from 1960 to 1963. Currently, the digitized newspaper collection includes the period from October 26, 1841 to December 31, 1902, representing half of the Eagle's years of publication.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers : This Library of Congress site allows you to search and read newspaper pages from 1900-1910 and find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present.
Common-Place: The Interactive Journal of Early American Life : Common-Place is an electronic quarterly journal about early American history and culture before 1900.
Documenting the American South - University of North Carolina : Documenting the American South (DocSouth) is a digital publishing initiative that provides Internet access to texts, images, and audio files related to southern history, literature, and culture. Currently DocSouth includes ten thematic collections of books, diaries, posters, artifacts, letters, oral history interviews, and songs.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History : The Gilder Lehrman Collection is the largest private collection of American history documents in the world. It preserves, exhibits, and disseminates archival resources chronicling the history of the United States from the beginning of European colonization, with emphasis on the period from 1760 through 1876. The collection contains resources on the history of colonial settlement, Indian relations, the American Revolution and its origins, the Constitution, the struggle over slavery, and the Civil War.
H-Net Web Site : H-Net Web Site includes archived copies of all history related listserv discussion lists and vacancy announcements for various fields in the humanities.
Making of America - Cornell University : Materials accessible here are Cornell University Library's contributions to Making of America (MOA), a digital library of primary sources in American social history from the antebellum period through reconstruction. The collection is particularly strong in the subject areas of education, psychology, American history, sociology, religion, and science and technology.
The G.I. Roundtable Series : The American Historical Association produced the G.I. Roundtable Series to help win World War II. The site is comprised of three main sections. Section I: The pamphlets, reproduced here as primary documents, provide a unique insight into what Americans were thinking about at the end of the war, and how the recent past was seen as a prelude to the future. Section II: A still-evolving selection of Background documents and related readings to provide context on the origins and production of the series and the historiography of the period. Section III: The site provides an extensive analysis of the origins of the series, and how it fit into both the Army's larger program of preparation for postwar changes as well as the larger culture in which they were produced.
Within These Walls : An annotated reading list for elementary and middle school students and an extensive bibliography for older students interested in the themes related to the Ipswich House exhibition.
Cookery and Foodways Collection : The University of Denver Cookery and Foodways Collection is particularly strong in American regional cookery, and contains a large number of privately published fund-raising cookbooks from churches, service organizations, and other community groups.
Heaven Will Protect the Working Girl: Immigrant Women in the Turn-of-the-Century City : This web site is based upon curriculum materials produced by American Social History Project as part of the Who Built America? series.
National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) Collection : The complete National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) Collection is a library of 700-800 titles collected between 1890 and 1938 by members of NAWSA and donated to the Rare Books Division of the Library of Congress on November 1, 1938. The bulk of the collection is derived from the library of Carrie Chapman Catt, president of NAWSA from 1900-1904, and again from 1915-1920. Additional materials were donated from the libraries of other members and officers, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Alice Stone Blackwell, Julia Ward Howe, Elizabeth Smith Miller, and Mary A. Livermore.
Online Biographical Dictionary of the Woman Suffrage Movement in the United States : This free crowd-sourced project contains over 3,000 biographical sketches of grassroots women suffragists, including a special section focused on nearly 400 Black Women Suffragists.
Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College : The Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College is an internationally recognized repository of manuscripts, photographs, periodicals and other primary sources in women's history.
Women & Social Movements in the United States, 1775-2000 : The Women and Social Movements website is a project of the Center for the Historical Study of Women and Gender at the State University of New York at Binghamton and includes roughly 900 documents, 400 images, and 350 links to other websites.
Women in America: 1820-1842 : During the first half of the nineteenth century, Tocqueville and Beaumont were joined by scores of other European travelers curious about the new republic, and anxious to fill the European demand for accounts of American life. One of the most striking was the status of women--their domestic roles, their freedom in youth, their responsibilities in marriage, and their importance to the moral and religious life of the republic. Tocqueville and Beaumont observed all manner of social gatherings and recorded the conversations with prominent American citizens on a number of matters, including morality and the status of women.
Women Working, 1800 - 1930 : Women Working, 1800 - 1930 focuses on women's role in the United States economy and provides access to digitized historical, manuscript, and image resources selected from Harvard University's library and museum collections. The collection features approximately 500,000 digitized pages and images.

Automobile and Transportation History

America on the Move : Teachers and parents can use the resource guides, lessons, and activity plans to teach children (K- Middle School) about transportation in American history.
Antique Automobile Club of America : The Antique Automobile Club of America, founded in 1935, is dedicated to perpetuating the memories of early automobiles by encouraging their history, collection and use.
Automobile in American Life and Society : This site was created and developed by the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Henry Ford Museum. Each of the site’s five sections (design, environment, gender, labor, race) contains two essays—an overview of the topic and a more focused case study—plus a select annotated bibliography or bibliographic essay to guide further reading.
Carriage Association of America : The Carriage Association of America is an organization devoted to the preservation and restoration of horse drawn carriages and sleighs. The site features information about the organization and links to related sites.
Hemmings Motor News : This is the online resource of the advertising monthly that is devoted to antique, classic, vintage, muscle, street rod, and special interest automobiles, catering to car collectors and restorers. HMN also features the hobby's most complete calendar of upcoming events, hobbyists' legislative alerts, and a monthly listing of stolen collector cars.
Henry Ford Museum : The Henry Ford Museum began as Henry Ford's personal collection of historic objects. Today, the 12 acre site is primarily a collection of antique machinery, pop culture items, automobiles, locomotives, aircraft, and other items.
Rural Heritage : The online version of the print journal in support of small farmers and loggers who use draft horse, mule and ox power. It features articles and dialogues on animals, equipment, health information, and other resources.
Society for Commercial Archeology : Established in 1977, the SCA is the oldest national organization devoted to the buildings, artifacts, structures, signs, and symbols of the 20th-century commercial landscape.
Best of History Web Sites
Documents in Law, History, and Diplomacy
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
History Matters: The U. S. Survey Course on the Web
National Archives Research Room
National History Day
Smithsonian History Explorer
Using Primary Sources on the Web
Architecture and Urbanism of the Southwest : Architecture and Urbanism of the Southwest, is an illustrated essay by John Messina (AIA, Research Architect) and the University of Arizona Southwest Studies Center and the School of Architecture. The site also provides a recommended readings list of books and articles.
Bata Shoe Museum : Located in Toronto, the Bata Shoe Museum holds over 10,000 shoes in the collection.
Built in America: Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) 1933 to present : The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) collections are among the largest and most heavily used in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. This online presentation of the HABS/HAER collections includes digitized images of measured drawings, black-and-white photographs, color transparencies, photo captions, data pages including written histories, and supplemental materials.
City Beautiful: The 1901 Plan for Washington, DC : A University of Virginia American Studies project, this site documents the first explicit attempt to utilize the vaguely classical Beaux-Arts architectural style, which emerged from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, for the explicit intent of beautification and social amelioration was the Senate Park Commission's redesign of the monumental core of Washington D.C. to commemorate the city's centennial. The McMillan Plan of 1901-02, named for Senator James McMillan, the commission's liaison and principal backer in Congress, was the United States' first attempt at city planning.
Corning Museum of Glass : The Corning Museum of Glass's home page begins with its local address and phone numbers and provides a menu of places to visit within the museum site, including, "A Resource for Glass," a collection of information developed to answer questions about glass, and "Glossary of Glassmaking Terms," an alphabetical list of terms with in-depth definitions.
Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture : The Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture collects electronic resources for study and research of the decorative arts, with a particular focus on Early America. Included are electronic texts and journals, image databases, and information on organizations, museums and research facilities. The site was created and is maintained at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries.
Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture: Image and Text Collections : The Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture collects and creates electronic resources for study and research of the decorative arts, with a particular focus on Early America. Included are electronic texts and facsimiles, image databases, and Web resources. Made possible by the Chipstone Foundation, the project is produced at the University of Wisconsin Madison General Library System.
Furniture Glossary : A compilation of terms and acronyms on furniture styles, design and construction.
Harper's Bazaar Magazine : A browse-able collection of issues from the 19th Century magazine, Harper's Bazaar (1867-1900).
MAD: Maine Antique Digest : MAD's bulletin board, with table of contents from current issues, and over 90 book reviews of books dealing with antiques and collectibles.
Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art : The Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art in Tacoma Washington presents contemporary art with a sustained concentration on the medium of glass. The Museum exhibition schedule includes works by internationally known artists and trends in contemporary art. The exhibition program offers artists and audiences the opportunity to experiment with and experience a full range of media in the visual arts.
National Building Museum : Created by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum is America’s premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.
National Register of Historic Places : The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The Noble Craftsman We Promote: The Arts and Crafts Movement in the American Midwest : An online version of the Toledo University exhibition, looks at four particular areas of Arts and Crafts in the Midwest: the book arts, architecture, interior and exterior design, and the decorative arts and attempts to explain how the movement in the heartland differed from its purer British counterpart.
Paint by Number: Accounting for Taste in the 1950s : A brief resource list for a unique subject.
Quilt Index : The Quilt Index aims to be a central resource that incorporates a wide variety of sources and information on quilts, quiltmakers and quiltmaking. The Quilt Index was conceived and developed by The Alliance for American Quilts and implemented in collaboration with Michigan State University's MATRIX: The Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online and the Michigan State University Museum.
Sears Modern Homes : This site features a history of the Sears Modern Homes program, photos, catalog advertisements, references and a registry of owners. More than 100,000 Sears ready-made houses were sold from 1908 to 1940.
Skyscraper Museum : Founded in 1996, THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM is a private, not-for-profit, educational corporation devoted to the study of high-rise building, past, present, and future. Located in New York City, the world's first and foremost vertical metropolis, the museum celebrates the city's rich architectural heritage and examines the historical forces and individuals that have shaped its successive skylines. Through exhibitions, programs and publications, the museum explores tall buildings as objects of design, products of technology, sites of construction, investments in real estate, and places of work and residence.
Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) : Founded in 1940, the Society encourages scholarly research in the field and promotes the preservation of significant architectural monuments that are an integral part of the worldwide historical and cultural heritage. They publish the quarterly Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians and bimonthly Newsletter. There are several bibliographies and links to related organizations.
Stained Glass Magazine : Stained Glass Magazine on the World Wide Web, featuring the Stained Glass Association of America's conference schedule, professional announcements, calls for papers, and lists of useful catalogues and resources of interest to collectors and historians of stained glass.
Strong Museum (Rochester, NewYork) : The Strong Museum's more than 500,000 objects include the world's largest and most historically significant collection of dolls and toys, America's most comprehensive collections of homecrafts and souvenirs, and nationally important collections of home furnishings and advertising materials.
Textile Society of America : The Textile Society of America provides a forum for the exchange and dissemination of information about all aspects of textiles: historic, artistic, cultural, social, political, economic, and technical.
Urban Planning, 1794-1918: An International Anthology of Articles, Conference Papers, and Reports : These documents are primary source material for the study of how urban planning developed up to the end of World War I. They include statements about techniques, principles, theories, and practice by those who helped to create a new professional specialization. This new field of city planning grew out of the land-based professions of architecture, engineering, surveying, and landscape architecture, as well as from the work of economists, social workers, lawyers, public health specialists, and municipal administrators.
Vernacular Architecture Forum : The term "vernacular architecture" applies to traditional domestic and agricultural buildings, industrial and commercial structures, twentieth-century suburban houses, settlement patterns and cultural landscapes. The Vernacular Architecture Forum was formed in 1980 to encourage the study and preservation of these informative and valuable material resources.
Victoria & Albert Museum (London) : The Museum's ceramics, glass, textiles, dress, silver, ironwork, jewellery, furniture, sculpture, paintings, prints and photographs span the cultures of Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa, and date from ancient times to the present day. There are 2000 images of the collection available for online viewing.
Winterthur Museum & Library (Delaware) : The Winterthur Library contains approximately half a million imprints, manuscripts, visual materials, and printed ephemera for research from the 17th century to the early 20th century. The museum collections include 85,000 domestic artifacts and works of art made or used in America to 1860.
Work of Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention : This site is in association with the Eames exhibition tour
American Environmental Photographs, 1891-1936: Images from the University of Chicago Library : This collection consists of approximately 4,500 photographs documenting natural environments, ecologies, and plant communities in the United States at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. The photographs were taken by Henry Chandler Cowles (1869-1939), George Damon Fuller (1869-1961), and other Chicago ecologists on field trips across the North American continent.
Bureau of Reclamation History : The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation History site is a collection of oral histories, photographs, and papers on the agency and it's work.
Conservation and Environment - Library of Congress : The historic and more recent maps contained in this category show early exploration and subsequent land use in various areas of the United States. These maps show the changes in the landscape, including natural and man-made features, recreational and wilderness areas, geology, topography, wetland area, vegetation, and wildlife. Specific conservation projects such as the growth and development of U.S. National Parks are included in this category.
Evolution of the Conservation Movement, 1850-1920 : The Evolution of the Conservation Movement, 1850-1920 documents the historical formation and cultural foundations of the movement to conserve and protect America's natural heritage, through books, pamphlets, government documents, manuscripts, prints, photographs, and motion picture footage drawn from the collections of the Library of Congress. The collection consists of 62 books and pamphlets, 140 Federal statutes and Congressional resolutions, 34 additional legislative documents, excerpts from the Congressional Globe and the Congressional Record, 360 Presidential proclamations, 170 prints and photographs, 2 historic manuscripts, and 2 motion pictures.
Forest History Society Databases : The Forest History Society has six databases that are searchable on the website via InMagic's Web Publisher software. All of the databases provide useful, detailed information about primary or secondary resource materials that aid research in the broad fields of forest, conservation, and environmental history.
H-Environment - H-NET, the Humanities & Social Sciences Online initiative : This website is intended as a general resource for people interested in environmental history. Much of its content is compiled from the discussion list H-Environment and includes book reviews, conference announcements, a course syllabus library, and a survey of films. There are also links to other organizations and websites where you can find materials of interest.
History of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service : Official website of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with links to their archival collections, oral histories, and other information sources.
Love Canal Collection : The University Of Buffalo Library holds the records of the Ecumenical Task Force, 1979-1991 which contain extensive documentation of the toxic waste controversies associated with the Love Canal and related toxic waste sites in Niagara County, New York. The ETF assembled a resource file of government and other reports concerning the Love Canal and related environmental issues. The reports in the resource file and elsewhere in the records include draft documents, photocopied statements prepared by Love Canal residents, scientists and ETF members for hearings on the Love Canal, speeches, consultant reports, articles, as well as printed and online reports.
Bon Appétit! Julia Child's Kitchen at the Smithsonian : The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History website of their Julia Child's Kitchen exhibition.
Doubtless as Good: Thomas Jefferson's Dreams of American Wines Fulfilled : This short bibliography, prepared by staff at the National Museum of American History, includes books on the material culture of viniculture, some historic works on American winemaking not included in the Gabler bibliography, and some relevant works on American culture and taste.
Feeding America: The Historic American Cookbook Project : The Michigan State University Library and the MSU Museum have created an online collection of some of the most influential and important American cookbooks from the late 18th to early 20th century.
Food Reference Website : A fairly comprehensive private website that provides links to articles, information, food history dates, and a wide range of useful information on food.
Food Timeline : A resource about food history, social history, manners and menus covering Prehistory through modern day.
Janice Bluestein Longone Culinary Archive : The Janice Bluestein Longone Culinary Archive at the William L. Clements Library on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor contains thousands of items from the 16th to 20th centuries - books, ephemera, menus, magazines, graphics, maps, manuscripts, diaries, letters, catalogues, advertisements, and reference works. It is a work in progress, and material is being added and catalogued daily.
New York Food Museum : A new and developing web-based resource on New York City foodways and food history.
Peacock Harper Culinary Collection - Virginia Tech University : The Peacock Harper Culinary Collection is a collection of cookbooks and related items housed in the Virginia Tech Library. The VT Image Base contains over 700 images pertaining to culinary history and the collection. They publish an online newsletter called the Virginia Culinary Thymes
Southern Foodways Alliance : The Southern Foodways Alliance website contains links to ongoing research projects, symposiums and their oral history texts. It is a subsidiary of the University of Mississippi's, Center for the Study of Southern Culture.
Taking America to Lunch : This Smithsonian exhibition in the National Museum of American History features samples from the museum's collection of lunch boxes from the 19th century plain metal buckets to 20th century popular culture images on boxes made of synthetic materials.

Graphic Art

American Printing History Association : The American Printing History Association was founded to encourage the study of printing history and its related arts and skills, including calligraphy, typefounding, typography, papermaking, bookbinding, illustration, and publishing. APHA is especially, but by no means exclusively, interested in American printing history.
Fine Press Book Association : The Fine Press Book Association is an organization formed by individuals interested in the art of fine printing to promote printing skills and the appreciation of beautiful books.
Graphic Artists Guild
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum : This Web site traces the history, art, and science of paper making.
Society for the History of Authorship, Reading & Publishing : The Society (SHARP) provides a global network for book historians, 1000 members in over 20 countries, including professors of literature, historians, librarians, publishing professionals, sociologists, bibliophiles, classicists, booksellers, art historians, reading instructors, and independent scholars.
Separate Is Not Equal: Brown vs. Board of Education : The annotated bibliography includes information about related Web resources and teacher materials, as well as fiction and non-fiction books for children, young adults, and adults.
Slates, Slide Rules, and Software: Teaching Math in America : A collection of reference resources on the tools used in teaching mathematics in the United States from the 1800s onward.

History of Technology - Invention and Inventors

Canada Science and Technology Museum : This site links you to the various collections within the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Edison After Forty : This listing includes Edison's Papers, book-length studies, children's books, and museums.
Edison Papers Web Site : The Edison Papers Web Site is a searchable database, based on the University Press of America's editions of Thomas Edison's papers, which detail the first 31 years of his life.
Hagley American Patent Models : The largest privately-owned collection of United States patent models in the world. Containing nearly 4,000 patent models and related documents, the collection spans America's Industrial Revolution.
Lighting a Revolution: A Bibliography of Lighting : A collection of books, articles, and web sites on the history and technology of electrical lighting.
National Inventors Hall of Fame : Web site for the National Inventors Hall of Fame, in Akron, Ohio. Features a collection of biographies of members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Powering a Generation of Change : This bibliography lists books, journal articles, and reports documenting the story of electrical power restructuring in North America.
Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) : The Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) is dedicated to the historical study of technology and its relations with politics, economics, labor, business, the environment, public policy, science, and the arts.
The Office Museum : This commercial website engages in research on the history and evolution of offices, antique office machines and equipment, and business technology based on original documents and artifacts.
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office : The official web site of the USPTO has a searchable database. Patents issued between 1790 and 1976 are searchable only by patent number and current US classifications.
Yesterday's Office : This site contains articles on antique or redundant office technology and links to related sites.
Charles Babbage Institute, University of Minnesota : CBI is dedicated to promoting study of the history of information technology and information processing and their impact on society.
Chronology of Events in the History of Microcomputers : A timetable of significant events in the history of computing, with product announcements and delivery dates from a variety of sources.
Computer Museum History Center (Silicon Valley) : The Computer Museum History Center is a non-profit entity dedicated to the preservation and celebration of computing history. It holds one of the largest collections of computing artifacts in the world.
Intel Museum (Santa Clara) : This museum documents the development and construction of computer chips by one of the leading manufacturers of chip technology.
Internet Archive : The Internet Archive is a non-profit that was founded to build an Internet library, with the purpose of offering permanent access for researchers, historians, and scholars to historical collections that exist in digital format. Founded in 1996 and located in the Presidio of San Francisco, the Archive has been receiving data donations from Alexa Internet and others. In late 1999, the organization started to grow to include more well-rounded collections. Now the Internet Archive includes texts, audio, moving images, and software as well as archived web pages in the collections.
Internet Histories : A collection of links about the history of the Internet, from the ISOC , the Internet Society, a non-governmental international organization, committed to global cooperation and coordination for the Internet.
Making the Macintosh: Technology and Culture in Silicon Valley : "Making the Macintosh" is an online project documenting the history of the Macintosh computer. This project collects and publishes primary material on the Macintosh's development and early reception. It draws on the extensive holdings of the Stanford University Library's Department of Special Collections, the personal papers of engineers and technical writers involved in the Macintosh project, and interviews conducted for the project.
Discovering Lewis and Clark : This comprehensive website contains more than 1,400 pages, and is updated monthly with additional material. This website includes a nineteen-part synopsis of the expedition's story by historian Harry W. Fritz, illustrated with selections from the journals of the expedition, photographs, maps, animated graphics, moving pictures, and sound files.
Kansas State Historical Society: Lewis and Clark : This website provides the user with information about the history of the expedition in Kansas.
Lewis and Clark Expedition: Selected Resources : The Smithsonian Institution has created this directory of sites on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Lewis and Clark Across Missouri : The Geographic Resources Center at the Department of Geography, University of Missouri partnered with the Missouri State Archives to create this website offering campsite maps, photo-realistic images of important river landmarks, and animated virtual Missouri River travel to trace Lewis and Clark's expedition.
Lewis and Clark in North Dakota : Lewis and Clark in North Dakota is one of most informative websites available about the expedition. A highlight is the In North Dakota Link that includes personal profiles of the individuals involved in the expedition, background information about the sites that Lewis and Clark visited, an expedition chronology, a facts and trivia section, maps, and a bibliography.
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Inc. : The mission of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation is to stimulate public appreciation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's contributions to America's heritage, and to support education, research, development, and preservation of the Lewis and Clark experience. Their website includes a detailed history of the expedition with a bibliography. The site also includes a link to the The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Library. The Library has about 800 book titles and 300 articles relating to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The library also has maps, genealogical information, sound, and video recordings. Users can search the library's catalog online.
Lewis and Clark: Indiana Bicentennial Commission : This site outlines Indiana's important role in the expedition and lists events to commemorate the expedition.
Lewis and Clark: Mapping the West : This Smithsonian site reviews the cartographic work of the Corps of Discovery.
Monticello, The Home of Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson's West : This website has a special section on Lewis and Clark that includes an expedition timeline, bibliography, website links, and online study resources for teachers and students. This site is particularly recommended for users who are interested in researching the role that President Thomas Jefferson played in the expedition.
PBS Online: Lewis and Clark : This website is a companion resource to the Ken Burns film: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery and contains several special features that will appeal to users. It provides users with a search engine enables users to search the expedition journals by author, date, or year. It contains transcripts of unedited interviews with various experts and historians about their perspectives on the expedition. It also includes expedition timelines, maps, a bibliography, and related links.
Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis & Clark and the Revealing of America : This site provides a small sampling of primary materials (maps and journal entries) related to the Lewis and Clark expedition that are housed in the Library of Congress.
The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition : The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition website makes available for users the text of the celebrated Nebraska edition of the journals, edited by by Gary M. Moulton. Moulton's edition is considered to be the most accurate and inclusive version published. Currently, the site offers almost two hundred pages from volume 4. In the future, the site will provide access to the full set of journals, almost 5000 pages of primary source material. This site also includes a full text search engine.
Artificial Anatomy: Papier-Mâché Anatomical Models : Resources on Anatomy, Papier- Mâché, Preservation, and Trade Catalogs.
DeWitt Stetten, Jr., Museum of Medical Research (NIH) : Established in 1986 as a part of the NIH centennial observance, the Stetten Museum collects and exhibits biomedical research instruments and NIH memorabilia.
Human Radiation Experiments (DOE) : A website from the US Department of Energy offering a "roadmap" to the stories and records of the cold-war story of radiation research on human subjects.
Medical Antiques & Pre-1900 Antique Surgical Sets : From the Arbittier Museum of Medical History, examples of medical antiques, amputation, and surgical sets by some of the most famous makers of the 1800's. Of particular interest are those surgical antiques used in the Civil War. There is a section on pricing and valuation of early surgical sets and kits as well as extensive topics on antique medical collecting.
Medical Heritage Library : The Medical Heritage Library is a digital curation collaborative among some of the world’s leading medical libraries. The collection resides at the Internet Archive.
Medicine in the Americas, 1619-1914 : The Medicine in the Americas website provides access to a number of key primary historical documents that deal with a number of areas, such as women’s health, public health, and clinical works of enduring historical value. Currently, there are a total of eight works in the archive, and they include Clara Barton’s “The Red Cross of the Geneva Convention” from 1878 and L. Emmett Holt’s 1894 work “The Care and Feeding of Children: A Catechism for the Use of Mothers and Children’s Nurses”.
National Library of Medicine : National Library of Medicine home page, with links to a variety of sites on the Internet.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) : This database is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders authored and edited by Dr. Victor A. McKusick and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins and elsewhere, and developed for the World Wide Web by NCBI, the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The Medical Heritage Library : The Medical Heritage Library (MHL) is a digital curation collaborative among some of the world’s leading medical libraries. The collection resides at the Internet Archive.
Access to Military Service and Pension Records : The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the official repository for records of military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.
Air University Library's Index to Military Periodicals : The Air University Library's Index to Military Periodicals is a subject index to significant articles, news items, and editorials from English language military and aeronautical periodicals. The Index contains citations since 1988 and is updated continuously. A comprehensive list of all journals covered by AULIMP since 1949 is available as the Historical Index of AULIMP titles.
Company of Military Historians : The web site for the journal with several useful links and color plates of uniforms.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms : Sets forth standard US military and associated terminology to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States in both US joint and allied joint operations, as well as to encompass the Department of Defense as a whole.
Historic U.S. Government Publications from World War II : This Southern Methodist University Libraries site allows users to search or browse a collection of over 300 United States government documents produced during World War II.
Index to the Uniforms of the American Revolution : This site is provided by the Sons of the Revolution in the State of California and contains several images of American Revolutionary War uniforms.
Military Review - English Edition Archives : Archival collection of the professional journal of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center (CAC) and the Command and General Staff College (CGSC).
Military Women Veterans : This site documents the contributions of American women to the Armed Forces of the United States.
Papers of the War Department, 1784-1800 : Papers of the War Department is a project of the Center for History and New Media, George Mason University and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. This collection of more than 55,000 documents is in an online format with extensive and searchable metadata linked to digitized images of each document.
Price of Freedom: Americans at War : This online exhibition from the National Museum of American History presents a timeline of American military conflicts from the War of Independence through the War in Iraq, 2003. It also includes information on hundreds of artifacts related to America’s military history, along with learning resources for educators.
Redstone Hyper-media Historical Information : Designed by the MICOM Historical Office, this home page features the Redstone Arsenal Complex Chronological Highlights such as; The Pre-Missile Era (1941-1949) and Women at War: Redstone's WWII Female
United States Army Center of Military History : CMH Online is an information and education service provided by the U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Valley of the Shadow : The Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities (IATH) at the University of Virginia's Web page featuring Edward Ayers's material on the Great Valley in the Civil War.
Veterans History Project - Library of Congress : The Veterans History Project covers World War I, World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars. It includes all participants in those wars--men and women, civilian and military. It documents the contributions of civilian volunteers, support staff, and war industry workers as well as the experiences of military personnel from all ranks and all branches of service--the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.
War Times Journal : The War Times Journal is a free online magazine which covers all periods of military history and military science.
West Point in the Making of America : There are eight subject categories from this exhibition reading list on West Point graduates and their contributions to the nation in peace and war.
World War I Edition of Stars and Stripes - Library of Congress : From February 8, 1918, to June 13, 1919, by order of General John J. Pershing, the United States Army published a newspaper for its forces in France, The Stars and Stripes. This online collection, presented by the Serial and Government Publications Division of the Library of Congress, includes the complete seventy-one-week run of the newspaper's World War I edition.

Naval and Maritime History

Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology : The Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology has been at the forefront of underwater archaeology for over 35 years. The ACUA serves as an international advisory body on issues relating to underwater archaeology, conservation, and submerged cultural resources management.It is working to educate scholars, governments, sport divers, and the general public about underwater archaeology and the preservation of underwater resources.
All Hands Magazine Archives : Each issue of this U. S. Navy bulletin and magazine (1922-2011) has been scanned and digitized in Adobe Acrobat format. Free access.
American Merchant Marine at War : The U.S. Maritime Service Veterans complied this collection of war service related topical links.
Council of American Maritime Museum : The Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) is an organization dedicated to preserving North America's maritime history. The Members include museums, museum professionals, and scholars from United States, Mexico, Bermuda, Australia and Canada. CAMM works to promote high professional standards in the preservation and interpretation of maritime history. Our Members seek to convey and preserve this history through collections, sites, vessels, projects, exhibitions, and research.
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships : The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, commonly known as DANFS, is the foremost reference regarding U.S. naval vessels. Published in nine volumes (from 1959 to 1991), it gives histories for virtually every U.S. naval vessel.
Fast Attacks & Boomers: Submarines in the Cold War : Selections for further reading on the growth and development of the U.S. Nuclear Navy.
Historic Naval Ships Association : The purpose of the Historic Naval Ships Association is to facilitate the exchange of information and provide mutual support among those who are working hard to maintain their aging vessels physically and financially. The ships of HNSA are located in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia. The ships are organized into three categories on the site: name of ship, type of ship, and location.
Index to Ships in Books -- Search Page : This index allows researchers to search the names of commercial and naval vessels that were published in a variety of books and serials. A bibliography of those printed resources is included.
International Congress of Maritime Museums : The International Congress of Maritime Museums is a professional guild of associations, organizations, and individuals in the maritime preservation field. Their website includes a news section that provides information about recently discovered wrecks, upcoming museum exhibits, and other developments in the field.
Maritime History Links on the Net : This comprehensive list covers a variety of subjects related to Maritime History.
Nautical Research Guild, Inc. : The Nautical Research Guild links researchers, collectors, and builders of the highest quality ship models. The Guild emphasizes learning about ships and maritime history through academic research, as applied and expressed in the process of ship model building and other artistic and academic endeavors.
Steamship Historical Society of America : The Steamship Historical Society (SSHSA) is an organization dedicated to preserving artifacts and memories from the steamship days of the past.
U.S. Naval Historical Center : The Naval Historical Center is the official history program of the Department of the Navy. The Center now includes a museum, art gallery, research library, archives, and curator as well as research and writing programs.
U.S. Naval Vessel Register : The Naval Vessel Register contains information on ships and service craft that comprise the official inventory of the U.S. Navy from the time of vessel authorization through its life cycle and disposal. It also includes ships that have been stricken but not disposed.
American Numismatic Society : Official website of the American Numismatic Society offers a list of online resources , including MANTIS , a searchable database of over 600,000 objects from the Society's collections of international coins, paper money, tokens, ‘primitive’ money, medals and decorations.
American Numismatics Association : Features information about ANA, a membership form, a link to ANA's ftp site, and links to an educational and museum directory. The FTP site includes press releases; ANA's library catalog; ANA's classification system; video list; and slide lists. The educational and museum directory features ANA's exhibits online; scholarship information; and convention updates.
Coins of Colonial and Early America : This University of Notre Dame site features discussions, descriptions and images of the coins and tokens used in Colonial and Confederation America based on examples in the Department of Special Collections. A companion project features Colonial and Confederation era paper currency.
Money - Past, Present & Future : Sources of information on monetary history, contemporary developments, and the prospects for electronic money.
National Numismatic Collection, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History : The Smithsonian's National Numismatic Collection (NNC) is America's collection of monetary and transactional objects. This diverse and expansive global collection contains objects that represent every inhabited continent and span more than three thousand years of human history.
U.S. Department of the Treasury : U.S. Department of Treasury's Home Page includes press releases and updates on new programs and seminars being offered by the Department.
Freeze Frame: Eadweard Muybridge’s Photography of Motion : Information on the collection, links, and readings on Muybridge and his work on locomotion.
George Eastman Museum: International Museum of Photography and Film : The George Eastman Museum collects and interprets images, films, literature, and equipment in the disciplines of photography and motion pictures and cares for the George Eastman legacy collections.
International Center of Photography : The International Center of Photography is a museum, a school and a center for photographers and photography, whose mission is to present photography's vital and central place in contemporary culture and to lead in interpretation issues central to its development.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Collection : Link to the "Collection Finder" page of the Library of Congress American Memory site.
LIFE Magazine photo archive hosted by Google : Search millions of photographs from the LIFE photo archive, stretching from the 1750s to today. Most were never published and are now available for the first time through the joint work of LIFE and Google.
Museum of Photographic Arts : The Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) is one of the first museum facilities in the United States designed exclusively to collect and present the world's finest examples photographic art.
National Stereoscopic Association : The association promotes the study, collection and use of stereographs, stereo cameras and related materials for collectors and students of stereoscopic history. There is a link to the Oliver Wendell Holmes Stereoscopic Research Library.
NYPL Digital : The New York Public Digital Library is a continually expanding collection of digitized images and text selected from throughout the Research Libraries' collections.
Stereoscopy : Stereoscopy.com provides information about stereoscopic imaging (3-D) for both amateurs and professionals.
The Daguerreian Society : The Daguerreian Society is an organization of individuals and institutions sharing a common interest in the art, history and practice of the daguerreotype.
UCR Arts : This museum features contemporary exhibitions, digital and web art online, and a vast historical photograph collection.
Building the Washington Metro : This site tells the story of the Washington Metro, a 103-mile rapid transit system serving Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia.
Center For Railroad Photography & Art : The center's focus is on the preservation and presentation of railroad-related photography and art.
Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum : This expansive website has an online library of 19th century pictures (more than 2,300), maps and descriptions of railroad construction and travel.
Great Northern Railway Historical Society : The Society works to preserve and promote the history of the Great Northern Railway, which was created in September 1889 from several predecessor railroads in Minnesota and eventually stretched from Lake Superior at Duluth and Minneapolis/St.Paul west through North Dakota, Montana and Northern Idaho to Washington State at Everett and Seattle.
National Railway Historical Society : Founded in 1935, the National Railway Historical Society has nearly 18,000 members and over 177 Chapters spread throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain. It is now the United States' largest rail enthusiast organization.
Railroad Maps, 1828-1900 : The maps presented here are a selection from the Library of Congress Geography and Map Division holdings, based on the cartobibliography, Railroad Maps of the United States: A Selective Annotated Bibliography of Original 19th-century Maps in the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress. This annotated list reveals the scope of the railroad map collection and highlights the development of railroad mapping in 19th-century America. Described are 623 maps chosen from more than 3,000 railroad maps and about 2,000 regional, state, and county maps, and other maps which show "internal improvements" of the past century.
Railroads and the Making of Modern America : This University of Nebraska project seeks to document and represent the rapid and far-reaching social effects of railroads and to explore the transformation of the United States to modern ideas, institutions, and practices in the nineteenth century. Railroads and the Making of Modern America seeks to use the digital medium to investigate, represent, and analyze this social change and document episodes of the railroad's social consequence.
Academic Info: The American West : Academic Info, an educational organization, created this directory of Internet resources on the history of the American West. This list covers a variety of subjects including Native Americans, women, religious history, the Gold Rush, Asian Americans, and railroads.
History of the American West, 1860-1920 : This site contains over 30,000 photographs, drawn from the holdings of the Western History and Genealogy Department at Denver Public Library. These photos illuminate many aspects of the history of the American West. Most of the photographs were taken between 1860 and 1920. They illustrate Colorado towns and landscape, document the place of mining in the history of Colorado and the West, and show the lives of Native Americans from more than forty tribes living west of the Mississippi River.
New Perspectives on the West : This is the companion website to the Ken Burns documentary series, the West. This site contains selected documentary materials, archival images and commentary, as well as links to background information and other resources.
The First American West: The Ohio River Valley, 1750-1820 : This Library of Congress site consists of 15,000 pages of original historical material documenting the land, peoples, exploration, and transformation of the trans-Appalachian West from the mid-eighteenth to the early nineteenth century. The collection is drawn from the holdings of the University of Chicago Library and the Filson Historical Society of Louisville, Kentucky
The Oregon Territory and its Pioneers : This website focuses on the pioneers of the Oregon Territory up to and including 1855...The first section is called THE SETTLING OF OREGON and is a compilation of information [including pioneer lists by year of emigration] extracted from a variety of sources. The second section lists the UPDATES that are in progress. The third section is devoted to RESEARCHING THE PIONEERS and provides links to research and historic sites that may be of interest."
The Oregon Trail : This website is a comprehensive source of information about the historic Oregon Trail. It includes primary source documents such as Trail diaries and memoirs. The site was created by Prof. Mike Trinklein and Steve Boettcher, creators of The Oregon Trail, the award-winning documentary film which aired nationally on PBS.
Canadian Centre for Architecture CCA Library: Special Collections Trade Catalogues : Approximately 5,600 trade catalogues documenting building technology and construction methods from the late eighteenth century to the present. Core of the collection formed through acquisition of the relevant portions of the Franklin Institute trade catalogue collection. Coverage is broad and includes such categories as concrete and lumber, metalwork and woodwork, flooring, heating and insulation, plumbing and electricity, windows and roofing.
Columbia University. Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library : The American collection is one of the most extensive in existence. It begins with the first pertinent book to be published in the colonies, Abraham Swan's British Architect (Philadelphia, 1775), and includes a large number of titles listed in H.R. Hitchcock's basic bibliography, American Architectural Books. In the seventies and eighties the scope of the American collection was expanded to include printed source materials not previously collected. These include early trade catalogs from the manufacturers of building products (1840-1950).
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum Library Reference Collection : There are over 4,500 trade catalogs in the Cooper-Hewitt Library collection, some dating from the 17th century.
Corning Museum of Glass. Rakow Research Library : The Juliette K. and Leonard S. Rakow Research Library of The Corning Museum of Glass has a wide-ranging collection including books, magazines, trade and auction catalogues, personal and corporate archives, videotapes, microforms, sound recordings, drawings, prints, photographs, and slides. Its mission is to acquire and preserve all informational resources on the art, history and early science and technology of glass, in all languages and all formats.
D'Arcy Collection : The D'Arcy Collection of the Communications Library of the University of Illinois is a collection of almost two million original advertisements published between 1890 and 1970. The collection, which was donated by the D'Arcy, MacManus & Masius advertising agency (now D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles) in 1983, is a rich source of research information on products advertised by many agencies. While the vast majority of these advertisements appeared in newspapers, magazines and trade journals, there are a few in other forms such as brochures, signs, and programs. Most of the clippings advertise standard consumer products, but there are a number of obsolete categories such as spats, bathing shoes, and Prohibition.
Digital Collections & Trade Catalogs from the Indiana Historical Society : This collection concentrates on catalogs from businesses that were either headquartered in Indiana or had a substantial presence in the state. Items in this collection date from the 1840s through the 1990s. The catalogs document the wide range of commodities that have come out of Indiana.
Hagley Museum and Library : The library houses an important collection of books, pamphlets, trade catalogs, manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, and audiovisual materials documenting the history of American business and technology. Hagley's main strength is in the Middle Atlantic region, but the scope of collecting includes business organizations and companies with national and international impact.
Instruments for Science, 1800-1914: Scientific Trade Catalogs in Smithsonian Collections : Digital collection of scientific instrument trade catalogs
John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising, and Marketing History : The Ad*Access Project presents images and database information for over 7,000 advertisements printed in U.S. and Canadian newspapers and magazines between 1911 and 1955. Ad*Access concentrates on five main subject areas: Radio, Television, Transportation, Beauty and Hygiene, and World War II. The advertisements are from the J. Walter Thompson Company Competitive Advertisements Collection of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History in Duke University's David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Marketing in the Modern Era : Marketing in the Modern Era: Trade Catalogs and the Rise of 19th-Century American Advertising: an online exhibit at the Baker Library at Harvard University.
National Museum of American History Library Trade Literature Collection : This collection contains more than 460,000 catalogs, technical manuals, advertising brochures, price lists, company histories and related materials representing over 36,000 companies.
National Museum of American History -- Archives Center, Warshaw Collection of Business Americana : The National Museum of American History purchased the Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, ca. 1724-1977 in 1967. The collection was assembled by Isadore Warshaw and represents the largest advertising ephemera collection in the United States, occupying more than 1,020 cubic feet of storage space. Organization, re-housing, and description of the Warshaw Collection are a long-term project. Most portions of the collection are open to researchers in the Archives Center.
New Jersey Trade and Manufacturers' Catalogs : Housed in Special Collections and University Archives, the Rutgers University Libraries collection of New Jersey trade and manufacturers catalogs represents part of the University's effort "to collect, preserve and make available for research, primary and secondary materials in various formats, documenting all aspects of New Jersey's history, from its founding to the present."
Otis Historical Archives, National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology : Particularly strong collections within the OHA include the areas of medical illustration, including anatomical drawings and paintings, photographs, and photomicrographs; reconstructive surgery and prosthetics; tropical and infectious disease research; trade literature and advertisements; medical technology and battlefield surgery from the Civil War through to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Seed Catalogs from the Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collection : The Smithsonian Libraries has a unique trade catalog collection that includes about 10,000 seed and nursery catalogs dating from 1830 to the present, documenting the history of the seed and agricultural implement business in the United States, as well as providing a history of botany and plant research such as the introduction of plant varieties into the US. Additionally, the seed trade catalogs are a window into the history of graphic arts in advertising, and a social history, through the text and illustrations, showing changing fashions in flowers and vegetables.
Sewing Machine Galleries : Created by David and Lin Best, this site comprises photographs of over 130 sewing machines from their collection, together with information about the manufacturers that produced them.
Sewing Machines: Historical Trade Literature in Smithsonian Institution Collections : This guide illustrates the range of materials published by and about sewing machine companies in the United States, starting in the 1840s. Sewing machine catalogs and other industry materials are just one portion of the remarkable collections of manufacturers' trade literature held in the libraries, archives and curatorial units of the Smithsonian Institution.
Shedding Light on New York: Edward F. Caldwell & Co. : The E. F. Caldwell & Co. Collection at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum Library, Smithsonian Institution Libraries, contains more than 50,000 images consisting of approximately 37,000 black & white photographs and 13,000 original design drawings of lighting fixtures and other fine metal objects that they produced from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries.
The Virtual Laboratory (Max Planck Institute for the History of Science) : The digital library of the Virtual Library contains scans of historical books, journals, laboratory notebooks and instrument catalogues. Furthermore, it provides bibliographical information based on tables of contents (overview) and on existing personal bibliographies which have been checked for consistency. Every item can be acessed by author, title, year or word contained in the title.
University of California, Santa Barbara. Library. Special Collections. Romaine Trade Catalog Collection : Lawrence B. Romaine (1900-1967) was an antiquarian book dealer, who bought and sold rare books, manuscripts, trade catalogs, and other Americana. Romaine was recognized as the leading expert in the U.S. on trade catalogs, and was the author of A Guide to American Trade Catalogs, 1774-1900 (New York: R. R. Bowker Company, 1960), the standard reference work in this field. Romaine spent approximately 30 years collecting over 41,000 trade catalogs from the 19th and early 20th centuries, on every imaginable product from agricultural implements, clothes, medical and surgical instruments to weathervanes and windmills. The bulk of his collection focused on machines, tools, engines and other hardware used in agriculture and manufacturing industries.
University of Delaware Trade Catalogs: An online exhibition : The University of Delaware Library Special Collections Department houses an extensive collection of trade catalogs and advertising ephemera produced in the United States from the middle of the eighteenth century until the present day. The trade catalog collection also complements the Special Collections Department's traditional strengths in the history of horticulture, science and technology, printing and publishing, and the book arts. Companies selling printing supplies, agricultural implements and nursery stock, type founders, publishing companies, and booksellers are particularly well-represented as are the catalogs of Delaware businesses.
Victoria and Albert Museum, National Art Library : The National Art Library holds numerous examples of trade catalogues within its collections. Some items entered the NAL during the 19th century, and both current and retrospective examples of trade catalogues have been added to the collections throughout the 20th century. Since 1983 the policy has been to actively collect both current and retrospective examples of trade literature in areas broadly in line with the research interests of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Winterthur Museum Library : WinterCat is the Winterthur Library's online catalogue and includes nearly 60,000 bibliographic records, representing the holdings of the four collections that constitute the Winterthur Library. Records for imprints, periodicals, rare printed materials, manuscript and ephemera holdings, photographs, and archival resources are all in one database, which researchers can use to determine the library's holdings on any given topic, person, or organization through one search. WinterCat features hyperlinks to manuscript finding aids and selected images.
Women Working, 1800-1930: trade catalogs : To illustrate the world of women working, the Open Collections Program of Harvard University Library has digitized a group of trade catalogs. These colorful works illustrate the dramatic changes that were taking place between 1870 and 1930 in the home, in the workplace, and in the minds of retailers and manufacturers.
Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) : This site contains approximately two million physical and cultural geographic features in the United States and its territories. The Federally recognized name of each feature described in the data base is identified, and references are made to a feature's location by State, county, and geographic coordinates.
Library of Congress Map Collection 1500-2004 : The Library of Congress' map collection contains the topical areas of cities and towns, conservation and environment, discovery and exploration, cultural landscapes, military battles and campaigns, as well as transportation and communication.
Mapping History: American History : The maps cover a variety of historical topics from pre-1500 Native American culture, to the Civil War and Reconstruction, to 20th century health. Some of these maps are interactive.
National Map Small-Scale Collection : The site from the U.S. Geological Survey offers a collection of small-scale datasets available for free download, along with hundreds of printable reference maps developed as part of the 1997-2014 edition of the National Atlas.
University of Georgia Libraries Hargrett Rare Books and Manuscripts : The collection encompasses 500 years including maps on Georgia, the New World, the Colonial America, the revolutionary America, the revolutionary Georgia, the Union and expansion, the American Civil War, the frontier to the new South, Savannah and the coast, and transportation.
University of Illinois Historical Maps Online : These maps mainly focus from 1650 to 1994 on North America and the Northwest Territory, Maps of the Midwest, Illinois and Champaign County, and the Warner & Beers Atlas of 1876.
University of Texas at Austin's Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection : This collection contains maps arranged by state, city, and topical. Many of the maps are from the late 1700s through the early 1900s.
US History by Online Highways : The topical maps include the areas of early America, Colonial Period, Revolutionary America, young republic, and election maps of the early 1900s.

World's Fairs and Expositions

A Century of Progress: The 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair : The John Crerar Library (which is now part of the University of Chicago Libraries) collected various official publications, press releases, guidebooks, and other related materials pertaining to this world exposition. Approximately 350 of those collected items are now available on this website. The collection may be browsed by publication author, publication title, and the general subject of each publication.
Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition Centennial : This University of Washington Libraries digital collection contains more than 1200 photographs of the 1909 fair held on the grounds of the University of Washington, depicting buildings, grounds, entertainment and exotic attractions.
Donald G. Larson Collection on International Expositions and Fairs, 1851-1940 : The Donald G. Larson Collection at Cal-State Fresno, consists of approximately 1,600 books and more than 6,500 pamphlets, postcard, sheet music, and other materials.
ExpoMuseum : ExpoMuseum was first created as a web site in 1998 by Urso S. A. Chappell, and is maintained by him.The site pays tribute to the past, present, and future of these immensely popular expositions, and also includes a number of fun features, such as a discussion area and a special section dedicated to the architecture of these places.
Hyper-text Thesis on the World's Columbian Exposition : A Masters thesis, by Julie K. Rose, M.A. English, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA on the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, in Chicago, Illinois, which features a virtual tour of the Fair and offers analysis of social and cultural importance of the World's Columbian Exposition.
Paris 1900 - The Exhibit of American Negroes : The Exhibit of American Negroes is a reconstruction of highlights from an exhibit of the same name put together by W. E. B. DuBois, Thomas Calloway and the Historic Black Colleges for the Paris 1900 International Exposition.
Progress Made Visible: American World's Fairs and Expositions : The Special Collections Department of the University of Delaware Library holds a wide variety of primary source materials relating to the World's Fairs and Expositions held in the United States between 1876 and 1939.
Revisiting World's Fairs and International Expositions: A Selected Bibliography, 1992 - 1999 : This Smithsonian Institution Library bibliography supplements Bridget Burke's bibliography, "World's Fairs and International Expositions: Selected References 1987-1993," which was published as part of Fair Representations: World's Fairs and the Modern World, edited by Robert Rydell and Nancy Gwinn. It focuses on secondary materials that were published between 1992 and mid-summer 1999, but also includes some entries for materials prior to 1992 that were not included in the Burke's bibliography.
The 1904 World's Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward : An online exhibition in association with the Missouri Historical Society's 2004 centennial celebration of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
The History of World Expositions : An EXPO 2000 resource on twenty previous World's Fairs and Expositions from 1851 to 2000.
The Iconography of Hope: The 1939-40 New York World's Fair : Created by John C. Barans, this site features historical information and digitized photographs chronicling the 1939-40 New York World's Fair.

Thesis Helpers

Find the best tips and advice to improve your writing. Or, have a top expert write your paper.

101 Exciting US History Research Paper Topics: Quick Ideas

People have many ideas of US history topics to write about but crafting them to an appealing and thrilling level is the problem. You, however, are lucky because you are going to have exclusive access into some of the most top drawer US history research paper topics.

Before we move into the juicy part, let’s have some quick tips to help you forge ahead like a soldier.

Tips for Finding History Research Paper Topics

Have an outline
Consult credible and authentic sources
Have a look at previous research topics
Avoid plagiarism at all costs

United States history research paper topics will also follow the same guidelines listed above. You must be anxious about the issues, are you?

Let’s cut the anxiety short.

101 US History Topics to Write About

The following US history research paper topics are categorized to give you ample time in choosing one according to your assignment needs.

World War 1

US entry into WW1
The Zimmermann telegram
US declaration of war on Germany
Authorization of the Selective Service Act of 1917
The 19th Amendment ratification
The Espionage Act of 1917
US advocates for the League of Nations
The sinking of the British ocean liner by Germany
Declaration of ceasefire
Expansion of the US government.

World War II

Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Quarantine Speech of 1937
The replacement of British invasion forces in Iceland by the US
The Lend-Lease Act of 1941
The shoot on sight order
The American Prisoners of war
The Pacific war
The bombing of Japanese home islands
The North African campaign
The Italians surrender
The invasion of France
Fall of Berlin to the Soviets
The cost of world war II on America
The number of casualties the US suffered in the war
Operation Cobra

The Civil Wars in the US

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854
The threat by the confederate forces
What led to the surrender of Major Robert?
The First Battle of Bull Run
Replacement of General Winfield Scott
The Second Manassas
The Battle of Antietam
The effect of the Emancipation Proclamation
The Battle of Chancellorsville
The aftermath of the Battle of Chattanooga
The Battle of the Wilderness
The Postwar politics
Civil War commemoration
Evolution of the modern navy
The role of women in the civil war
Prisoners of the civil war
The causes of secession
Features of the civil war
The economic impact of the civil war
Diplomacy as a method to solve the American civil war

The Reconstruction Era

The devastation of material in the South
Restoration of the South to the Union
The reconstruction of Lincoln’s presidency
February 1865 Peace conference
The enactment of Black codes
The legalization of slave marriages
The state constitutional conventions of 1867-1869
The congressional investigation
The split of the republican nationally
Panic of 1873
The US elections of 1876
The military reconstruction acts (1867)
Formation of religious organizations
The establishment of public schools
Change in the taxation

The Federal Era

Establishment of a new government
The assumption of state debts
The Quasi-War taxation
The rise of political parties
The Whiskey rebellion
The Northwest Indian war
The Jay treaty
The Quasi-war with France
The Alien and Sedition Acts
The fall of the federalists
Election on 1800
The 12th Amendment
The Louisiana purchase
The Judiciary Act of 1802 approved
Impeachment of the district judge, John Pickering

The Great Depression Era

The impact of the stock market crash
The desperation of urban politics
The tight monetary policy
Consequences of the Hoover policy
How the US responded politically to the depression era
The recession of 1937-1938
The massive military spending of 1940
The impact on industrial production
Number of banks affected by the depression era
The Mexican Repatriation program
The Hams and Eggs movement
The timeline of the Great Depression
Penny Auction
The US census of 1930
The impact of the National Labor Relations Board

The Civil Rights Era

The end of Liberalism
Formation of the Civil Rights Movement
Impact of the 1964 elections on civil rights
The climax of the Space Race
The Vietnam War
The creation of the Women’s Movement
Effects of Nixon’s administration
The 1973 oil crisis
The Watergate scandal
Factors that led to the sexual revolution
President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon

The United States is the envy of many. It is the dream of many to visit it and just gaze at the beauty of this magnificent country. However, writing on it would be an excellent start to achieving this dream.

Get Help With US Hisrtory Research Paper Topics Today!

American history research paper topics are like the sand of the sea. I mean, a whole 50 states with a population of over 320 million people – who can miss something to write? However, good history research topics are not easy to come by. That is why this article is explicitly set to help you achieve that.

US history paper topics are not limited to the ones listed above. There are many others which remain of significant significance to the country’s history.

The list above is to trigger your mind to exploring more American history research paper topics. However, you can start by testing yourself using one or two of the two problems provided above. Let the issues you come up be as concise as possible to attract the reader’s eye to the rest of your history essay.

You can also seek expert writing help from our pro writers . Don’t worry about the tight deadlines; we can meet even the closest of them.

Make PhD experience your own

HIST 101 - History of the United States to 1877

Develop Your Topic

Background Reading: Getting Acquainted with Your Topic

Research questions matter.

Types of Sources
Find Information
Cite Sources

What Are You Trying to Figure Out?

Research works best when it is tackled with the true spirit of inquiry. What are you ultimately trying to figure out in regards to your topic? Are you trying to gain an overview of of a brand new topic, or understand something familiar with greater depth and clarity? Are you trying to develop a new idea or find the best arguments for or against an existing idea? Are you trying to find a solution to a problem? Approaching research through the lens of inquiry is a great way to keep you motivated. You aren't just looking for information, you're looking for ANSWERS!

It's important to begin your research learning something about your subject; in fact, you won't be able to create a focused, manageable thesis unless you already know something about your topic.

Do a Little Background Reading:

This step is important so that you will:

Begin building your core knowledge about your topic
Be able to put your topic in context
Create research questions that drive your search for information
Create a list of search terms that will help you find relevant information
Know if the information you’re finding is relevant and useful

Reference sources are highly-credible sources filled with thorough yet concise discussions that let you know the “who, what, when, why, and where” information on your topic right at the start of your research.

History Research Center This link opens in a new window History Research Center is a family of five history databases that you can search simultaneously. These include: American History, African-American History, American Indian History, Ancient and Medieval History, and Modern World History. These databases include a wide variety of research sources including, in-depth overview essays, biographies, journal articles, images, primary sources, maps, videos, and more.
Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window Use this database for preliminary reading as you start your research. You'll learn about your topic by reading authoritative topic overviews on a wide variety of subjects.
Issues & Controversies in History This link opens in a new window Use this database when you want topical, in-depth coverage of world history from antiquity to the present. Read about the background, outcomes, and contemporary points of view for the major topics in history from every region of the world. This is a great database for finding primary sources .
African American Experience This link opens in a new window Use this database to find primary sources and brief overview articles to explore themes in the African American experience from African origins to the present day.
American Indian Experience This link opens in a new window Use this database to find primary sources and brief overview articles to explore themes relating to indigenous peoples of North America from pre-contact to the colonial era into the 21st century.
Latino American Experience This link opens in a new window Use this database to find primary sources and brief overview articles regarding the Latino American experience from pre-contact Aztec and Maya societies to 21st century political issues like recent immigration law to cultural themes like coming-of-age rituals, music, literature, and cuisine.

New knowledge inevitably leads to new questions.

Think of a television program involving a criminal investigation. Experts arrive on the scene to answer a fundamental question: "What happened here?" But their investigation merely begins with that basic question. Soon they are finding themselves answering more specific questions in order to figure out what happened. Who all was involved with the crime? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Why did it happen? Were there any witnesses? It is only by answering a series of smaller questions that they are ultimately able to see the big picture.

A researcher investigates a topic much like a detective investigates a crime . You may start off with an overriding question but you'll soon find yourself asking many more questions on your journey.

Research questions also help you develop the flow of your paper . You can use this Research Question Template as a guide to get you started.

The video below explains why you should always begin your search for relevant, credible information by creating a list of research questions that will drive your research.

__________________________________

<< Previous: Welcome
Next: Types of Sources >>
Last Updated: May 1, 2024 3:14 PM
URL: https://libguides.mjc.edu/hist101

Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 and CC BY-NC 4.0 Licenses .

History 112 - U.S. History Since 1865: Choosing A Topic

Choosing A Topic
Find Articles
History Databases

History Database for Topic Exploration

Browse the Issues & Controversies in History database if you aren't sure what topic you want to focus on. Use the American History Eras section on the right to find potential topics.

Reference Sources

Why use reference books? Reference books provide you with:

A springboard to background information on a topic
Important dates covering the who, what, where, when and why of a topic for the ‘who, what, when, and how for the ‘who, what, when, and how
Important individuals and explanation of terms surrounding a topic for the ‘who, what, when, and how

Reference resources can also be a good starting point in selecting a research topic. After reviewing reference resources you can develop a plan of where to concentrate your research efforts on topics you want to explore further.

Online Reference Resources (off-campus access requires signing in using your mymsjc user name and password):

Credo Reference - Credo Reference is an online resource that contains content from 524 reference books covering every major subject.
Gale eBooks - Gale eBooks is a database of academic eBooks, encyclopedias, and specialized reference sources covering a variety of subject areas.

Selected Subject Headings

Select Sources for Topic Exploration

<< Previous: Home
Next: Find Books >>
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2024 1:52 PM
URL: https://libguides.msjc.edu/c.php?g=96463

HIST 105 - US History since 1877 - V. Winn

Research topics.

Video and Movie Databases This link opens in a new window
Citing Sources

Need suggestions for your research?

Reconstruction and Rise of Jim Crow
Conquest of the West
Removal of Native Americans

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
Chinese Workers
Expansionism and Spanish-American-Cuban-Filioino War
U.S. Policies in Caribbean, and Central America
United State and the Mexican Revolution
U.S. Entrance into World War I
The Twenties and Rise of New Technology
Women's Suffrage
<< Previous: Home
Next: Databases >>
Last Updated: May 13, 2024 9:42 PM
URL: https://kckcc.libguides.com/HIST105

100 History Research Paper and Essay Topics

15 August, 2021

13 minutes read

Author: Richard Pircher

History is reasonably one of the most important subjects every student encounters in their school, college, or university life. Some students adore it and prioritize history among all other subjects, while others hate it and find it ultimately boring. The truth is, history class is quite essential: it teaches you how to think critically, reflect on the events, find links between cases and occasions, and gives you a valuable opportunity to develop analytical skills. Indeed, studying what happened in the past is critical for understanding the future and being able to interpret current events. Moreover, learning history can make us capable of controlling the things happening around us and contributing to the better quality of our own lives.

As a history student, you are certainly expected to compose sound essays on world history topics as well as elaborate on any American history topic. To make sure you write quality essays , you need to learn how to process history essay topics, outline your arguments, and depict historical events in a convincing and accurate way. All in all, keeping some pieces of advice in mind can do you good if your goal is to come up with interesting history topics and craft excellent essays. In the following guide, we will talk about the key features of a history research paper, discuss how to choose history topics to write about, and provide you with sample history topics.

What Is a History Research Paper?

A history research paper challenges students with analyzing literature sources that are relevant to a particular historical event or historical era. Writing such a paper requires thorough preparation as well as in-depth research. Just like other types of college essays, a history essay follows a standard structure, where you need to develop a thesis statement and support it with relevant arguments and respective data. Thus, the only difference between a history research paper and other types of academic essays is that the first one analyzes solely historical events.

When writing a history research paper, it is critical to keep several points in mind, namely:

Relevance of the topic: why is it worth being discussed these days?
How is the topic related to the current times?
Why was the topic critical in the past?
How can a topic contribute to solving current economic and social issues?

Once you consider all the tips outlined above, you’ll become a pro at mastering any subject, from United States history research paper topics to the history of the middle ages.

Problems with writing Your History Research Paper ? Try our Essay Writer Service!

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Topic

If your goal is to craft an amazing history research paper with a strong thesis statement and not a less strong argument, there is a lot of effort to be made. A huge component of success lies in choosing the right topic. If you select a good and interesting one, you facilitate the writing process for yourself as well as make sure you will ultimately grab the reader’s attention. You might need to step out of your comfort zone and avoid limiting yourself to typical topics that have already been discussed thousands of times. Take a look at some tips that will help you come up with interesting but at the same time controversial topics in history:

It is always helpful if you take a look at existing, ongoing research topics. Coming up with your topic might be quite a challenge if you have no idea of what is going on in History research. For instance, find 20-30 US history topics, take a look at them, and think for a while. Which one has grabbed your interest the most? Which topic has the most potential and the biggest importance to you?

Do some prior research

Once you know the approximate direction of your research, go to the Internet and discover what others write about it. Try to search for some evidence you might need to apply in your paper. Once you find enough support and information, you will be able to narrow down the research topic and come up with your arguments for an essay.

Select the best sources

Writing a history research paper has a lot to do with literature research. You will need to find a bunch of online sources and select only the ones that are most relevant to your research topic. Make sure you use only the most reliable sources and always apply appropriate citations to avoid plagiarism.

Start outlining

Once you’re all set with a research paper topic, don’t forget to structure your history paper. Outlining is the key to writing a proficient, coherent, well-argumented paper. You will need to follow standard outlining: introduction, main body paragraphs, and a summary paragraph at the end. Make sure you have reasonable arguments and evidence for each point of your outline.

Develop multiple thesis statements

A thesis statement plays a critical role when we talk about history research papers. First, it gives the reader an idea of what you will be talking about in the essay. Additionally, it does let the reader know which line of arguments you will follow later on and helps them understand why you decided to talk about a specific historical event. To make it easier for you to structure body paragraphs, develop several statements. If you do so, you will develop several different arguments and finally choose the best ones.

Without further ado, take a look at 100 history research paper topics that will serve you as a basis for your own piece of writing:

Ancient History

Ancient Rome vs. ancient Greece: which one had more power in the past, and whose impact can be traced better today?
The philosophy of ancient greeks and its impact today
How the voting system of ancient Greece was organized
Protests in the ancient era: how demonstrations were organized in the past
The political system of ancient Rome
The military forces in ancient Greece
How Gladiator games were organized and which goal they pursued?
The society organization in ancient Egypt
Alexander the Great as one of the most leading figures in ancient History
Ancient Rome and civilian life

Middle Ages History Research Paper Topics

Crimes in the middle ages and how criminal behavior was treated
European Cities’ infrastructure during the medieval times
Philosophers of Medieval times and their impact on life today
The role of interfaith marriages in Medieval Europe
The most meaningful discoveries during the Middle Times and their contribution to the world economy
Revival of the Byzantine: the role and importance of the notion
Quran and its role in Medieval Europe
Middle Ages and the impact on the history of Europe
Why do some historians associate the Middle Ages with the era of discoveries?

Modern History

The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: the reasons and possible prevention mechanisms
Native Americans in the US today
US immigrant policy: the challenges that are being put on the foreign residents
Social movements and the role of the industrialization
Social movements in the US today
The notion of Westward Expansion
The most prominent inventions of the 21st century and their inventors
Industrialization and its consequences for the US
Great Recession: tracing the adverse consequence of the crisis today
The role of NATO in the modern society

World History Research Paper Topics

The war between the United States and Mexico: the reasons and outcomes
The colonization of South America
The famous battle at sea Spain and Great Britain
How Medieval Europe shaped and perceived social interactions and personal relationships
The long-term consequences of the Cold War between the countries of the Soviet Bloc and the United States
The Chernobyl explosion: one of the biggest nuclear catastrophes of the mankind
1968 student revolts
Formation of the European Union and the key events that contributed to it

European History

French revolution and the force distribution that followed
The history of the European economy
Early Modern Europe
Muslims of Europe
The propaganda of western theories in the 20th century
England of the 17th century and the problem of gender bias
The analysis of Mid-Tudor Crises in Europe
The history of Nazi Germany: comparing German government of the past to the government of today

World War I

The Treaty of Versailles and its impact on the events of World War I
The Gallipoli campaign and the World War I
The image of eastern and western fronts in World War I
Chemical Weapon in World War I: economic necessity or a hazard?
The entrance of America into the World War
Most influential alliances during the times of World War I
World War I and the Russian revolution
Battle at sea vs battle in the air: which countries used which strategies and why?
People and World War I: the cost of lives

World War II

How the Soviet army entered World War II and why its entry was critical for the World history
Child labor during the times of World War II
Africa and the World War II
Why did America decide to take a neutral role during World War II?
The fate of Germany after the end of the World War II
The state of diplomacy during World War II
The occupation of Japan
The events of the final year of World War II
Resistance towards Hitler in Germany during the times of World War II

African American History Research Paper Topics

The role of the 14th Amendment in the lives of African American society
Attempts to end slavery via Abolitionist Movement: success and failure factors
Angela Davis – one of the greatest civil rights activists in African American society
How Black Codes were designed to limit the freedoms of African Americans
Black History month: the roots of an opportunity to fight racism and learn the history of African Americans
Dr. Martin Luther King and his impact that finds reflection in the African American society today
Malcolm X and the rights of the people of color
How cultural movements of African Americans contributed to the cultural diversity of the United States
Robert F. Kennedy and the success of his speech

United States History

The causes of civil war in the United States
1776: the years of independence declaration
The key personalities during the times of revolutionary war
American social movements and the consequences that industrialization has had on the first
The history of slavery and human rights deprivation in the United States
The role of indigenous people: how is modern culture shaped by the impact of native Americans?
Analyzing the period between the wars
Emancipation Proclamation of 1863
Alcohol prohibition in the US: the roots and long-term consequences for the economy
Some of the most prominent historical events that took place during the times of Cold War
The Image of the United States during the Cold War
Cold War ar the period of uncertainty, fear, and resilience
The reason why Europe’s impact has been constantly shrinking at the times of cold war
Countries involved in the cold war and their role in it
Was it possible to prevent the Cold War or reduce its duration?
The influence of the Cold War in the current era: comparison of Russian vs. American pop cultures
The culture of the Soviet Union at the times of the Cold War
Chinese Communist Revolution during the Cold War

20th Century History Topics

American history of the 21st century
Ronald Reagan and the impact of the Mixed Legacies
The Holocaust and Roosevelt’s administration
Vietnam war: the role of females
Political Risks in American History during the reign of Harry Truman
Dictatorship in North Korea: the reasons behind it
The uprising of democratic movements
The history of organized crime in the 1920s in America
The greatest causes and consequences of the Great Depression
The death of the Soviet Union: how the world’s biggest country came to an end

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

The Federalist Papers

Appearing in New York newspapers as the New York Ratification Convention met in Poughkeepsie, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison wrote as Publius and addressed the citizens of New York through the Federalist Papers. These essays subsequently circulated and were reprinted throughout the states as the Ratification process unfolded in other states. Initially appearing as individual items in several New York newspapers, all eighty-five essays were eventually combined and published as The Federalist . Click here to view a chronology of the Printing and Reprintings of The Federalist .

Considerable debate has surrounded these essays since their publication. Many suggest they represent the best exposition of the Constitution to date. Their conceptual design would affirm this view. Others contend that they were mere propaganda to allay fears of the opposition to the Constitution. Regardless, they are often included in the canon of the world’s great political writings. A complete introduction exploring the purpose, authorship, circulation, and reactions to The Federalist can be found here.

General Introduction

No. 1 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 27 October 1787

Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence

No. 2 (Jay) New York Independent Journal , 31 October 1787
No. 3 (Jay) New York Independent Journal , 3 November 1787
No. 4 (Jay) New York Independent Journal , 7 November 1787
No. 5 (Jay) New York Independent Journal , 10 November 1787

Concerning Dangers from Dissensions Between the States

No. 6 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 14 November 1787
No. 7 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 17 November 1787
No. 8 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 20 November 1787
No. 9 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 21 November 1787

The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection

No. 10 (Madison) New York Daily Advertiser , 22 November 1787

The Utility of the Union in Respect to Commercial Relations and a Navy

No. 11 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 24 November 1787

The Utility of the Union in Respect to Revenue

No. 12 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 27 November 1787

Advantage of the Union in Respect to Economy in Government

No. 13 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 28 November 1787

Objections to the Proposed Constitution from Extent of Territory Answered

No. 14 (Madison) New York Packet , 30 November 1787

The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union

No. 15 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 1 December 1787
No. 16 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 4 December 1787
No. 17 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 5 December 1787
No. 18 (Madison with Hamilton) New York Packet , 7 December 1787
No. 19 (Madison with Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 8 December 1787
No. 20 (Madison with Hamilton) New York Packet , 11 December 1787
No. 21 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 12 December 1787
No. 22 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 14 December 1787

The Necessity of Energetic Government to Preserve of the Union

No. 23 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 18 December 1787

Powers Necessary to the Common Defense Further Considered

No. 24 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 19 December 1787
No. 25 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 21 December 1787

Restraining the Legislative Authority in Regard to the Common Defense

No. 26 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 22 December 1787
No. 27 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 25 December 1787
No. 28 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 26 December 1787

Concerning the Militia

No. 29 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 9 January 1788

Concerning the General Power of Taxation

No. 30 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 28 December 1787
No. 31 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 1 January 1788
Nos. 32–33 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 2 January 1788
No. 34 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 4 January 1788
No. 35 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 5 January 1788
No. 36 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 8 January 1788

The Difficulties of the Convention in Devising a Proper Form of Government

No. 37 (Madison) New York Daily Advertiser , 11 January 1788
No. 38 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 12 January 1788

The Conformity of the Plan to Republican Principles

No. 39 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 16 January 1788

The Powers of the Convention to Form a Mixed Government Examined

No. 40 (Madison) New York Packet , 18 January 1788

General View of the Powers Conferred by the Constitution

No. 41 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 19 January 1788
No. 42 (Madison) New York Packet , 22 January 1788
No. 43 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 23 January 1788

Restrictions on the Authority of the Several States

No. 44 (Madison) New York Packet , 25 January 1788

Alleged Danger from the Powers of the Union to the State Governments

No. 45 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 26 January 1788

Influence of the State and Federal Governments Compared

No. 46 (Madison) New York Packet , 29 January 1788

Structure of the New Government and the Distribution of Powers

No. 47 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 30 January 1788

Departments Should Not Be So Far Separated

No. 48 (Madison) New York Packet , 1 February 1788

Guarding Against the Encroachments of Any One Department of Government

No. 49 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 2 February 1788

Periodic Appeals to the People Considered

No. 50 (Madison) New York Packet , 5 February 1788

Structure of Government Must Furnish Proper Checks and Balances

No. 51 (Madison) New York Independent Journal , 6 February 1788

The House of Representatives

No. 52 (Madison?) New York Packet , 8 February 1788
No. 53 (Madison or Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 9 February 1788

The Apportionment of Members Among the States

No. 54 (Madison) New York Packet , 12 February 1788

The Total Number of the House of Representatives

No. 55 (Madison?) New York Independent Journal , 13 February 1788
No. 56 (Madison?) New York Independent Journal , 16 February 1788

The Alleged Tendency of the Plan to Elevate the Few at the Expense of the Many

No. 57 (Madison?) New York Packet , 19 February 1788

Objection That the Numbers Will Not Be Augmented as Population Increases

No. 58 (Madison?) New York Independent Journal , 20 February 1788

Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members

No. 59 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 22 February 1788
No. 60 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 23 February 1788
No. 61 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 26 February 1788
No. 62 (Madison?) New York Independent Journal , 27 February 1788
No. 63 (Madison?) New York Independent Journal , 1 March 1788
No. 64 (Jay) New York Independent Journal , 5 March 1788
No. 65 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 7 March 1788

Objections to the Power of the Senate to Set as a Court for Impeachments

No. 66 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 8 March 1788

The Executive Department

No. 67 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 11 March 1788

The Mode of Electing the President

No. 68 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 12 March 1788

The Real Character of the Executive

No. 69 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 14 March 1788

The Executive Department Further Considered

No. 70 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 15 March 1788

The Duration in Office of the Executive

No. 71 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 18 March 1788

Re-Eligibility of the Executive Considered

No. 72 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 19 March 1788

Provision for The Support of the Executive, and the Veto Power

No. 73 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 21 March 1788

The Command of the Military and Naval Forces, and the Pardoning Power

No. 74 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 25 March 1788

The Treaty Making Power of the Executive

No. 75 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 26 March 1788

The Appointing Power of the Executive

No. 76 (Hamilton) New York Packet , 1 April 1788

Appointing Power and Other Powers of the Executive Considered

No. 77 (Hamilton) New York Independent Journal , 2 April 1788

The Judiciary Department

No. 78 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788
No. 79 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

The Powers of the Judiciary

No. 80 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

The Judiciary Continued, and the Distribution of the Judicial Authority

No. 81 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

The Judiciary Continued

No. 82 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

The Judiciary Continued in Relation to Trial by Jury

No. 83 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

Miscellaneous Objections to the Constitution Considered

No. 84 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

Concluding Remarks

No. 85 (Hamilton) Book Edition, Volume II, 28 May 1788

Frontiers in Robotics and AI
Bio-Inspired Robotics
Research Topics

(Re) Designing the Tree of Robotic Life

Total Downloads

Total Views and Downloads

About this Research Topic

The tree of life forms a concise snapshot of the history, and linkages between, all life forms on Earth. Another way to look at this diagram is to imagine what the world would have been like if history had played out differently. If the evolutionary game was run again, how would the same fundamental building blocks have combined, given different selective pressures and exogenous shocks? This Research Topic is placed at the intersection of evolutionary biology, engineering, and design, and ponders the above question in the context of robotics. Our aim is to challenge existing notions of what robots are, how they are built and controlled, and how they interact with their environments. Papers submitted to this collection should explore scenarios in which the shifting tides of evolutionary history have resulted in a new (robotic) tree of life, and their goal should be to come up with radically new robot concepts suited to this reality. This Research Topic aims to bring together experts across a variety of different fields within robotics (and further reaching) to encourage papers brainstorming new and exciting ideas of how robotics may have developed under different evolutionary paradigms. By challenging pre-existing notions of what robots are, how they are built and controlled, and how they interact with their environments, the Research Topic not only helps to better define the “Phylogenetic Tree of Robotic Life” as it is currently, but also to consider its previously unimagined, “could-have-been” (or, perhaps, “yet-to-be”) branches. In doing so, we are hopeful that this will breed new international collaborations and exciting new research paths which are unique and approach robotics from an alternative (and perhaps unusual) perspective. This Research Topic is linked to the workshop “(RE) DESIGNING THE TREE OF ROBOTIC LIFE: A Game of Alternative Timelines” which will take place at the 2024 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) conference in Yokohama, Japan on Monday 13th May. We encourage contributions to the Research Topic from workshop attendees and external relevant contributors. Any paper which was first published as a conference proceedings, must be extended to include 30% original content to be considered.

Keywords : tree of life, robot, evolution, bio-inspired robotics

Important Note : All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Topic Editors

Topic coordinators, submission deadlines, participating journals.

Manuscripts can be submitted to this Research Topic via the following journals:

total views

Demographics

No records found

total views article views downloads topic views

Top countries

Top referring sites, about frontiers research topics.

With their unique mixes of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author.

share this!

May 13, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

written by researcher(s)

AI-assisted writing is quietly booming in academic journals—here's why that's OK

by Julian Koplin, The Conversation

If you search Google Scholar for the phrase " as an AI language model ," you'll find plenty of AI research literature and also some rather suspicious results. For example, one paper on agricultural technology says,

"As an AI language model, I don't have direct access to current research articles or studies. However, I can provide you with an overview of some recent trends and advancements …"

Obvious gaffes like this aren't the only signs that researchers are increasingly turning to generative AI tools when writing up their research. A recent study examined the frequency of certain words in academic writing (such as "commendable," "meticulously" and "intricate"), and found they became far more common after the launch of ChatGPT—so much so that 1% of all journal articles published in 2023 may have contained AI-generated text.

(Why do AI models overuse these words? There is speculation it's because they are more common in English as spoken in Nigeria, where key elements of model training often occur.)

The aforementioned study also looks at preliminary data from 2024, which indicates that AI writing assistance is only becoming more common. Is this a crisis for modern scholarship, or a boon for academic productivity?

Who should take credit for AI writing?

Many people are worried by the use of AI in academic papers. Indeed, the practice has been described as " contaminating " scholarly literature.

Some argue that using AI output amounts to plagiarism. If your ideas are copy-pasted from ChatGPT, it is questionable whether you really deserve credit for them.

But there are important differences between "plagiarizing" text authored by humans and text authored by AI. Those who plagiarize humans' work receive credit for ideas that ought to have gone to the original author.

By contrast, it is debatable whether AI systems like ChatGPT can have ideas, let alone deserve credit for them. An AI tool is more like your phone's autocomplete function than a human researcher.

The question of bias

Another worry is that AI outputs might be biased in ways that could seep into the scholarly record. Infamously, older language models tended to portray people who are female, black and/or gay in distinctly unflattering ways, compared with people who are male, white and/or straight.

This kind of bias is less pronounced in the current version of ChatGPT.

However, other studies have found a different kind of bias in ChatGPT and other large language models : a tendency to reflect a left-liberal political ideology.

Any such bias could subtly distort scholarly writing produced using these tools.

The hallucination problem

The most serious worry relates to a well-known limitation of generative AI systems: that they often make serious mistakes.

For example, when I asked ChatGPT-4 to generate an ASCII image of a mushroom, it provided me with the following output.

It then confidently told me I could use this image of a "mushroom" for my own purposes.

These kinds of overconfident mistakes have been referred to as "AI hallucinations" and " AI bullshit ." While it is easy to spot that the above ASCII image looks nothing like a mushroom (and quite a bit like a snail), it may be much harder to identify any mistakes ChatGPT makes when surveying scientific literature or describing the state of a philosophical debate.

Unlike (most) humans, AI systems are fundamentally unconcerned with the truth of what they say. If used carelessly, their hallucinations could corrupt the scholarly record.

Should AI-produced text be banned?

One response to the rise of text generators has been to ban them outright. For example, Science—one of the world's most influential academic journals—disallows any use of AI-generated text .

I see two problems with this approach.

The first problem is a practical one: current tools for detecting AI-generated text are highly unreliable. This includes the detector created by ChatGPT's own developers, which was taken offline after it was found to have only a 26% accuracy rate (and a 9% false positive rate ). Humans also make mistakes when assessing whether something was written by AI.

It is also possible to circumvent AI text detectors. Online communities are actively exploring how to prompt ChatGPT in ways that allow the user to evade detection. Human users can also superficially rewrite AI outputs, effectively scrubbing away the traces of AI (like its overuse of the words "commendable," "meticulously" and "intricate").

The second problem is that banning generative AI outright prevents us from realizing these technologies' benefits. Used well, generative AI can boost academic productivity by streamlining the writing process. In this way, it could help further human knowledge. Ideally, we should try to reap these benefits while avoiding the problems.

The problem is poor quality control, not AI

The most serious problem with AI is the risk of introducing unnoticed errors, leading to sloppy scholarship. Instead of banning AI, we should try to ensure that mistaken, implausible or biased claims cannot make it onto the academic record.

After all, humans can also produce writing with serious errors, and mechanisms such as peer review often fail to prevent its publication.

We need to get better at ensuring academic papers are free from serious mistakes, regardless of whether these mistakes are caused by careless use of AI or sloppy human scholarship. Not only is this more achievable than policing AI usage, it will improve the standards of academic research as a whole.

This would be (as ChatGPT might say) a commendable and meticulously intricate solution.

Provided by The Conversation

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Biologists travel with their mobile laboratory to study a wide range of mitochondrial functions in avian migration

Increasing drought puts the resilience of the Amazon rainforest to the test

10 minutes ago

Legacy of Indigenous stewardship of camas dates back more than 3,500 years, study finds

24 minutes ago

New 3D models reveal how warming climate affects underwater ocean tides

28 minutes ago

This modified stainless steel could kill bacteria without antibiotics or chemicals

29 minutes ago

Alaska's rusting waters: Pristine rivers and streams turning orange

New quantum dot approach can enhance electrical conductivity of solar cells

Genetic drift, not natural selection, identified as main factor driving speciation in endangered pupfish species

How cockroaches spread around the globe to become the pest we know today

Can coal mines be tapped for rare earth elements?

Relevant physicsforums posts, physics education is 60 years out of date.

May 16, 2024

Is "College Algebra" really just high school "Algebra II"?

May 14, 2024

Plagiarism & ChatGPT: Is Cheating with AI the New Normal?

Physics instructor minimum education to teach community college.

May 11, 2024

Studying "Useful" vs. "Useless" Stuff in School

Apr 30, 2024

Why are Physicists so informal with mathematics?

Apr 29, 2024

AI-generated academic science writing can be identified with over 99% accuracy

Jun 7, 2023

ChatGPT maker fields tool for spotting AI-written text

Feb 1, 2023

Is the genie out of the bottle? Can you trust ChatGPT in scientific writing?

Oct 19, 2023

What is ChatGPT: Here's what you need to know

Feb 16, 2023

Tool detects AI-generated text in science journals

Nov 7, 2023

Could artificial intelligence help or hurt medical research articles?

Feb 6, 2024

Recommended for you

First-generation medical students face unique challenges and need more targeted support, say researchers

Investigation reveals varied impact of preschool programs on long-term school success

May 2, 2024

Training of brain processes makes reading more efficient

Apr 18, 2024

Researchers find lower grades given to students with surnames that come later in alphabetical order

Apr 17, 2024

Earth, the sun and a bike wheel: Why your high-school textbook was wrong about the shape of Earth's orbit

Apr 8, 2024

Touchibo, a robot that fosters inclusion in education through touch

Apr 5, 2024

Let us know if there is a problem with our content

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

Publications
Our Methods
Short Reads
Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Support for legal abortion is widespread in many places, especially in Europe

Majorities in most of the 27 places around the world that Pew Research Center surveyed in 2023 and 2024 say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. But attitudes differ widely – even within places. Religiously unaffiliated adults, people on the ideological left and women are more likely to support legal abortion in many places.

This analysis focuses on public opinion of abortion in 27 places in North America, Europe, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

This analysis draws on nationally representative surveys of 27,285 adults conducted from Feb. 20 to May 22, 2023. All surveys were conducted over the phone with adults in Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Surveys were conducted face-to-face in Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland and South Africa. In Australia, we used a mixed-mode probability-based online panel.

Data from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam comes from a survey of 6,544 adults conducted from June 6 to Sept. 17, 2023. All interviews in Hong Kong and Taiwan were conducted over the phone; those in Vietnam were conducted face-to-face.

In the United States, data comes from a survey of 8,709 U.S. adults conducted from April 8 to 14, 2024. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and the survey methodology .

A diverging bar chart showing that majorities in most places surveyed support legal abortion.

A median of 66% of adults across the 27 places surveyed believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while a median of 30% believe it should be illegal in all or most cases.

In the United States, where a Supreme Court decision ended the constitutional right to abortion in 2022, 63% of adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. U.S. support for legal abortion has not changed in recent years.

In Europe, there is widespread agreement that abortion should be legal. In nearly every European country surveyed, at least 75% of adults hold this view, including roughly 25% or more who say it should be legal in all cases.

Swedes are especially supportive: 95% say it should be legal, including 66% who say it should be legal in all cases.

Poland stands out among the European countries surveyed for its residents’ more restrictive views, at least compared with other Europeans. Over half of Poles (56%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, but 36% say it should be illegal in all or most cases.

Attitudes are more varied in the Asia-Pacific region. Majorities say abortion should be legal in all or most cases in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. But in Vietnam, a majority (59%) say it should be illegal in all or most cases, and 82% in Indonesia share this view.

In Israel, 51% of adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 42% say it should be illegal in all or most cases.

In all three African countries surveyed – Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa – majorities say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. That includes 88% of adults in Kenya and 91% in Nigeria.

In South America, views about legal abortion are divided in Argentina and Mexico. But in Brazil, seven-in-ten adults say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases.

Abortion legislation and views of abortion

Abortion rules tend to be more restrictive in places where support for legal abortion is lower. Abortions in Brazil, Indonesia and Nigeria are only permitted when a woman’s life is at risk, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights . In Israel, Kenya and Poland, abortion is permitted to preserve a woman’s health. Most other places surveyed have more permissive regulations that allow abortions up to a specific point during the pregnancy.

Compared with Pew Research Center surveys over the past decade in Europe , India and Latin America , more people in many countries now say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

Importance of religion and attitudes toward abortion

Attitudes toward abortion are strongly tied to how important people say religion is in their lives. In places where a greater share of people say religion is at least somewhat important to them, much smaller shares think abortion should be legal.

For example, 99% of Nigerians say religion is important in their lives and only 8% say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 20% of Swedes see religion as important and 95% support legal abortion.

People in India are outliers: 94% view religion as important, but 59% also favor legal abortion.

A scatter plot showing that support for legal abortion tends to be higher where people place less importance on religion.

How religious affiliation, GDP relate to abortion views

Economic development plays a role in this relationship, too. In places with lower gross domestic product (GDP) per capita , people tend to be more religious and have more restrictive attitudes about abortion.

But the U.S. stands apart in this regard: Among the advanced economies surveyed, Americans have the highest per capita GDP but are among the most likely to say religion is important to them. They are also among the least likely to say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

A dot plot showing that religiously unaffiliated adults are more likely than those affiliated with a religion to favor legal abortion.

Religious affiliation is also an important factor when considering views of abortion in particular places.

On balance, adults who are religiously unaffiliated – self-identifying as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular” – are more likely to say abortion should be legal in all or most cases than are those who identify with a religion.

This difference is largest in the U.S., where 86% of religiously unaffiliated adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, compared with 53% of religiously affiliated Americans. Of course, differences also exist among religiously affiliated Americans. White evangelical Protestants are the least likely to favor legal abortion.

In countries where there are two dominant religions and negligible shares of religiously unaffiliated adults, there are often divides between the dominant religions.

Take Israel, for example, where 99% of adults affiliate with a religion. While 56% of Jewish adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, 23% of Muslims agree. And 89% of Jews who describe themselves as Hiloni (“secular”) favor legal abortion, compared with only 12% of Haredi (“ultra-orthodox”) or Dati (“religious”) Jews. Masorti (“traditional”) Jews fall in between, with 58% favoring legal abortion.

Views differ by religion in Nigeria, too, even as the vast majority of Nigerians oppose legal abortion. One-in-ten Nigerian Christians support legal abortion in all or most cases, compared with just 3% of Nigerian Muslims.

Differences in views by political ideology

A dot plot showing that people on the ideological left are more likely to support legal abortion than those on the right.

In 15 of the 18 countries where the Center measures political ideology on a left-right scale, those on the left are more likely than those on the right to say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

Again, Americans are the most divided in their views: 94% of liberals support legal abortion, compared with 30% of conservatives.

Opinions by gender

Gender also plays a role in views of abortion, though these differences are not as large or widespread as ideological and religious differences.

In seven countries surveyed – Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, the UK and the U.S. – women are significantly more likely than men to say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

In an additional six countries in Europe and North America, women are more likely than men to say abortion should be legal in all cases.

In Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Poland, Taiwan, Vietnam and all the African and Latin American countries surveyed, men and women have more similar views on abortion.

Note: Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and the survey methodology . This is an update of a post originally published June 20, 2023.

Household Structure & Family Roles
International Issues
Religion & Abortion

Janell Fetterolf is a senior researcher focusing on global attitudes at Pew Research Center .

Laura Clancy is a research analyst focusing on global attitudes research at Pew Research Center .

Americans overwhelmingly say access to IVF is a good thing

Among parents with young adult children, some dads feel less connected to their kids than moms do, most east asian adults say men and women should share financial and caregiving duties, parents, young adult children and the transition to adulthood, public has mixed views on the modern american family, most popular.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries

Research Topics

Age & Generations
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Economy & Work
Family & Relationships
Gender & LGBTQ
Immigration & Migration
International Affairs
Internet & Technology
Methodological Research
News Habits & Media
Non-U.S. Governments
Other Topics
Politics & Policy
Race & Ethnicity
Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

20th Century History Research Paper Topics

This page serves as a guide to navigate the fascinating world of 20th century history research paper topics , providing students with a plethora of ideas and insights for their academic pursuits. From examining the political upheavals to analyzing social transformations, economic developments, and cultural shifts, this collection of research paper topics offers a diverse range of subjects to explore. Whether students are interested in dissecting the consequences of global conflicts, investigating the impacts of scientific advancements, or exploring the contributions of individuals and communities, this page presents an array of thought-provoking ideas that delve into the depths of 20th century history. With careful consideration and scholarly exploration, students can uncover hidden narratives, challenge existing narratives, and contribute to the ever-expanding understanding of this transformative period in human history.

100 20th Century History Research Paper Topics

The 20th century was a period of immense historical significance, witnessing a plethora of transformative events and social changes that continue to shape the world we live in today. This comprehensive list of 20th century history research paper topics aims to provide students with a diverse range of captivating subjects to explore and analyze. Organized into 10 categories with 10 topics in each, this list covers various aspects of 20th century history, encompassing political developments, social movements, cultural shifts, technological advancements, and much more. Whether you are intrigued by the world wars, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, or the rise of globalization, this list offers a wealth of research paper topics to inspire and guide your academic journey.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

World Wars and their Impact

The Causes and Consequences of World War I
The Role of Women in World War II
The Impact of World War II on Global Politics and Society
The Holocaust: Understanding the Genocide of the 20th Century
The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Ethical Considerations
The Role of Propaganda in World War II
The Rise of Fascism and Nazism
The Versailles Treaty: Shaping the Post-War World
The Liberation Movements in Europe: Resistance and Collaboration
The Marshall Plan: Rebuilding Europe After World War II

Cold War and Global Conflicts

The Origins and Dynamics of the Cold War
The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Tense Standoff
The Vietnam War: Causes, Strategies, and Outcomes
The Korean War: Forgotten Conflict or Pivotal Moment?
The Space Race: Superpower Rivalry in the Skies
The Berlin Wall: Symbol of Division and Unity
The Arms Race: Nuclear Proliferation and Deterrence
The Proxy Wars of the Cold War Era
The Non-Aligned Movement: A Quest for Independence
The Fall of the Soviet Union: End of an Era

Civil Rights and Social Movements

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States
Women’s Liberation Movement: Striving for Equality
The LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: Progress and Challenges
Indigenous Rights Movements: Reclaiming Cultural Identity
The Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa
The Black Power Movement: Reimagining Black Identity
Environmental Movements: Conservation and Activism
Disability Rights Movements: From Marginalization to Inclusion
Student Protests and Activism in the 20th Century
Labor Movements: Workers’ Rights and Unionization

Technological Advancements and Scientific Discoveries

The Space Exploration and Moon Landing
The Internet Revolution: Shaping the Digital Age
The Green Revolution: Agricultural Innovations and Food Security
The Development of Nuclear Energy: Promises and Perils
The Rise of Computers and Information Technology
The Mapping of the Human Genome: Implications for Medicine and Genetics
The Invention of Television: Transforming Communication and Entertainment
The Discovery of Antibiotics: Revolutionizing Medicine
The Evolution of Transportation: From Automobiles to Supersonic Jets
The Technological Innovations of the Industrial Revolution

Cultural Shifts and Artistic Movements

The Roaring Twenties: Jazz Age and the Lost Generation
The Beat Generation: Literature, Poetry, and Counterculture
The Pop Art Movement: Redefining Art in Consumerist Society
The Surrealist Movement: Exploring the Depths of the Unconscious
The Harlem Renaissance: Celebrating African-American Culture
Postmodernism: Challenging Conventions in Art and Literature
The Feminist Art Movement: Reclaiming Women’s Narratives
The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Music, Rebellion, and Cultural Fusion
The Influence of Cinema: From Silent Films to Blockbusters
The Evolution of Fashion: From Flappers to Global Brands

Economic Transformations and Globalization

The Great Depression: Causes, Impact, and Lessons Learned
The Rise of Consumer Culture: Advertising and Mass Production
The Globalization of Trade and Commerce
Economic Boom and Post-War Reconstruction
The Bretton Woods System: Shaping the Global Financial Order
The Oil Crisis: Energy, Politics, and Economic Consequences
The Rise of Multinational Corporations
The Dot-Com Bubble: E-Commerce and Technological Speculation
The Asian Financial Crisis: Causes, Contagion, and Recovery
Economic Inequality: Challenges and Debates in the 20th Century

Political Shifts and World Events

The Rise and Fall of Fascism and Totalitarian Regimes
The Cold War in Latin America: Ideology and Intervention
The Decolonization Movements in Africa and Asia
The Fall of Colonial Empires: Post-Colonialism and Nationalism
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Historical Roots and Ongoing Tensions
The Cuban Revolution: Fidel Castro and the Socialist Experiment
The Iranian Revolution: Islamism and Political Change
The End of Apartheid in South Africa: Nelson Mandela and Reconciliation
The Formation of the European Union: Integration and Cooperation
The United Nations: Challenges and Achievements

Women’s History and Feminist Movements

The Suffragette Movement: Struggles for Women’s Right to Vote
The Second Wave Feminism: Changing Perceptions and Legal Rights
Women in War: From Nurses to Combatants
Women in Science: Breaking Barriers and Advancing Knowledge
Women in Politics: Leadership and Representation
Women in Sports: Challenging Gender Norms
Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights Movements
Women in Literature and the Arts: Shaping Cultural Expression
Women in the Workforce: Challenges and Achievements
Intersectionality and the Study of Women’s History

Social Movements and Counterculture

Hippie Movement: Peace, Love, and the Anti-War Movement
Student Protests: Challenging Authority and Seeking Change
Environmental Activism: From Silent Spring to Climate Change
Civil Rights Movements: Advocating for Racial Equality
Punk Culture and the DIY Ethic: Subversion and Resistance
Anti-Nuclear Movements: Peaceful Resistance to Atomic Weapons
LGBTQ+ Rights Movements: Fighting for Equal Rights and Acceptance
Disability Rights Movements: Advocacy and Accessibility
Animal Rights and Welfare Movements: Ethics and Activism
Indigenous Rights Movements: Land, Sovereignty, and Cultural Preservation

War and Conflict

The First World War: Causes, Impact, and Legacies
The Second World War: Global Conflict and the Holocaust
The Cold War: Superpower Rivalry and the Threat of Nuclear War
The Korean War: Forgotten Conflict or Proxy War?
The Vietnam War: Causes, Strategies, and Consequences
The Gulf War: International Conflict in the Middle East
The Rwandan Genocide: Ethnic Violence and International Response
The Falklands War: Sovereignty Dispute and Military Conflict
The Iraq War: The War on Terror and its Aftermath
The War in Afghanistan: Ongoing Conflict and Counterterrorism Efforts

This comprehensive list of 20th century history research paper topics encompasses a wide range of fascinating subjects within the realm of political, social, cultural, economic, and technological developments. From the tumultuous events of world wars to the transformative social movements and scientific advancements, students of 20th century history have a rich tapestry of research paper topics to explore. By delving into these subjects, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities, challenges, and triumphs of the 20th century and its lasting impact on our contemporary world.

20th Century History: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

The 20th century stands as one of the most eventful and transformative periods in human history. From the dramatic shifts in global politics to the profound societal changes, this era witnessed a myriad of significant events that continue to shape the world we live in today. Exploring the range of research paper topics within 20th century history provides students with an opportunity to delve into the complexities, controversies, and triumphs of this dynamic era. In this article, we will embark on a journey through various facets of 20th century history, highlighting key themes and research areas that can ignite the curiosity and critical thinking of students studying this captivating subject.

World Wars and their Impact : The world wars of the 20th century left an indelible mark on human history. Research paper topics within this category may include the causes and consequences of World War I, the role of women in World War II, the impact of the wars on global politics and society, the Holocaust and its ethical considerations, the use of propaganda, the rise of fascism and Nazism, the significance of the Versailles Treaty, the liberation movements in Europe, and the post-war reconstruction efforts such as the Marshall Plan.
Cold War and Global Conflicts : The Cold War era shaped the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century. Research paper topics within this category may explore the origins and dynamics of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War and its causes and outcomes, the Korean War, the Space Race, the Berlin Wall, the arms race and nuclear proliferation, the proxy wars of the Cold War era, the non-aligned movement, and the fall of the Soviet Union.
Civil Rights and Social Movements : The 20th century witnessed significant social and civil rights movements that challenged inequality and fought for justice. Research paper topics within this category may include the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, women’s liberation movement, LGBTQ+ rights movement, indigenous rights movements, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, the black power movement, environmental movements, disability rights movements, student protests and activism, and labor movements.
Technological Advancements and Scientific Discoveries : The 20th century was marked by remarkable technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs. Research paper topics within this category may encompass the exploration of space and moon landing, the internet revolution, the green revolution and agricultural innovations, the development of nuclear energy, the rise of computers and information technology, the mapping of the human genome, the invention of television, the discovery of antibiotics, the evolution of transportation, and the technological innovations of the industrial revolution.
Cultural Shifts and Artistic Movements : Art, literature, and cultural expressions played a significant role in shaping the identity of the 20th century. Research paper topics within this category may explore the Roaring Twenties and the Lost Generation, the Beat Generation, the pop art movement, the surrealism movement, the Harlem Renaissance, postmodernism, the feminist art movement, the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, the influence of cinema, and the evolution of fashion.
Economic Transformations and Globalization : The 20th century witnessed major economic transformations and the rise of globalization. Research paper topics within this category may include the Great Depression and its impact, the rise of consumer culture, globalization of trade and commerce, economic boom and post-war reconstruction, the Bretton Woods system, the oil crisis, the rise of multinational corporations, the dot-com bubble, the Asian financial crisis, and debates on economic inequality.
Political Shifts and World Events : The 20th century was marked by significant political shifts and world events that reshaped nations and international relations. Research paper topics within this category may explore the rise and fall of fascism and totalitarian regimes, the Cold War in Latin America, the decolonization movements in Africa and Asia, the fall of colonial empires, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Cuban revolution, the Iranian revolution, the end of apartheid in South Africa, the formation of the European Union, and the United Nations.
Women’s History and Feminist Movements : The role of women and the feminist movements throughout the 20th century had a profound impact on society. Research paper topics within this category may include the suffragette movement, the second-wave feminism, women in war, women in science, women in politics, women in sports, women’s health and reproductive rights movements, women in literature and the arts, women in the workforce, and the study of intersectionality.
Social Movements and Counterculture : The 20th century witnessed the rise of various social movements and counterculture that challenged traditional norms and values. Research paper topics within this category may include the hippie movement, student protests, environmental activism, civil rights movements, punk culture and the DIY ethic, anti-nuclear movements, LGBTQ+ rights movements, disability rights movements, animal rights and welfare movements, and indigenous rights movements.
War and Conflict : The 20th century was marked by significant wars and conflicts that shaped the course of history. Research paper topics within this category may include the First and Second World Wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Rwandan genocide, the Falklands War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and other conflicts and their causes, strategies, and outcomes.

Conclusion: The rich and diverse landscape of 20th century history offers a wide array of research paper topics for students to explore. From global conflicts to social movements, scientific advancements to cultural transformations, the events and developments of this era provide ample opportunities for historical inquiry and analysis. By selecting a research topic from this comprehensive list, students can embark on a rewarding journey of uncovering the intricacies and complexities of the 20th century and its enduring significance in shaping our present world.

Choosing 20th Century History Research Paper Topics

Introduction: Selecting a research paper topic in 20th century history can be both exciting and challenging. The vast scope of this era offers a multitude of fascinating subjects to explore, but it can also be overwhelming to narrow down your focus. To help you in this process, we have compiled expert advice and practical tips to guide you in choosing the most compelling and relevant 20th century history research paper topics.

Identify Your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within the field of 20th century history. Consider the historical events, themes, or regions that intrigue you the most. Is there a particular period or aspect of 20th century history that you find captivating? Identifying your interests will not only make the research process more enjoyable but will also allow you to delve deeper into a topic that resonates with you.
Narrow Down Your Focus : Once you have identified your interests, it is essential to narrow down your research focus. The 20th century encompasses a vast range of topics, so selecting a specific aspect will ensure that your research paper has a clear and focused argument. For example, instead of choosing a broad topic like “World War II,” you could narrow it down to “The Role of Women in World War II” or “The Impact of Technology on Warfare in World War II.”
Consider Relevance and Significance : When choosing a 20th century history research topic, consider its relevance and significance in shaping the course of history. Look for topics that have had a profound impact on society, politics, culture, or technological advancements. By selecting a topic of historical significance, you can explore its causes, consequences, and long-term effects, providing a deeper understanding of the era.
Explore Untold Stories : While popular events and figures of the 20th century attract attention, consider exploring lesser-known or untold stories. Digging into lesser-explored topics can provide a fresh perspective and contribute to historical scholarship. Look for marginalized voices, overlooked events, or hidden narratives that offer a new understanding of the complexities of the 20th century.
Consult Primary and Secondary Sources : To ensure a strong research paper, make use of both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources, such as archival documents, diaries, photographs, and interviews, provide firsthand accounts and unique insights into historical events. Secondary sources, such as scholarly books, articles, and analyses, offer critical interpretations and contextual information. By combining both types of sources, you can present a well-rounded and evidence-based argument.
Consider Controversial Topics : Controversial topics in 20th century history can spark intellectual debates and offer opportunities for critical analysis. However, it is important to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect for different perspectives. Engage with differing viewpoints, evaluate evidence objectively, and present a balanced argument that acknowledges different interpretations of historical events.
Connect History to Contemporary Issues : Another approach to selecting a research topic is to connect 20th century history to contemporary issues. Investigate how events and developments from the past continue to shape the present. By exploring the historical roots of current social, political, or cultural issues, you can highlight the relevance and ongoing significance of 20th century history in understanding today’s world.
Collaborate with Your Peers and Professors : Engage in discussions with your peers and seek guidance from your professors or advisors. Sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives, and receiving feedback can help you refine your research topic and enhance the overall quality of your work. Collaborative discussions can also lead to new insights and provide additional research resources or directions.
Balance Accessibility and Originality : While it is important to choose a research topic that is accessible and has a sufficient amount of existing scholarly literature, don’t be afraid to explore original angles or contribute fresh perspectives. Strive to strike a balance between engaging with existing research and offering a unique contribution to the field. Aim to fill gaps in knowledge or shed new light on previously studied topics.
Follow Your Passion : Above all, choose a 20th century history research paper topic that ignites your passion and curiosity. A genuine interest in your chosen subject will fuel your motivation, making the research process more enjoyable and rewarding. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing, captivating your readers and enhancing the overall quality of your research paper.

Conclusion: Selecting a research paper topic in 20th century history requires careful consideration, curiosity, and a balance between relevance and personal interest. By following the expert advice provided above, you can identify a compelling and significant topic that aligns with your interests and contributes to the scholarly discourse. Remember to narrow down your focus, consult various sources, and connect history to contemporary issues to create a research paper that makes a meaningful contribution to the field of 20th century history.

How to Write a 20th Century History Research Paper

Introduction: Writing a research paper on 20th century history requires careful planning, extensive research, and effective writing skills. In this section, we will provide you with valuable guidance on how to approach and craft your 20th century history research paper. By following these steps, you can produce a well-structured and compelling piece of academic writing.

Understand the Assignment : Begin by thoroughly understanding the requirements of your research paper assignment. Take note of the specific guidelines, word count, formatting style, and deadline. Clarify any uncertainties with your instructor to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the expectations for your paper.
Select a Strong Thesis Statement : Craft a strong thesis statement that presents the main argument or central idea of your research paper. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, guiding the direction of your paper and informing the reader of your intentions. Ensure that your thesis statement is supported by evidence and provides a focus for your research.
Conduct In-Depth Research : To write a comprehensive 20th century history research paper, conduct thorough research using a variety of primary and secondary sources. Utilize libraries, archives, online databases, and scholarly journals to gather relevant information. Take meticulous notes and cite your sources properly to ensure accuracy and maintain academic integrity.
Organize Your Ideas : Create an outline to organize your ideas and structure your research paper. Divide your paper into sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology (if applicable), main body, and conclusion. Within each section, outline the key points and arguments you plan to address. This will provide a roadmap for your writing and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
Write a Captivating Introduction : Begin your research paper with an engaging introduction that hooks the reader’s attention. Provide background information on the topic, highlight its significance, and present your thesis statement. Consider using a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote to grab the reader’s interest from the start.
Develop Well-Structured Body Paragraphs : In the main body of your research paper, develop your arguments and present supporting evidence in a series of well-structured paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or subtopic, and should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main point. Support your arguments with relevant evidence, examples, and citations from your research.
Analyze and Interpret : A successful 20th century history research paper goes beyond simply presenting facts. Analyze and interpret the information you have gathered to offer critical insights and perspectives. Engage with different viewpoints, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various arguments, and provide a well-rounded analysis of the topic.
Use Proper Citations : Accurately cite all the sources you have referenced in your research paper. Follow the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) consistently throughout your paper. Proper citations not only avoid plagiarism but also give credit to the original authors, enhancing the credibility of your research.
Revise and Edit : Once you have completed the initial draft of your research paper, take the time to revise and edit it. Review the content for clarity, coherence, and logical progression of ideas. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider seeking feedback from peers or professors to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
Craft a Strong Conclusion : Conclude your research paper by summarizing your main arguments and restating the significance of your findings. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead provide a concise synthesis of your research. Reflect on the implications of your research and suggest avenues for further study or exploration.

Conclusion: Writing a 20th century history research paper requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective communication skills. By understanding the assignment, developing a strong thesis statement, conducting in-depth research, organizing your ideas, and following the proper structure and citation guidelines, you can create a compelling and well-researched paper. Remember to revise and edit your work to ensure clarity and accuracy. With these guidelines in mind, you are well-equipped to tackle your 20th century history research paper with confidence and produce a piece of academic writing that contributes to the scholarly discourse in the field.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

Introduction: At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges that students face when it comes to writing 20th century history research papers. The extensive research, critical analysis, and meticulous documentation required can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer our professional writing services to provide you with expert assistance and ensure your success. With our team of skilled writers and a commitment to delivering high-quality custom research papers, we are your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of 20th century history research. Let us help you achieve your academic goals and excel in your studies.

Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our writing team consists of experienced and knowledgeable writers who hold advanced degrees in history and related disciplines. They have a deep understanding of the intricacies of 20th century history and can provide expert insights and analysis in your research paper.
Custom Written Works : We specialize in creating custom written research papers tailored to your specific requirements. When you place an order with us, our writers start from scratch, conducting extensive research and crafting a unique paper that meets your instructions and academic standards.
In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled researchers who have access to a wide range of reputable sources. They delve deep into the subject matter, utilizing scholarly journals, books, primary sources, and other relevant materials to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of your research paper.
Custom Formatting : We understand the importance of adhering to specific formatting styles in academic writing. Whether your research paper requires APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other citation style, our writers are well-versed in these formatting guidelines and will ensure that your paper is properly formatted.
Top Quality : We are committed to delivering top-quality research papers that meet the highest academic standards. Our writers pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that your paper is well-structured, coherent, and free from grammatical and spelling errors.
Customized Solutions : Every research paper is unique, and we recognize that your specific requirements may vary. That’s why we offer customized solutions to cater to your individual needs. Whether you need assistance with topic selection, research methodology, or specific sections of your paper, we are here to provide tailored support.
Flexible Pricing : We understand that students often have budget constraints. That’s why we offer flexible pricing options to accommodate different financial situations. Our pricing is competitive, transparent, and based on factors such as the complexity of the research paper, deadline, and word count.
Short Deadlines : We are adept at working with tight deadlines and can accommodate orders with short turnaround times. Whether you have a few days or just a few hours remaining, our writers are equipped to deliver high-quality research papers within your specified timeframe.
Timely Delivery : Punctuality is of utmost importance to us. We understand the significance of meeting deadlines, and we strive to deliver your research paper on time. Our efficient workflow ensures that you receive your completed paper within the agreed-upon timeframe.
24/7 Support : We provide round-the-clock customer support to address any inquiries or concerns you may have. Our friendly and knowledgeable support team is available 24/7 via live chat, email, or phone to assist you at any stage of the writing process.
Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the confidentiality of your personal information and the details of your research paper. Rest assured that all your interactions with us will be handled with strict confidentiality, and your identity will remain protected.
Easy Order Tracking : We offer a user-friendly platform that allows you to track the progress of your research paper. You can conveniently communicate with your assigned writer, provide additional instructions, and monitor the status of your order.
Money Back Guarantee : We are confident in the quality of our services and the expertise of our writers. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money back guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.

Conclusion: When it comes to writing 20th century history research papers, iResearchNet is your trusted partner. With our team of expert writers, custom written works, in-depth research, custom formatting, top quality papers, flexible pricing, timely delivery, 24/7 support, absolute privacy, easy order tracking, and money back guarantee, we are committed to providing you with the best possible experience. Place your order with us and let our professional writers guide you through the process, ensuring a well-researched and well-crafted 20th century history research paper that meets your academic goals.

Unleash Your Potential with iResearchNet

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the task of writing a 20th century history research paper? Do you need expert guidance and support to excel in your academic pursuits? Look no further than iResearchNet’s 20th century history writing services. Our team of experienced writers and comprehensive range of services are tailored to help you unleash your potential and achieve success in your research paper. Let us be your trusted partner in turning your ideas into well-crafted, insightful, and impactful papers.

Don’t let the challenges of writing a 20th century history research paper hold you back from achieving academic success. With iResearchNet’s 20th century history writing services, you can unleash your potential and elevate your research paper to new heights. Our team of expert writers, customized approach, extensive research, proper citation and formatting, timely delivery, confidentiality, and 24/7 support are all designed to ensure your satisfaction. Place your order with iResearchNet today and experience the difference of working with professionals who are dedicated to helping you excel in your 20th century history research endeavors. Unleash your potential and embark on a rewarding academic journey with iResearchNet.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

IMAGES

019 Essay Example In Writing Historical Research Report It Is Best To
Us history research paper topics 1900's costumes
🌷 Easy us history research paper topics. Top 150 Easy Research Paper
History Research Paper Thesis Examples
Suggested Research Paper Topics
History Research Paper Outline Example

VIDEO

Lec 1
us history
How to score high in US History? Explained by a mentor Umer Hayat
The Watkins Guide to Research Papers
Research Paper Ideas For Business Students
TOP 20 BEST RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR SCIENCE STUDENT IN 2024 #researchtopics#researchproject

COMMENTS

300+ American History Research Paper Topics
American history is a vast and complex subject that encompasses a wide range of events, movements, and individuals who have shaped the country's past and present. From the struggles for independence and civil rights to the exploration and settlement of the continent, American history provides an abundance of topics for research papers ...
Interesting American History Research Paper Topics
In this section, we present a comprehensive list of interesting American history research paper topics, carefully organized into 10 categories. From political milestones to social movements, cultural shifts, and economic transformations, these topics provide a broad spectrum of ideas for conducting in-depth research and analysis.
160 US History Research Paper Topics
List of 160 American History Research Paper Topics. History is a rich and complex subject, ripe for exploration in academic research. Whether you're a student seeking a topic for an assignment or a history enthusiast looking to delve deeper into America's past, this list offers a diverse range of subjects.
132 Brilliant US History Research Paper Topics
132 Best US History Research Paper Topics. 1. The Impact of the Louisiana Purchase on American Expansion. 2. The Causes and Consequences of the American Revolutionary War. 3. The Role of Women in the American Civil War. 4. The Harlem Renaissance and Its Influence on African American Culture. 5. The Trail of Tears: Forced Relocation of Native ...
153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]
153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas] Updated: Mar 12th, 2024. 13 min. American history is not as long as the European one. However, it's one of the richest histories in the world. It's full of controversies, different opinions, and interesting facts. Those who study American history will find how many voices, perspectives ...
197 Fascinating US History Research Topics To Top The Class
History of Science and technology in the United States. Work, job insecurity and inequalities youth income in the United States. History of US-Russian relations and the crisis in Ukraine. Hegemony, geopolitics and the United States. The Capitalist World System and the New Alignments Geopolitics in the 21st Century.
American History Research Paper Topics
This page presents an exhaustive guide for students exploring American history research paper topics. American history, rich in its complexity and breadth, spans across centuries of transformative events, influential figures, and groundbreaking policies. Our comprehensive list of 100 research paper topics is systematically divided into ten ...
140 Good Research Topics for History Papers
10 Good History Research Topics that are Easy to Adapt. Conditions for Slaves During the Building of the Great Pyramid. Three Events from the First Greek Olympiad. How, Where, and When Rome was Founded. The Battle of Marathon: How the Greeks Defeated Persia.
520 Excellent American History Topics & Tips for an A+ Paper
Think of the Boston Tea Party or the American Revolution. And these are only two of that era's most notable events. In this rubric, you'll find colonial American history essay topics. The period in question starts with the British arrival in the New World and ends with the Civil War. The origins of Thanksgiving.
Guide to US History Research Paper Topics
Crafting your Research Paper Topic. Selecting an engaging and manageable topic is crucial in the research process. Your topic should be both broad enough to offer plenty of study sources and narrow enough to allow in-depth exploration. Below is a list of possible US history research paper topics. Colonial Period. The Colonial Period, from the ...
History Research Paper Topics
Research paper topics in American history can encompass pivotal events such as the American Revolution, the institution of slavery and the abolitionist movement, the Civil War and Reconstruction era, the Great Depression and the New Deal, and the civil rights movement. Exploring American history provides insights into the nation's identity ...
60+ Unique History Research Paper Topics in 2021
A study of early music history and the evolution of musical instruments. History papers carry a lot of weight, allowing college students to learn the culture, traditions, and past of other nations. With our vast range of ideas, you should have a smooth time selecting an ideal topic. Remember, you can always find research paper writing help online.
American History Research Guide
The West. Trade Literature. United States Cartography and Maps. World's Fairs and Expositions Resources. The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives' American History Research Guide is a select list of resources for students, teachers, and researchers to learn about various topics of American History.
101 US History Research Paper Topics For A+ Students
The United States is the envy of many. It is the dream of many to visit it and just gaze at the beauty of this magnificent country. However, writing on it would be an excellent start to achieving this dream. Get Help With US Hisrtory Research Paper Topics Today! American history research paper topics are like the sand of the sea.
HIST 101
These include: American History, African-American History, American Indian History, Ancient and Medieval History, and Modern World History. These databases include a wide variety of research sources including, in-depth overview essays, biographies, journal articles, images, primary sources, maps, videos, and more.
US History Primary Sources & Databases
Databases. Gale databases offer researchers access to credible, historical content, including full-text articles covering many U.S. history topics and American history topics from newspapers, articles, journals, much more aligned with lesson plans for teaching and guides for additional research.
History 112
Term Paper Resource Guide to Twentieth-Century United States History by Robert Muccigrosso; Ronald Blazek; Teri Maggio. ISBN: 9780313300967. Publication Date: 1999-05-30. This guide presents entries on 100 of the most important events and developments in twentieth-century U.S. history organized in chronological order.
Research Topics
HIST 105 - US History since 1877 - V. Winn; Research Topics; Search this Guide Search. ... Research Topics; Databases; Video and Movie Databases This link opens in a new window; Newspapers; Writing Center Toggle Dropdown. Citing Sources ; Research Topics. Need suggestions for your research? Reconstruction and Rise of Jim Crow; Conquest of the West;
100 History Research Paper and Essay Topics
World History Research Paper Topics. The war between the United States and Mexico: the reasons and outcomes. The colonization of South America. The famous battle at sea Spain and Great Britain. How Medieval Europe shaped and perceived social interactions and personal relationships.
Research Guides: #History: HIST 1302: US History Since 1877
Lives and Times: Individuals and Issues in American History: Since 1865 by Blaine T. Browne; Robert C. Cottrell Lives and Times is a biographical reader designed to acquaint students with major issues in American history through the lives of individuals, prominent and otherwise, whose activities and ideas were crucial in shaping the course of the nation's history.
Early American History Research Paper Topics
Exploring a variety of early American history research paper topics is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of the foundations of the United States. This page presents a comprehensive guide for students studying history, providing a vast range of topics, practical advice on how to select and approach them, and an in-depth article examining the richness of early American history as a ...
The Federalist Papers
Appearing in New York newspapers as the New York Ratification Convention met in Poughkeepsie, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison wrote as Publius and addressed the citizens of New York through the Federalist Papers. These essays subsequently circulated and were reprinted throughout the states as the Ratification process unfolded in other states. Initially appearing as…
180+ Presentation Topic Ideas [Plus Templates]
Some of the best presentation topic ideas for students center around topics such as current events, education, general culture, health, life skills, literature, media and science. When picking presentation topics, consider these things: your hobbies, the books you read, the kind of TV shows you watch, what topics you're good at and what you ...
Methodology
Pew Research Center has a long history of conducting surveys that examine the views of American voters. This analysis of Black voters' views on political party affiliation, policy priorities and 2024 presidential candidates relies on data from four of these studies. Study 1: U.S. adults' views on domestic policy priorities
VE Day
Video summary. This short film explains what VE Day and VJ Day were, and the events that led to the end of the war. An eye-witness called Alan, who was a child at the time, recalls seeing the ...
(Re) Designing the Tree of Robotic Life
Keywords: tree of life, robot, evolution, bio-inspired robotics . Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements.Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Best History Research Paper Topics
It teaches us to appreciate the complexities and nuances of human nature and society, making history a rich field for research paper topics. History is an interdisciplinary field, interweaving elements from various areas of study, including politics, sociology, economics, anthropology, geography, and literature.
AI-assisted writing is quietly booming in academic journals—here's why
For example, one paper on agricultural technology says, If you search Google Scholar for the phrase "as an AI language model," you'll find plenty of AI research literature and also some rather ...
Legal abortion widely supported globally, especially in Europe
In the United States, data comes from a survey of 8,709 U.S. adults conducted from April 8 to 14, 2024. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of Pew Research Center's American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses.
20th Century History Research Paper Topics
War and Conflict: The 20th century was marked by significant wars and conflicts that shaped the course of history. Research paper topics within this category may include the First and Second World Wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Rwandan genocide, the Falklands War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and ...

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

American History Research Paper Topics

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

You may also like

200+ Funny Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

500+ Environmental Research Topics

500+ Economics Research Topics

500+ Physics Research Topics

500+ Google Scholar Research Topics

US History Research Paper Topics: Moments that Shaped a Nation

List of 160 American History Research Paper Topics

Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877

US History Paper Topics on the Civil War

American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization

American History Research Topics on Reconstruction

20th-Century American History Paper Topics

US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II

American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement

Native American History Thesis Topics

Which Topics to Choose for History Research?

Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

132 Brilliant US History Research Paper Topics

Table of Contents

Passion-Driven Engagement

Research Topic with Impact

Balancing Passion and Significance

Otio: Your AI Research and Writing Partner

2. Extract key takeaways

Related Reading

The Importance of Structuring Your Research Paper

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Conducting Thorough Research

Organizing Your Ideas and Outline

Writing the Main Body

Crafting Effective Topic Sentences

Incorporating Counterarguments

Writing a Strong Conclusion

Final Thoughts

153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]

🌎Top 10 American History Topics to Write about

🧊 Cool American History Topics

🎉 Fun US History Essay Topics

☝️ Good US History Topics by Period

🏗️ History Topics before 1877

🌻 American History 1878-1899

🏙️ 20th Century US History Topics

🙌 Most Interesting American History Topics

🧐 US History Regent Topics

✊ Black History Essay Topics

🔗 References

197 Fascinating US History Research Topics To Top The Class

US History Research Topics: Classic, Neo-Classic, Mind Blowing

Classic US History Research Topics

Neo-Classical US History Research Topics

American History Research Topics For High School

US History Research Topics for College

Political US History Research Topics

US Industry History Research Topics

International Relations: History of US Research Topics

History of Hollywood Research Topics

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

520 Excellent American History Topics & Tips for an A+ Paper

🔝 Top 10 American History Topics

🔍 References

🦅 Essay Topics on US History before 1865

⚔️ Civil War Topics for Your Paper

🛠️ Essay Topics on Reconstruction & Industrialization

🗽 20th Century US History Topics to Write About

🔫 Topics about America in World Wars I & II

☮️ Essay Topics About the Civil Rights Movement

💬 Debatable US History Topics to Research

✊🏿 Black History Topics for an Essay

🏞️ Native American Topics to Write About

⭐ Topics on Famous People in American History

Navigating US History: A Student’s Guide to Research Paper Topics

The Importance of History Learning