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200 Interesting World History Topics to Write About

world history topics

If you are looking for a long list of original world history topics that you can use in 2022, you have arrived at just the right place. Our experienced writers have just finished updating the world history topics, so you can find unique ideas in no time. We have everything from world history term paper topics to ancient history research paper topics.

Choose Our World History Research Paper Topics

Are you prepared to read the 200 world history essay topics we have prepared for you? Simply scroll down through the different categories and find the best topics for you. Reword them as you see fit; you don’t need to give us any credit.

Interesting World History Topics

We will start our list with the most interesting topics we could find. Don’t hesitate to pick one of these interesting world history topics right now:

  • The first use of weapons in Europe
  • The colonization of South America
  • Discuss relationships in Medieval Europe
  • The abolition of slavery in the US
  • The assassination of Abraham Lincoln
  • The most powerful army of all times

World History Research Paper Topics

If you need to write a research paper about world history, you will be thrilled to learn that we have more than enough world history research paper topics right here:

  • Major events in medieval Europe
  • The age of discovery (the Middle Ages)
  • Most important people of the 1600s
  • Analyze the Gallipoli campaign
  • The Holocaust during WW II
  • Politics in 1700s Europe

AP World History Topics

Are you interested in writing AP world history essays? Our experts have put together a list of the best and most interesting AP world history topics:

  • The development of a major culture
  • The interaction between 2 major cultures
  • The creation of an economic system
  • The expansion of an economic system
  • Humans and the surrounding environment
  • The development of social structures

Art History Ideas

Talking about art history has the potential to impress your professor, so why not give it a try? We have some of the best art history ideas right here:

  • The main motifs of medieval art
  • Traditional Japanese wedding attires
  • Analyze The Death of Sardanapalus
  • The Rococo movement
  • Light use in Sunrise by Monet
  • Major elements of Gothic architecture
  • Leonardo da Vinci’s religious motifs
  • Traditional Chinese costumes

World History Project Topics

If you are tasked with doing a world history project, we can help you with some very nice ideas. Take a look at our world history project topics and pick the one you like:

  • Uncovering the site of a major battle
  • Make an archeological discovery
  • Retracing the steps of the First Crusade
  • Animating a WW II battle
  • Describe tactics in a major ancient battle
  • Putting ancient pottery fragments back together

World History Debate Topics

Are you preparing a debate? Then you need to find the best possible topic. To help you out, our ENL writers have compiled a list of the best world history debate topics:

  • Comparing Roman and Greek civilizations
  • The most influential leader of Rome
  • The rise of fascism in Europe
  • What caused WW I?
  • Historicism vs. Presentism
  • The crucifixion of Christ
  • The negative influence of the Roman Empire
  • Communist’s rise to power in China

World History Argumentative Essay Topics

If you need to write an argumentative essay, you are probably looking for the most interesting ideas. Take a look at these awesome world history argumentative essay topics:

  • The travels of the Vikings
  • Ancient Chinese philosophy
  • Ancient Egypt’s effects on humanity
  • The importance of Corinth in ancient times
  • The greatest Roman leader: Octavian
  • David Livingstone and his contribution to African culture
  • What caused the Great Famine?
  • China and gunpowder

World History Topic Ideas for High School

High school students should look for topics that are not overly complex. We’ve created a list of world history topic ideas for high school students. Take a look:

  • The use of elephants in ancient wars
  • Trebuchets and the mechanics behind them
  • Were battering rams effective?
  • The effects of The Inquisition on Europe
  • Socialism: The Paris Commune
  • Gods in Ancient Egypt
  • Gods in Ancient Rome
  • Gods in Ancient Greece

World History Before 1500 Paper Topics

Choose one of our awesome world history before 1500 paper topics and start writing your essay right away. Here are our best ideas:

  • Discuss the Chaledean Empire
  • Analyze the Neo-Babylonian Empire
  • Discuss spoken language in 1000 AD
  • Analyze the Neolithic Age
  • Discuss irrigation in 1200 AD
  • The invention of writing
  • Discuss Zoroastrian cultures
  • Discuss religions before 1000 AD. You can also check out our religion research paper topics .

20th Century World History Research Paper Topics

Wouldn’t it be great if you could find some unique 20th century world history research paper topics? Well, you will be thrilled to find out that we have some right here:

  • Analyze one of the speeches of Martin Luther King
  • The Vietnam War
  • Nixon’s impeachment proceedings
  • Nelson Mandela’s legacy
  • The space exploration age
  • Discuss Identity Politics
  • Civil Rights in the US
  • Major holocaust events

Good World History Research Paper Topics

Good good world history research paper topics are topics that are relatively easy to write about. You can find plenty of information online. Here are a few examples:

  • Culinary delights during the Industrial revolution
  • Aztec military tactics
  • The great witch hunts of Europe
  • Discuss Greece’s influence on Egypt
  • Koryo Dynasty: Unifying Korea
  • The failure of the Second Crusade
  • The first Olympic Games

Ancient World History Research Paper Topics

Are you interested in writing a paper on ancient world history? We have plenty of interesting ancient world history research paper topics right here. Check them out:

  • The rise of the Roman Empire
  • The fall of the Roman Empire
  • Greek city states
  • The emergency of democracy in Greece
  • Ancient African empires
  • The Babylonian Empire
  • The Persian Empire

European History Ideas

Why not write your paper about European history? We have some unique European history ideas below (and the list is updated periodically):

  • The history of the Getae
  • The expansion of the Dacians
  • Analyze the League of Nations
  • The legacy of WW I
  • Totalitarian and imperialist movements in Europe
  • The Golden age of piracy in Europe
  • Nationalism in Europe in the 1700s

Modern World History Topics

Are you interested in writing about modern world history? Don’t hesitate to pick one of our modern world history topics and start writing your paper right away:

  • Emergence of Daoism in China
  • The Catholic Church in the 18th century
  • The apparition of slavery in Africa
  • The scientific revolution in Europe
  • Major events of the Cold War
  • The communist’s rise to power in Russia
  • Communist leaders of China

World History Research Topics for College

If you enjoy doing research about world history, you might be interested in choosing one of our awesome world history research topics for college:

  • The Battle of the Seas (Britain vs. Spain)
  • The spread of Christianity
  • An in-depth look at the French Revolution
  • Fascism in the interwar period
  • A critical look at the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact
  • Innovations in World War II
  • Major events of the First Global Age

War History Ideas

Are you interested in writing about war history? After all, wars have been an integral part of our history for thousands of years. Check out our excellent war history ideas:

  • The US Civil War
  • What caused the Holocaust?
  • Discuss the Red Scare
  • The Cold War
  • Analyze the Mexican-American War
  • The Schlieffen Plan
  • Analyze the invasion of Poland by Germany

Ancient History Topics

Interested in ancient history? We are sure your professor will greatly appreciate a paper on one of these ancient history topics (all are free to use and excellent for 2022):

  • Discuss the kingdoms of Ancient Egypt
  • Compare Ancient Greece and Rome cultures
  • Technology in Ancient Egypt
  • The Spartan warrior’s caste
  • The Golden Age of Greek city states
  • Trading in the Mesoamerican space
  • Tartessos and the El Dorado legend

Controversial World History Topics

You are not prohibited from writing about controversial topics. On the contrary, you are advised to give it a try. Take a look at our controversial world history topics:

  • Discuss Pope Alexander VI
  • The Highland Clearances in the Scottish Highlands
  • Margaret Thatcher: The good, the bad, the ugly
  • Native American slaughters in America
  • The controversial Tenure of Office Act
  • The controversial Scopes Monkey Trial
  • The Tennessee Butler Act

Chinese History Topics

If you are passionate about the Chinese culture and want to learn more about their history, we advise you to pick one of these awesome Chinese history topics and start writing:

  • The end of the Chinese Empire
  • The role of women in 1500 China
  • Discuss ancient Chinese philosophers
  • China: Becoming a behemoth economy
  • The Warring States period and the Qin dynasty
  • Rome and China trade routes
  • Chinese governance in Tibet
  • Analyze The People’s Republic of China

Difficult World History Paper Topics

Do you want to challenge yourself? We are certain you will appreciate our difficult world history paper topics. Choose the best one and start working on your academic paper today:

  • The way the Salve Codes have influenced American society
  • The effects of the American Revolution on American society
  • The role of women in America prior to 1900
  • An in-depth look at women’s suffrage movement
  • What triggered the Russo-Japanese war?
  • The end of the Qing Dynasty
  • The great revolutions of Russia
  • Discuss the apparition of Korea
  • The role of Constantinople in the rise of the Byzantine Empire

United States History Topics

We have a list of the best United States history topics. All topics have been updated a few days ago, so you will surely be able to find an original one. Here is the list:

  • Truth and myths about the Puritans in the US
  • Discuss the Salem witch trials
  • The emergence of the first American colonies
  • Discuss the Boston Tea Party
  • Analyze the apparition of the Declaration of Independence
  • Discuss the Boston Massacre
  • George Washington’s contribution to the US
  • Analyze the trade of tobacco in early America

French Revolution Topics

There are plenty of things to say about the French revolution. Take a look at these French revolution topics and choose the one you like the most:

  • Discuss Seigneurialism
  • Analyze The Third Estate
  • Discuss the fall of Robespierre
  • Analyze the Thermidorian Reaction
  • The September Massacres
  • The Vendee uprising
  • The fall of the Bastille
  • The October march on Versailles

Easy World History Topics to Write About

We are certain you don’t want to spend too much time writing the paper, so we did our best to come up with some pretty easy world history topics to write about:

  • Discuss marriage in the Roman Empire
  • The colonization of the Americas (one of the most interesting world history research topics)
  • The link between the crusades and religion
  • The beginning of the Thirty Years War
  • First occurrence of apartheid in Africa
  • Renaissance Humanism in Europe
  • A short history of architecture in China

History Topics From Columbus to the 1800s

If you want to write about a specific period of history (or if your professor has asked you to do so), here are some interesting history topics from Columbus to the 1800s:

  • First contact with Native Americans
  • Hernando de Soto in America
  • Who is Pocahontas?
  • The first Anglo-Powhatan War
  • The French-Indian War
  • Native Americans in the Seven Years War
  • The Battle of Bloody Run (one of the most interesting topics in world history)
  • The Treaty of Holston

Medieval History Paper Topics

Are you tasked with writing a paper on medieval history? You will be thrilled to learn that our experts have put together a nice list of medieval history paper topics:

  • Discuss Anna Comnena
  • Discuss a medieval city in Europe
  • Define and describe Falconry
  • The crusades and the role of women
  • Analyze Medieval English clothing
  • The castles of India in medieval times (the best medieval history topics)
  • Apprenticeship in medieval Europe

19th Century World History Research Topics

There are plenty of things to talk about when it comes to 19th century world history. Take a look at our 19th century world history research topics and pick one today:

  • Discuss the Latin American independence
  • The Meiji Restoration in Japan
  • The Taiping Rebellion in China
  • The fall of the Ottoman Empire
  • Analyze Napoleon’s major campaigns
  • The great revolutions of 1848 (awesome topics for world history)
  • Discuss the abolitionist movement

Napoleon Research Paper Topics

Discussing the Napoleon period of French history can be captivating, if you find a great topic. Here are some pretty interesting Napoleon research paper topics as an example:

  • Napoleon’s stance on the Jews
  • Major Napoleon campaigns
  • Napoleon’s reforms
  • Analyze the French Revolution
  • Napoleon: the military genius
  • Napoleon’s leadership skills
  • The rise of Imperialism in Europe
  • The Russian campaign

If you need more ideas, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask “ write my thesis for me .” Our experts are ready to help you pick a decent topic, find relevant sources and even write your thesis.

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Best Research Paper Topic On History For Students

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Table of contents

  • 1 What is a History Research Paper?
  • 2 Unique History Research Topics Tips
  • 3 Ancient History Research Paper Topics
  • 4 Middle Ages History Research Paper Topics
  • 5 World History Research Paper Topics
  • 6 WWI History Research Paper Topics
  • 7 WWII History Research Paper Topics
  • 8 20th Century History Research Paper Topics
  • 9 Modern History Research Paper Topics
  • 10 French Revolution Topics
  • 11 European History Research Paper Topics
  • 12 US History Research Paper Topics
  • 13 Art History Research Paper Topics
  • 14 Conclusion

One of the biggest challenges is just how many research topics for students there are. There are European history research paper topics, art history research paper topics, and world history research paper topics among many more. Knowing where to begin can be the biggest hurdle to overcome. In this guide, PapersOwl will give you a list of history topics to get you started.

What is a History Research Paper?

A history research paper is an analysis of a historical time or event. There is usually a thesis statement or argument that the paper analyses and proves. The body of a research paper will lay out evidence to argue the thesis statement. By showing the statement to be possible, the paper might draw on new possibilities and explore new ideas.

When someone reads the paper, they will meet the thesis within the first couple of paragraphs. As they read more, they contemplate what they are being shown. They are presented with evidence to weigh, and they might find themselves wanting to know more about the topic. No matter the subject matter, history research papers present the writer’s own ideas and back them up with evidence such as others’ ideas.

A research paper is different from an essay. Essays are usually personal interpretations of a subject, while research papers build on ideas and evidence by experts. Though you can buy history papers , here are some unique ideas to get you started on a topic you might be interested in.

Unique History Research Topics Tips

Choosing good history topics to research is a challenge for college students. Many students spend too much time worrying about which topic to choose  that they don’t even consider that they also need to learn how to write historical papers .

The best history research paper topics are ones that have strong arguments for discussion. When searching for history research paper topics, you should consider the following:

  • Is your topic relevant, and is there a clear statement?
  • Is there enough prior literature on the topic?
  • Can you find out enough facts with supporting sources and evidence?
  • Are there enough things to consider for the thesis argument and the number of words required?

The majority of research papers require a particular style. This might be comparative, analytical, argumentative, or reflective. You might also be guided to a certain style:

  • A cause and effect paper – to explain and analyze a historical event and its consequences.
  • A persuasive essay – to persuade the reader to a certain way of thinking about a historical event.
  • A paper to compare and contrast – two historical figures/eras/events, etc.

Now we have some background information, let’s explore our list of history topics. For some of them, we have expanded the topic to give you more information.

Ancient History Research Paper Topics

Ancient history is often one of college students’ favorite history research paper topics.

Here are some interesting history research paper topics before 1500.

  • The view of immortality and death in Ancient Egypt – Ancient Egyptians believed that immortality and death were seen as an interruption in life and not the end of it
  • The History of Palestine – Palestine has an interesting history and is defined as an area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea
  • Prophets and Religious Leaders – Religious leaders and prophets have shaped how we view the spiritual world
  • Did the Trojan Horse exist? – a horse that’s crossed through history over 3000 years, but was it real?
  • Traditions and Culture of Sumerians – Sumerian history is an interesting topic and they had an intricate relationship with God
  • How the Iron Age changed the world – with iron farming tools like sickles, farmers could grow new crops and free up their time
  • Prehistoric Britain and the Role of Women
  • A study of Empires and Power – there are so many empires to choose from, including the British Empire and the Mongol Empire
  • Ancient Egyptian symbolism – Ancient Egypt was full of symbols like the Eye of Horus
  • The great wall of China – was it built to prevent internal or external threats?

Middle Ages History Research Paper Topics

When considering history topics to write about, the Middle Ages is always popular. Here are some good research topics for the Middle Ages:

  • The Middle Ages and Chivalry
  • Medieval Europe – the cause and effect of urbanization
  • War in the Middle Ages – the changes brought about by gunpowder
  • The powerful role of the House of Medici in the Middle Ages – the House of Medici was a political dynasty and Italian banking family
  • Were the Crusades a just holy war or a cruel pilgrimage? – The Crusades were religious wars during Medieval times. They were initiated and supported by the Latin Church
  • The changes in armor and weapons during the Middle Ages
  • Scientific Progress during the Dark Ages – universities began in the Dark Ages, and so lots of progress was made in the sciences
  • Middle Age Witch Trials – prosecuting the powerless
  • Evolving Asia in the Middle Ages
  • Religion’s role in daily Middle Age life

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World History Research Paper Topics

When it comes to world history topics, you have a huge scope, and narrowing them down can be hard. Here are some interesting history topics from around the world:

  • The Battle of the Seas – Spain and Britain
  • Aftershocks of the Cold War
  • Medieval Europe and social relationships
  • Colonizing South America – this began in 1494 with Christopher Columbus
  • The impact of Apartheid – Apartheid negatively affected children in South Africa, but it was especially devastating for black children
  • Ancient Roman bridal ceremonies
  • Ancient civilizations and weapon use
  • What led to the Thirty Years’ War?
  • Crusades and Religion
  • The Mexican-American War – almost two years of fighting, this was a defining moment for US and Mexican relations

WWI History Research Paper Topics

  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination and the triggering of WWI – Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo on 28th June 1914, which is considered to be the most immediate cause of the Great War
  • The first battle of Marne and its role in preventing Germany’s advances
  • The use of poison gas in the battle of Ypres and its consequences
  • The Treaty of Versailles – signed in 1919, was the formal end to WWI
  • WWI’s human cost – 9 million soldiers and 12 million civilians died during the war
  • WWI’s air and sea battles – a comparison
  • WWI alliances
  • America’s involvement in World War I
  • World War I and the Russian Revolution
  • The Gallipoli Campaign in WWI

WWII History Research Paper Topics

  • A study of the impact of the diary of Anne Frank
  • The invasion of Poland and the start of WWII
  • Holocaust victims – some six million Jews plus millions of others targeted for their political beliefs, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
  • Africa and WWII
  • The neutrality of the US in World War II – the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s
  • The holocaust and the church
  • Hitler’s perception in Germany during WWII
  • WWII and African Americans
  • WWII and Japanese-American Internment
  • WWII and diplomacy

20th Century History Research Paper Topics

Of course, both WWI and WWII were in the 20th century, but there is so much more to this century than the two huge wars. Here are some history research paper topics from the 1900s to 2000.

  • Northern Irish troubles in the 20th century – typically dated from the end of the 60s to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, but there have been episodes of sporadic violence after
  • The Cuban missile crisis (also known as the October Crisis of 1962 or the Caribbean Crisis) – just over one month of confrontation been the Soviet Union and the United States
  • The Chernobyl disaster
  • The aftermath of WWII
  • The Nuremberg Trials
  • The formation of the European Union
  • The controversies and legacy of François Mitterrand
  • El Salvador and civil war consequences
  • Student revolts of 1968 – student demonstrations in Belgrade, Yugoslavia – the first mass protests since WWII
  • The invention of the Internet and the PC

Modern History Research Paper Topics

Modern history also encompasses some interesting research topics. These include:

  • American History of the 21st Century
  • The atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima – two nuclear weapons were detonated by the US in August 1945, killing as many as 226,000, with most being civilians
  • Europeans Vs Native Americans
  • America’s social movements
  • Industrialists and inventors of the modern world
  • 21st-century US policies and immigration
  • Social movements and the effects of industrialization in America
  • The cost of industrialization in the U.S.
  • The European Union – currently 27 member states and 447 million inhabitants, the beginnings of the EU data to post-WWII
  • Socio-economic developments and gender inequality

French Revolution Topics

If the French Revolution interests you, here is a list of research topics.

  • Causes of the French Revolution – there were many causes, which included social inequality, tax burdens, and a financial crisis
  • The French Revolution and absolutism
  • The effects of the French Revolution on modern France
  • The role of the French Revolution in world history – the French Revolution shaped modern nations showing how the inherent will of the people can prevail
  • Societal transformation after the French Revolution
  • The influence of Robespierre in the French Revolution
  • The French Revolution and music – the French Revolution had a huge influence on music and French operas
  • Olympe de Gouges and the French Revolution
  • A Tale of Two Cities and the French Revolution – the French Revolution is a key event in Charles Dickens’s novel
  • The French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte’s betrayal

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

European History Research Paper Topics

There are many argumentative research paper topics for European History. Here are some examples:

  • Britain’s Kings and Queens – the British monarchy began following raids by the Vikings, and Alfred the Great assumed the title of “King of the English”
  • History of the European Economy
  • The Seven Years’ War
  • 18th-century European Politics
  • The rise of fascism
  • Francisco Franco and the far right in Spain
  • Fascist propaganda in Italy, Germany, and Spain in the 20th century
  • The merge of science and art in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries
  • The rise of Stalin – Stalin was a student radical and became an influential member and ultimate leader of the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party
  • English Witch hunts and gender bias – gender played a huge role in witch hunts in Early-Modern Europe, and even the Catholic Church believed women were more prone to demonic possession

US History Research Paper Topics

American History topics are always interesting, and there is usually lots of evidence and sources to help you write a good research paper .

For anyone interested in US History, these American history research paper topics for college students are great ones to get stuck into:

  • What led to the USA civil war? The American Civil War is one of the most written about and studied parts of U.S. history
  • History of US elections
  • Social Conflicts in the American Revolution
  • The US Federalist Era
  • African-Americans in the civil war
  • Segregation and Racism in the United States – African American history research paper topics are always an interesting read
  • The first Native American civilizations
  • The American Civil War and the distribution of wealth
  • The 1992 Riots in Los Angeles – lots of lootings, civil disturbances, and arson in April and May 1992 due to the LAPD using excessive force when arresting Rodney King
  • The Impact of Barack Obama

Art History Research Paper Topics

When many people look for history research paper topics for middle school, they like to combine it with another subject they are studying, like art. Some people also write about music history paper topics . Here are some historical topics that are on the subject of art.

  • Art History Vs Art Studio
  • US art history and politics
  • Frank Stella’s life
  • Art and war
  • Links between philosophy and art
  • Symbolism in the paintings of Frida Kahlo
  • Salvador Dali and his surrealist sculptures
  • Gothic architecture
  • Women and beauty standards in the Renaissance
  • The differences between art deco and art nouveau

Having the freedom to choose an essay topic can be both exciting and daunting. It is a huge challenge and responsibility. Hopefully, though, one of our research paper topics 2023 will help set you off on the right path to producing a great essay!

Remember that writing a history research paper is different from writing an essay. With this type of essay, you need to combine your own ideas with the ideas of historians and researchers before you come up with a supporting argument to a thesis. While you might choose any one of our ideas above, you should always bear in mind that you’ll need to find sources and evidence to use in your research paper. If you find a topic that is too difficult to find enough information on, it might be that you should choose a different slant or a different topic altogether. You should never leave this sort of paper until the last minute before the deadline. A research paper takes time and effort and done right, is a really satisfying assignment to hand in. If you find yourself in need of assistance, consider looking into research paper writing services , as they may be able to provide additional help and guidance. Good luck!

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40 Interesting Historical Research Topics

  • Last modified 2024-03-28
  • Published on 2021-03-17

good world history research topics

History is typically a required course in high school, under the umbrella of social science. History is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea; however, understanding American, European, and World History will give you an opportunity to escape your little bubble of life and gain broader perspectives about historical events and how they influence current and future events. History repeats itself, is often said. Learning about history will not only give you knowledge of the past but also predictions  for  the future.   

History may sound boring at first, but historical events were influenced by numerous factors, ranging from politics, technological advancement, and social circumstances. Especially, when you dive deeper into history with historical research, you will develop critical analysis and technical analysis skills by uncovering events and analyz ing  how they have impacted the future through convincing arguments.     

So now, you’re very interested in doing historical research, but you don’t know where to start. Every research paper starts with an interesting topic. So, ask yourself, what topic is of the most interest to you and most unique and interesting to readers? Maybe you are interested in learning more about European History during the Renaissance period, or the decolonization of Asia under the event of the Second World War .  Depending on the topic, you will be able to integrate and discuss multiple perspectives that contribute to the events or incidents. Examples include: the economy, education, politics, social life, etc. While brainstorming a topic, you should also look for reliable resources. Reliable resources can come from your school’s library, scholarly and peer-reviewed articles, etc. For more details about steps in the research process, we’ve written in detail  8 critical steps while doing research  you should check out.   

Before going into the list, we recommend that you should have a clear direction of what historical aspect you should focus on. There are 5 main aspects when it comes to historical events:   

  • Religion/Philosophy: belief, creator, place of worship, ideas  
  • Politics: government, laws, leaders, crimes, war, military, democracy  
  • Economics: currency, jobs, bank, trade, stocks, gold, production  
  • Society: communication, personality, age, nationality, gender, religion  
  • Culture: traditions, clothing, appearance, festivals, food, language, sports, education, architecture  

You can write  any  one of those  preceding  aspects, or  a  combination of two or three aspects in relation to  each historical event. We’ve compiled and categorized topics to guide you in your historical research paper writing process. Using the topics, you can dive deeper into exploring which topics you’re most interested in writing about, and should be most relevant to your history career in high school and college.  Now, let’s get started!   

1. World History 

world history

World History is a broad and diverse research topic that covers a wide period of time: from civilization to social movement. Therefore, there are multiple topics students can choose from. Remember, world history discusses the development in the world in response to interchanges among significant countries in the world.   

  • World Wars I and II, the links between them, and how they could have been  prevented   
  • American Revolution – Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783   
  • Trade in the Roman World designed by The Romans created one of the most impressive road networks of the ancient world.  
  • The rise and fall of empires, in relation to conflicts, protests, and riots against corporate globalization, and the threat of worldwide terrorism against the West.  
  • Cradle of civilization: Ancient Discoveries of China, Egypt, Mesoamerica, or India, or any other civilization that le d  to a high level of craft specialization and artistic production from each civilization, creating opportunities for trade   
  • Architecture through the ages: the changes in architecture through various traditions, regions, and dates, growing from human’s basic needs of shelter and protection.   
  • Women’s rights movement around the world. To see the overall timeline of women’s rights movements, you can explore women’s activism from generations past and present on  the UN Women’s website .   
  • Math and Science discoveries throughout ancient history that contribute to how we apply math and science today  
  • Ancient conquests and their influence on the modern world map formation  
  • Nuclear warfare, a military conflict or political strategy which deploys nuclear weaponry.   

2. United States History

us history

For students studying in the US, United States History has always been fascinating, given its Declaration of Independence in 1776. American History ranges from prehistory, European colonization, the American Revolution, the Federal period, the Gilded Age, the Great Depression, and the Cold War. Below are some examples for U.S. historical Research paper:  

  • Attack on Pearl Harbor, the military strike by Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii.  
  • The Vietnam War: Social consequences and  treatment of  veterans   returning from the war  
  • Immigration in the late 1800s: the “melting pot” and “salad bowl” metaphors  
  • Gold Rush and its development of  the  California state  
  • Civil War and the participation of women and African America ns  
  • JFK Presidency, Policy and Assassination   
  • My Lai Massacre, incident of American violence committed against unarmed civilians during the Vietnam War  
  • Sept 11, 2001 attacks and  their  impact on American security policies, foreign policy, and views on Islam through media and movies  
  • Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, its tactics, movements, and outcomes  
  • Yellow journalism and its impact on the Spanish-American War  

3. European History

european history

The history of Europe began with the first appearance of anatomically modern humans in Europe. European History is considered the best-documented history  compared to that of other regions  in the world of history. Through conducting European studies, you will be able to understand its people, culture, and the way they saw the world.   

  • The Nude in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: religious or erotic?   
  • Italian unification   
  • The relationship between Turkey and the European Union, and its impact on the position that Turkey has today  
  • Black Death, cause, symptoms and impact   
  • Religious crisis in the 16th century: the birth of Protestantism  
  • The Agricultural Revolution and the development of market economies  
  • The spread of Christianity: the political aspects  
  • European imperialism, in relation to the economic and political power overseas  
  • The Industrial Revolution and societal consequences  
  • The influence of Locke and French philosophies on the rise of liberal political thought in Europe in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries  

4. Asian History

asian history

Asian History  remains unknown to many people in the Western world . However, in the discussion of world history, the civilizations of Asia display a preeminence prior to the age of Western civilization.  

  • Western imperialism in Asia and Asia n  transformation in  the areas of  religion, economy, and society   
  • The Story of Viet n am: From Prehistory to the Present  
  • Open Door policy and its impact on  the economies in the  US and  China  
  • Ancient Korean & Chinese Relations   
  • The Forgotten History of South Korean Massacres in Vietnam  
  • Invasions of the Korean Peninsula and its struggle for unification   
  • Yasuke  and its defense on Japan’s Greatest Warlord  
  • British Malaya: British involvement in Malay Politics  
  • The Great Game: a political and diplomatic confrontation between the British Empire and the Russian Empire over Afghanistan and neighboring territories in Central and South Asia.  
  • The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest civilizations  

History is a topic of great breadth and depth. Historians today are fascinated by the new findings of history through the examination of archaeology and anthropology. The above are the few examples we hope will inspire you to take the next step to conduct historical research. If you are passionate about history and would like to conduct a research project in preparation for history or other liberal arts majors in college or a history career in the future, we are here to help! We recently launched a new Historical Research project, along with the long-standing American, European, and World History courses.

Aralia’s History tutors are inspired teachers and professors who are committed to student success. They are recognized in their field or are currently teaching at top high schools and colleges/universities in the US.

5. Take History classes with Aralia

Through Historical Research and Writing, students will learn about choosing a topic, composing research questions, effective research methods, drafting, composing, and revising. These skills will be taught with an emphasis on historical research, allowing students to engage in analysis of primary and secondary sources, discover interesting insights in history, and partake in the active pursuit of understanding the importance of the historical study.

In AP United States History (APUSH), students will review key content concepts and course objectives found in the APUSH course description through writing long essay questions (LEQ), document-based question essays (DBQs), and short answer questions (SAQs). Furthermore, students will practice using historical thinking skills tested on the exam by answering stimuli-based multiple-choice questions and through their written responses.

In this course, we will cover a period from the height of Ancient Greece to the middle of the sixteenth century, as we study the emergence of the first civilizations around modern day Europe and the trajectory of their development into Western society. We will examine the contributions of Greece and Rome and how they expanded their empires; how ideas are conceived, put into practice, and have social consequences; how and why their empires collapsed; how people and societies existed during the Middle Ages; how numerous cultures developed values and coexisted/clashed with others; and how a broken Europe, after several starts, reinvigorated itself with the Renaissance, and split again in the Reformation.

This course will allow students to discover important moments in World History while developing academic, writing, and communication skills. By studying, reading, and writing about World History, students will gain a better understanding of how the modern world came to be and how past events dictate current ones.

Explore the rise and fall of empires, the clash, and encounter of cultures, plagues, religious fervor, and political intrigue and war. This course aims to discover the complex interactions between Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans in different regions of North America across more than 500 years of history​.

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An In-Depth Look at American High School History Curriculum

Aralia Education is an innovative online education platform for ambitious middle and high school students worldwide. Aralia’s instructors propel students forward by helping them build a strong foundation in traditional academic courses. They also actively engage and guide students in exploring personal interests beyond their school curriculum. With this holistic approach, Aralia ensures its students are well-prepared for college and equipped for success in their future careers.

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good world history research topics

good world history research topics

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The Top 10 Most Interesting History Research Topics

Choosing history research topics is one of the hardest and most time-consuming things to do, especially if there is no guidance. You have to employ the right research skills to find authentic sources and ensure that your history research questions are precise and clear.

So to make your work easier, we have curated history research paper topics for college students and high schoolers, as well as examples of history research questions you can use for your assignment.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong history research topic.

Clarity makes a strong history research topic. History is a broad subject, so your topic should be well-defined and your language should be simple enough for the reader to understand the basic outline of your history research project. In other words, there should be no ambiguity. An ambiguous topic will be much harder to write than a clear one.

Tips for Choosing a History Research Topic

  • Understand the requirements. Pay attention to your academic level and make sure that you are clear on what is expected of you. Keep referring to your assignment as you go along to ensure that you do not deviate from it.
  • Choose a topic that interests you. If your history topic is boring, doing the research and writing the paper will become tedious work. It is important that you select a topic that appeals to you and that you will enjoy writing about. Even if you choose a controversial topic, it’s worth pursuing as long as it will motivate you to keep writing.
  • Be objective. Movies such as Pearl Harbor have romanticized history as their subject, so make sure you select a topic based on facts and not merely your opinion. This will help in removing bias from your research questions as well.
  • Begin your search for research sources early. Ensure that there are adequate primary and secondary sources for your research assignment. You can also consult other alternative sources for your research. Remember to also make use of your high school or college librarian. They will guide you toward reliable sources.
  • Consult others when necessary. Whenever your assignment requirements are unclear to you, consult your professor. You can also brainstorm with fellow students to get more ideas on what topic you should select, or visit your university’s writing center to get a refresher on how to write strong topic sentences.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic refers to a broad idea that you may have chosen for your history research paper. For example, “modern history” is a general topic from which you can get various, more specific topics, such as “the role of globalization in industrialization.”

A research question takes a broad topic and narrows it down to a more specific subject. Your question will help in selecting the right sources. A research question answers the what, why, and how of the research topic. For example, what role has industrialization played in globalization?

How to Create Strong History Research Questions

A strong history research question should be empirically sound. This means that it should be narrow enough to do an in-depth analysis. However, it should not be so narrow that it can be answered with a simple yes or no. A simple search on Google should not answer your research question.

According to Kristin Poling from the Department of History at Harvard, formulating a research question requires preliminary research. You need to see whether there are authentic sources available to answer your question, and you need to understand where the gaps in the literature are. Strong questions lead to strong thesis statements.

Top 10 History Research Paper Topics

1. religion in ancient greece.

Any list of history topics about ancient Greek religion is bound to contain some gems. By digging into cultural patterns, you can explore how religion affected the social, political, religious, military, and economic development of Greece. You could even venture outside the boundaries of Greece and investigate how Christian symbols were influenced by the ancient Greeks.

2. Causes of the American Revolution

The American Revolution, also known as the United States War of Independence, is an important American historical event that occurred between 1775 and 1783. Researching the American revolutionaries behind the Boston Tea Party is a great way to understand how monumental social conflicts bring about the rise and fall of nations.

3. American Neutrality in World War Ⅰ

Also known as the First War or the Great War, World War Ⅰ was the first major global war of the 20th Century, and it lasted between 1914 and 1918. If you choose this topic, you will be able to analyze why America first made the foreign policy decision to avoid taking part in the war, as well as why it changed its mind later on.

4. Effects of the Allies’ Occupation of Germany

The Allied occupation of Germany began in 1945 after Germany was defeated in the Second World War. It refers to the joint occupation of Germany by the US, Great Britain, Soviet Union, and France. If you select this history research topic for your assignment, you will be able to delve deeper into the effects of the occupation on both Germany and the rest of the world.

5. Ronald Reagan and the End of the Cold War

The Cold War was a 20th Century battle of supremacy between the United States and the Soviet Union involving nuclear weapons. By discussing the role Ronald Reagan played in ending the Cold War, you could gain insight into the diplomatic history between these two powers or interpret how Reagan’s actions affected the course of American society.

6. Political, Economic, and Social Causes of the French Revolution

The French Revolution, which occurred between 1789 and 1799, significantly shifted the social and political ideals of all 18th Century European countries. This riveting European history research topic provides a means to explore the dangers of classism and its effects on civilian life.

7. The Legacy of Alexander the Great

You cannot learn about historical figures in ancient times without coming across Alexander the Great, the king of ancient Macedonia. Selecting this ancient history topic for your assignment will be a fascinating dive into how this key figure in history influenced Greek and Asian culture as he expanded his empire.

8. Rise of the Catholic Church as a Political Institution in the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is a historical era between the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE and the beginning of the Renaissance period in the 14th century. Selecting this topic will help you understand the factors that influenced the rise of the Catholic Church as a powerful political institution in medieval Europe.

9. Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Working-Class Families

The Industrial Revolution was an era between the late 18th century and the middle of the 19th century when great strides were made in engineering, production, and manufacturing. It affected the economic and social lives of the working class and shifted gender roles. Studying industrialization effects would lend itself well to university students with access to rare books.

10. The Role of Martin Luther King Jr in the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement is one of the best Black history research paper topics for college students. One of the most impactful social movements, this movement was a response to the social injustice toward African Americans that continued after the abolition of slavery. Martin Luther King Jr was a key figure whose importance to American history cannot be overstated.

Other Examples of History Research Topics & Questions

History research topics.

  • American Folk Art History
  • Religious Symbolism in the Renaissance Era
  • Impact of the Westward Expansion on Native Americans
  • Amelia Earhart’s Impact on Women in Aviation
  • The Rise and Fall of the Dutch Republic

History Research Questions

  • In what ways have Alois Riegl’s theories shaped modern art today?
  • How did the Renaissance shift the worldview of European thinkers?
  • How did the Berlin Conference influence British Colonialism in Africa?
  • How have women in tech history shaped the role of American women in STEM in the 21st Century?
  • In what ways did the 17th century’s political and military shifts in Spain affect British rule?

Choosing the Right History Research Topic

Whether you are a high school or a college student, there are many history topics from which you can select your research project. Selecting history topics for history is highly dependent on the type of paper you have chosen to write. Argumentative research paper topics will yield different results than a comparative study or a descriptive study.

Whether you choose to select a historical figure, the military clashes between the American settlers and Native Americans, or the role of women in industrialization, make sure that you narrow down your topic and choose something that answers a specific question about an interesting issue, period, or event.

History Research Topics FAQ

Historiography is the study of recorded historical events and their interpretations. In other words, historiographies help us understand how experienced writers have shaped what, how, and why a specific history subject was recorded and interpreted a certain way.

You start a research paper by beginning with a historical overview from which you can narrow down your topics and the history research questions that you want to address. From there, you will be able to carefully choose your primary and secondary sources. According to Purdue OWL, evaluating sources is an excellent place to begin a research assignment.

You can find many research sources from online university libraries as well as websites devoted to history. The Internet is full of curated libraries such as the American Historical Association, which has resources for historical researchers to help you join the ranks of the most expert writers in the field.

Yes, you can pursue an online degree in history. Many major universities offer online history degrees as an alternative to in-person degrees. You can look up the university of your choice and check the requirements for enrollment.

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30 Most Popular World History Essay Topics in 2020-2021

Essay topics may surprise everyone. Some are assigned by professors, while some are figments of the students’ imagination. However, when it comes to World History, one doesn’t have a very broad pool for choosing something non-trite. That’s where students feel bored and aren’t interested in writing.

Students who don’t like writing about World History tend to buy essays online written from scratch to minimize the burden of studying. Yet, if you still believe in mastering the essay DIY, this article covers the 30 most popular World History essay topics of 2020-2021 as well as tips on how to choose one for your preferences.

How to Choose the Essay Topic in World History

Even though this article may hint you at the topic, you should start by researching which one goes over well with your mood.

  • Brainstorm the World History areas or fields that you find the most interesting ones . It means a topic that will get you hooked on the research. You won’t be bored but eager to learn something new and deliver it to the audience or your professor. Note, if you choose a topic that seems a burden to yourself, success is unlikely to happen, especially with your potential grade;
  • Research the chosen topic . Learn how much evidence and facts you may find to make your essay interesting. Ask a professor for advice since they may tell you about the fields not covered by other students previously;
  • Prepare sources . Once done with the choice, ensure to collect as many reliable sources as possible to show your dedication to writing.

By following these three steps, you are half of the way until submitting an interesting World History essay.

Note, some students may also play smart and find an essay sample online. They rewrite it and submit it as the original one. Such intentions are better to avoid since 1) you don’t practice and work out your brain but get a ready paper; 2) a professor may still find it plagiarized with designated tools. Moreover, feel free to check the standard evaluation of World History essays.

Now, the topics. Off we go!

Top 30 World History Topics for Essays

  • Comparison of slavery in ancient times with modern times in African regions;
  • Plaques that managed to destroy populations in Europe and Asia;
  • Egyptians have hidden goals while building pyramids;
  • Chinese Great Wall - convict-built protection;
  • Indigenous tribes of America;
  • How did World War 2 change the world?
  • What could have been done to prevent World War 2?
  • Japanese Yakuza - ancient and modern traditions;
  • The best inventions of history that don’t have alternatives;
  • Cuban history - Revolutions and Freedom;
  • Cold War - positive and negative outcomes;
  • The bloody history of the British Empire;
  • Roman military forces - What made them be one of the greatest warriors?
  • Islam beliefs in the modern world;
  • Post-war in Vietnam outcomes for the population;
  • Fashion history:  Women clothes in the 18th century;
  • Roman vs British Empires comparison;
  • Pol Pot’s cruelty in Cambodia;
  • The Nazi mission to change the world;
  • Top 3 historical figures that changed the world;
  • Bizzare medicine in ancient times;
  • Hippie culture - Do we need one now?
  • Iran and Iraq war - What are the positive outcomes if there are any?
  • Gender roles in American government in the 19th century;
  • Pirates in Somali - Why and at What Cost?
  • Colonization of Africa - Why African people struggle with basics until now?
  • Soviet countries technology in 2021;
  • Russia - Why is everyone scared of the country?
  • Conquering space - American and Russian outcomes;
  • Covid-19 - Is there any hope for a total cure?

These are examples. Based on any above-mentioned topic, you may find alternative topics. For instance, “Bizzare medicine in ancient times” - you may take Asian medicine or European medicine to write about. Otherwise, you may generally speak of the diseases of ancient times, and how people managed to survive them with holistic treatments.

How to Make World History Writing Interesting?

To help you discover as many inspirational moods as possible, think about turning to the following platforms:

Another method to make your essay flawless if you have enough time is to use social media. Don’t be surprised. For instance, you write about Hippie Culture in America, and you want more facts or interesting stories. Find the designated groups online where people share their love for this culture. These groups might be followed by senior representatives of the hippie movement, and you may directly ask them for some interesting stories. Such an approach to writing will be much appreciated by your professor. Beyond that, it is a non-trite way of writing that other students might not even think of.

Note, every fact that you add to your history essay should have a solid backup. If you cannot double-check the veracity of the fact, don’t add it. It concerns the dates, names, and outcomes. If you are not sure about one even specific date, round it or use the century just. However, it is always better to fill your paper with traceable facts that your professor may check anytime.

Finally, prior to submitting your essay in World History, ensure to check it with plagiarism tools. Even though you could write it on your own, some statements may look like the borrowed ones. Especially, it concerns the quotes. If so, you cannot prove after the professor that it is your creation written from scratch.

Feel free to choose any topic and master it until it is tasty to read. World History is not always a happy or interesting matter, however, you may change your audience’s opinion once and forever.

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60+ History Research Paper Topics From Our Top Writers

History Research Paper Topics

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?

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20th Century History Research Paper Topics

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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.

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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

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  • 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.
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Research Paper Guide

History Research Paper Topics

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Excellent History Research Paper Topics- 300+ Ideas

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History Research Paper Topics

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Are you a student on a mission to find the perfect history research paper topic? Picking the right topic is like finding the treasure map for your research paper adventure. 

Some students have their topics set by teachers, while others get to choose. No matter where you stand, we're here to make this process exciting and straightforward. 

We've rounded up over 300 captivating history research paper ideas to fuel your curiosity and set you on a path to excellence. 

So, continue reading this blog and pick the best one for your research paper! 

Arrow Down

  • 1. American History Topics for Research Paper
  • 2. World History Research Paper Topics
  • 3. European History Research Paper Topics
  • 4. African American History Research Paper Topics
  • 5. History Research Paper Topics Philippines
  • 6. Famous History Topics
  • 7. Modern History Research Topics
  • 8. History Research Paper Topics World War 2
  • 9. Ancient History Research Topics
  • 10. Middle Ages Research Topics
  • 11. History Research Paper Topics Before 1500 
  • 12. History Research Paper Topics After 1877
  • 13. History Research Paper Topics 1900s
  • 14. 20th Century History Topics
  • 15. History Research Paper Topics for Students 
  • 16. Simple History Research Topics H2
  • 17. Constructive History Research Paper Topics
  • 18. Top History Research Topics 
  • 19. Trending History Research Topics
  • 20. Art History Research Paper Topics
  • 21. US Civil War Topics
  • 22. Great Depression Research Topics
  • 23. French Revolution Research Topics
  • 24. American Revolution Research Topics
  • 25. Industrial Revolution Research Topics
  • 26. Miscellaneous History Research Topics
  • 27. Tips for Selecting a Good History Research Topic

American History Topics for Research Paper

Here are some interesting US history research paper topics: 

The causes and consequences of the American Civil War.

The impact of the women's suffrage movement on American society.

The Great Depression and its effects on American life.

The Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for racial equality.

The Space Race: America's race to the Moon.

The Vietnam War and its impact on American society and politics.

The Cold War: America's role in the global struggle.

The American Revolution and the birth of a nation.

The Roaring Twenties: Social and cultural changes in post-WWI America.

The Founding Fathers and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

American History Research Paper Topics For College Students

The role of Native American tribes in shaping early colonial America.

The history and impact of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II.

The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural and artistic achievements in African American history.

The history of the civil rights movement in the American South.

The Mexican-American War and its consequences on U.S. expansion and relations.

The influence of jazz music on American culture and society.

The Manhattan Project: Development of the atomic bomb and its legacy.

The history of LGBTQ+ activism and milestones in the fight for rights.

The impact of the Great Migration on urbanization and race relations.

The Watergate scandal and its effects on American politics and journalism.

World History Research Paper Topics

The Cold War's global impact: shaping a divided world?

Eastern Europe's transformation: the collapse of communism.

Rising superpower: China's global influence and implications.

The European Union: uniting a continent across history.

United Nations history: a quest for global cooperation.

Championing humanity: a historical overview of human rights.

Unveiling the Holocaust: tragedy and lessons from the past.

Terrorism through time: historical roots and evolution.

From barter to bitcoin: unraveling the history of the world economy.

Migrations across eras: tracing humanity's journeys through history.

European History Research Paper Topics

How did the feudal system operate?

Formation of the European Union.

What was life like in Asian Soviet countries?

What led to the rise of European liberalism?

The merging of arts and sciences in Europe in the 17th – 18th centuries. 

Explore the impact of the Renaissance on European art and culture.

Investigate the causes and consequences of the French Revolution in Europe.

Analyze the role of European colonialism in shaping global history.

Examine the dynamics of the European migrant crisis and its consequences.

Uncover the factors leading to the rise of fascism in interwar Europe.

African American History Research Paper Topics

Investigate the role of African American women in the suffrage and civil rights movements.

Examine the historical significance of the Harlem Renaissance in African-American culture.

Analyze the legacy of slavery and its ongoing effects on African-American communities.

Trace the evolution of African-American music and its influence on American culture.

Investigate the historical context and impacts of the Black Panther Party.

A debate on racial preference.

The genre of black popular music.

Analyze the history of African-American education and its challenges.

Examine the Great Migration and its effects on African-American communities.

Investigate the role of African Americans in the abolitionist movement.

History Research Paper Topics Philippines

The origins of the name Philippines.  

Filipino history as a colonial resistance.

Christian-Muslim relations in the Philippines

History of the Philippines from different perspectives. 

The fundamentals of the barrio government system.

The role of the Katipunan in the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

The impact of Spanish colonization on indigenous cultures in the Philippines.

The Philippines during World War II: Resistance and liberation.

Ferdinand Marcos and martial law: A dark chapter in Philippine history.

Exploring the People Power Revolution of 1986 and its global significance.

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Famous History Topics

The Trojan War: Myth and reality.

The bubonic plague's impact on medieval Europe.

The influence of the Enlightenment on modern democracy.

The Russian Revolution and the rise of the Soviet Union.

The Salem Witch Trials: Mass hysteria in colonial America.

The Manhattan Project: The race to build the atomic bomb.

The Cultural Revolution in China: Mao Zedong's ideological campaign.

The Cuban Missile Crisis: The world on the brink of nuclear war.

The fall of Constantinople: Ottoman Empire's conquest of Byzantium.

The age of exploration: Columbus, Magellan, and the New World.

Modern History Research Topics

Uncovering the impact of the Cold War on global politics.

Examining the role of women in the Civil Rights Movement.

Analyzing the origins and consequences of the Arab Spring.

Investigating the influence of the internet on modern diplomacy.

Tracing the evolution of environmental activism in the 21st century.

Assessing the long-term effects of apartheid in South Africa.

Exploring the cultural significance of the Beatles in the 1960s.

Understanding the complexities of post-9/11 counterterrorism policies.

Investigating the roots of the European migrant crisis.

Analyzing the impact of the Chinese economic miracle on global trade.

History Research Paper Topics World War 2

The impact of the war on ordinary people.

World War II in the Islamic world.

Contribution of female personalities in World War 2.

Economic cause in the Second World War.

Black women in the military during World War 2. 

Explore the role of women in World War II and their contribution to the war effort.

Analyze the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish communities and the world's response.

Investigate the strategies and key battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Examine the technological advancements and innovations that emerged during World War II.

Delve into the aftermath of World War II and the formation of the United Nations.

Ancient History Research Topics

What were the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire?

How did Ancient Greece influence the development of Western Civilization?

What was life like for ordinary people in Ancient Rome?

How did the Egyptian civilization influence subsequent cultures?

What was the nature of warfare in Ancient Greece?

What were the major political changes in Ancient Rome during its history?

How did the geography of Ancient Greece influence its development?

What was the role of religion in Ancient Rome?

What were the major economic changes in Ancient Rome during its history?

How did the art and architecture of Ancient Greece influence subsequent cultures?

Middle Ages Research Topics

The fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Middle Ages.

The feudal system and its impact on society.

The Crusades and their impact on medieval Europe.

The role of women in the middle ages.

The black death and its impact on the Middle Ages.

Explore the role of medieval women in the Middle Ages.

Investigate the impact of the Black Death on medieval Europe.

Trace the evolution of medieval warfare and castle architecture.

Understand the role of religion and the church during the Middle Ages.

Unearth the cultural exchange in the medieval Silk Road.

History Research Paper Topics Before 1500 

  • What was the origin of Christianity?

The Mongols and globalization. 

The early history of the Franks. 

History of postmodernism. 

The influence of ancient Greek philosophy on Western thought.

Investigate the origins and development of Roman architecture and engineering.

Explore the impact of Confucianism on ancient Chinese society and governance.

Analyze the role of African kingdoms and empires in early history.

Examine the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire in pre-Columbian America.

Investigate the mysterious decline of the Mayan civilization in ancient Mesoamerica.

History Research Paper Topics After 1877

What changes did women face in the 1920s?

Discuss the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

What military roles did women play in World War II? 

The reasons for the invasion of Iraq after 9/11.

The assassination of John Kennedy in 1963 and its consequences.  

The first 20 days of the Spanish Civil War.  

What came after the discovery of oil in Persia in 1908?

Examining the evolution of Women's Rights and roles.

Social change and counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s.

The immigration of Irish in the 1940s.

History Research Paper Topics 1900s

The impact of World War I on society and culture in the 1920s

The civil rights movement: struggles and achievements in the 20th century

The Cold War: origins, conflicts, and resolutions

Women's liberation movements in the United States in the 20th century

The space race: competition and cooperation in the mid-1900s

The Great Depression: causes, effects, and recovery efforts

Apartheid in South Africa: rise, resistance, and demise

The Vietnam War: impact on America and Southeast Asia

Environmentalism and conservation: 20th-century initiatives and challenges

The Rwandan Genocide: Causes, events, and aftermath.

20th Century History Topics

The impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the post-World War I global order.

The Cuban Missile Crisis: Cold War brinkmanship and nuclear diplomacy.

The cultural and social changes of the Roaring Twenties in the United States.

The history of the Korean War and its long-lasting implications.

The Space Race: The competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Apartheid in South Africa: The struggle for racial equality and Nelson Mandela's role.

The fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany.

The Iranian Revolution and its effects on Middle East politics.

The Vietnam War protests and the anti-war movement in the United States.

Technological advancements and the digital revolution in the late 20th century

History Research Paper Topics for Students 

Here is a complete list of history research paper topics for students. Have a detailed look to get a better idea. 

History Research Paper Topics for Middle School Students

What was the impact of the slave trade on the European economy?

Ibsen’s plays and his role in establishing the new theater.

How did the Ottoman Empire spread to the Middle East?

The history of the industrial revolution in the world.

The number of casualties the US suffered in the war

The Cold War: Understanding its consequences in the whole world. 

Explore the history of the United Kingdom (UK).

The process of abolition of slavery and its meaning for the world

Nuclear Weapons and their influence on the World Military clashes

The main reasons why so many Africans were moved to the U.S. as slaves.

History Research Paper Topics for High School Students 

 The intersection of the civil rights movement and the LGBTQ rights movement. 

The causes and consequences of World War I.

Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?

Discuss the outcome of the war and whether it was beneficial to the U.S.

The exploration of space by different countries in the 20th century.

The development of the Byzantine Empire.

On the differences between the political agenda of the North and South.

Impact over the world by the aftermath of the Chicano Movement.

The impact of ancient civilizations on modern society

McKinley’s role in American imperialism.

History Research Paper Topics for College Students

How did Mormons overcome the challenges they faced?  

The role of religion in westward expansion.

The industrial revolution and its effects

What instigated the Civil War?

Examine the Great Depression and its effects on the United States.

Historical background of the battle of Chancellorsville.

African American women in art and literature.

Why contributions of African-American soldiers during WW2 are still silenced.

What impact did the underground railroad have on the Civil War?

What impact did the Negro Leagues have on baseball and society?  

History Research Topics for University Students

The impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the interwar period and World War II.

The history of the African diaspora and its influence on global cultures.

The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War I.

The history of ancient Mayan civilization and its achievements.

The significance of the Berlin Wall in the context of the Cold War.

The history of the feminist movement and the fight for women's suffrage.

The cultural exchange between the Silk Road and its legacy in the modern world.

The historical development of human rights and their global impact.

The history of the Harlem Renaissance and its contributions to African-American culture.

The impact of the Scramble for Africa on the continent's political landscape.

Simple History Research Topics H2

The life and impact of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.

The causes and consequences of the American Revolutionary War.

The rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

The significance of the Renaissance in European history.

The effects of the Industrial Revolution on society and economy.

The role of women in the suffrage movement in the United States.

The events leading up to World War I and its aftermath.

The Great Depression and its impact on the global economy.

The civil rights movement and its key leaders.

The history and culture of ancient Greece.

Constructive History Research Paper Topics

The role of the Marshall Plan in post-World War II European reconstruction.

The impact of the Panama Canal on global trade and geopolitics.

The history of the Green Revolution and its effects on agriculture and food security.

The origins and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The evolution of espionage and intelligence agencies during the Cold War.

The history and significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the Civil Rights Movement.

The cultural and political impact of the Beat Generation in the 1950s and 1960s.

The history of the Olympic Games and their role in international diplomacy.

The emergence and impact of the modern environmental movement.

The historical development of the European Union and its challenges in the 21st century.

Top History Research Topics 

The impact of the Black Death on medieval Europe and its long-term consequences.

The history of the Great Wall of China: construction, purpose, and legacy.

The role of the Opium Wars in shaping modern China's relationship with the West.

The origins and consequences of the Haitian Revolution as the first successful slave rebellion.

The history and significance of the Code of Hammurabi in ancient Mesopotamia.

The Silk Road: Trade, culture, and the exchange of ideas between East and West.

The historical development of the Hollywood film industry and its global influence.

The role of espionage during World War I and the birth of modern intelligence agencies.

The history of the Women's Liberation Movement and its impact on gender equality.

The Ottoman Empire: Rise, expansion, and eventual decline as a global power.

Trending History Research Topics

The impact of social media on contemporary political movements and activism.

Finding history and implications of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

The role of artificial intelligence and automation in changing labor markets throughout history.

The history of pandemics and lessons learned from past global health crises.

Environmental history: Examining the historical roots of modern environmental challenges.

The impact of globalization on cultural exchange and identity in the 21st century.

Reevaluating historical perspectives on indigenous peoples and their rights.

The history of space exploration and its implications for the future of humanity.

LGBTQ+ history: Progress, challenges, and the fight for equal rights.

The history of cyber warfare and its evolving role in modern conflicts.

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Art History Research Paper Topics

Portraits of artists in Western European engraving of the 16-18th century.

The role of impressionism in shaping contemporary visual culture

The connection between French caricatures of the 19th century and Goya’s prints. 

Discuss the development and rise of Cubism in the early 20th century. 

The world history and techniques used in printmaking.

Examine the Petrarchan madrigals of the 16th century.

What contributed to making Paris a center of art in the 20th century?

Expressionists and their impact on modern art.

Renaissance artists changed the world of art.

Is the feminist movement vital for modern art?

US Civil War Topics

Exploring the role of women in the US Civil War.

Analyzing the economic factors that fueled the US Civil War.

The impact of the Emancipation Proclamation on slavery.

Examining the battle strategies of General Robert E. Lee.

The socio-political ramifications of the Gettysburg Address.

Investigating the medical practices and innovations during the Civil War.

The Underground Railroad and its contribution to the Civil War effort.

Assessing the Reconstruction era and its challenges.

The influence of Abraham Lincoln's leadership on the Civil War outcome.

The role of African American soldiers in the US Civil War.

Great Depression Research Topics

The Great Depression: causes and effects

The role of the government during the Great Depression

Life during the Great Depression – how did people manage?

The impact of the Great Depression on different sectors ( agriculture, industry, etc)

The Dust Bowl – one of the most devastating effects of the Great Depression

The effect of the Great Depression on families and children

The Great Depression and the New Deal

The end of the Great Depression – what factors led to its recovery?

The legacy of the Great Depression – did it have any positive outcomes?

Compare and contrast the Great Depression and the current economic recession.

French Revolution Research Topics

The causes of the French Revolution

The main events of the French Revolution

The impact of the French Revolution

Was the French Revolution a success or failure?

The role of Napoleon in the French Revolution

The significance of the Jacobin Club in the French Revolution

The significance of the storming of the Bastille

The Reign of Terror – Was it justified?

The aftermath of the French Revolution

The legacy of the French Revolution

American Revolution Research Topics

Causes of the American Revolution

The Stamp Act and its impact on the Revolution

The Boston Tea Party and its impact on the Revolution

The Declaration of Independence and its impact on the Revolution

The Battle of Bunker Hill and its impact on the Revolution

The Battle of Lexington and Concord and its impact on the Revolution

The Battle of Saratoga and its impact on the Revolution

The Battle of Yorktown and its impact on the Revolution

The Impact of the American Revolution on Slavery

Women in the American Revolution

Industrial Revolution Research Topics

The effect of the Industrial Revolution on the environment.

The working conditions during the Industrial Revolution.

The rise of factories and mass production during the Industrial Revolution.

The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and culture.

The role of technology in the Industrial Revolution.

The economic impact of the Industrial Revolution.

The political impact of the Industrial Revolution.

The social impact of the Industrial Revolution.

The spread of the Industrial Revolution around the world.

The legacy of the Industrial Revolution.

Miscellaneous History Research Topics

The history of witch hunts and trials across different cultures.

The evolution of fashion and its reflection of societal changes throughout history.

The impact of the printing press on the spread of knowledge during the Renaissance.

The history of espionage and covert operations in the Cold War era.

The role of women in espionage and intelligence gathering throughout history.

The history of the Olympic Games: controversies, boycotts, and memorable moments.

The origins and significance of ancient trade routes like the Incense Route.

The history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in non-Western cultures.

The Great Emu War in Australia: Causes, consequences, and historical significance.

The history of prohibition movements and their effects on alcohol consumption.

Tips for Selecting a Good History Research Topic

Here are 9 quick tips for selecting a history research topic:

Personal Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you, as your enthusiasm will fuel your research.

Relevance: Ensure your topic aligns with the assignment or course objectives.

Scope: Pick a manageable scope to avoid overwhelming research.

Available Sources: Confirm there are enough credible sources on your chosen topic.

Originality: Seek a unique angle or perspective to stand out in your research.

Complexity: Opt for a topic with depth and room for critical analysis.

Consultation: Discuss your ideas with professors or peers for valuable insights.

Historiography: Consider the existing debates and interpretations within the chosen topic.

Multidisciplinary: Explore topics with connections to other disciplines for a broader perspective.

In conclusion, the world of history is a vast and intriguing landscape, filled with countless stories waiting to be explored. In this blog, we've covered over 300 history research paper topics, each offering a unique opportunity to uncover the history. 

Now, you have a range of topics to choose from for your history research paper. But, if you still require professional assistance, consult MyPerfectWords.com . We are the leading custom essay service  dedicated to assisting you through every stage of the writing process.

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Exploring Riveting World History Before 1500 Paper Topics

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Embracing the Study of History

Studying history, specifically world history before 1500, unravels a splendid tapestry of human experience that extends beyond national boundaries or cultural divides. Studying history gives us a robust understanding of how societies evolved, how ideas propagated, and how civilizations interacted.

Intriguing world history before 1500 paper topics offer students a chance to journey through time and witness the marvels of the ancient world, the triumphs and tragedies of societies, and the intellectual and spiritual revolutions that shaped humanity.

World History Before 1500 Paper Topics

Here are categories within which an expansive array of world history before 1500 paper topics exist. By exploring these themes, students can grasp the depth and complexity of history, discover new perspectives, and contribute their voices to the ongoing historical discourse.

Ancient Civilizations

Civilizations before 1500 were more than just kingdoms and empires. They were epicenters of culture, innovation, and power, each with unique stories shaping human history.

Ancient Civilizations Topic Examples:

  • The Influence of the Nile on Ancient Egyptian Civilization.
  • The Political Structure of the Ancient Greek City-States.
  • The Gupta Empire and the Golden Age of India.
  • The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.
  • The Architectural Prowess of the Mayan Civilization.
  • The Influence of Geography on the Mesopotamian Civilization.
  • The Impact of the Silk Road on the Han Dynasty.
  • The Technological Innovations of the Persian Empire.
  • The Social Organization of the Inca Civilization.
  • The Role of Religion in the Egyptian Civilization.
  • The Legal System of the Babylonian Empire.
  • The Expansion and Impact of the Mongol Empire.
  • The Development of Democracy in Ancient Athens.
  • The Spread and Influence of the Roman Empire.
  • The Cultural Contributions of the Gupta Empire.
  • The Impact of Agriculture on the Sumerian Civilization.
  • The Societal Structure and Culture of the Aztec Empire.
  • The Role of the Phoenicians in the Spread of the Alphabet.
  • The Mathematical Advancements of the Mayan Civilization.
  • The Influence of the Indus Valley Civilization on Modern India.
  • The Role of the Silk Road in Cultural Exchange during the Han Dynasty.
  • The Contributions of the Egyptian Civilization to Art and Architecture.
  • The Religious Beliefs and Practices of the Ancient Celtic Civilization.

Critical Wars and Battles

Wars and battles have significantly influenced the trajectory of history. They have led to empires’ rise and fall, power dynamics shifts, and technological advancements.

Critical Wars and Battles Topic Examples:

  • The Causes and Consequences of the Persian Wars.
  • The Military Strategies Used in the Punic Wars.
  • The Influence of the Battle of Marathon on the Greco-Persian Wars.
  • The Role of Alexander the Great in the Battle of Issus.
  • The Military Tactics Used in the Battle of Thermopylae.
  • The Causes and Outcomes of the Peloponnesian War.
  • The Impact of the Mongol Invasions on Eurasia.
  • The Fall of the Western Roman Empire.
  • The Military Strategies of Hannibal during the Second Punic War.
  • The Influence of the Crusades on Christian-Muslim Relations.
  • The Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England.
  • The Hundred Years’ War: Causes and Consequences.
  • The Mongol Conquests: Impact on the Silk Road.
  • The Viking Invasions: Causes, Effects, and Legacy.
  • The Arab-Muslim Conquests and the Spread of Islam.
  • The Conquests of Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire.
  • The Battle of Tours: Charles Martel and the Defense of Christendom.
  • The Siege of Constantinople and the End of the Byzantine Empire.
  • The Reconquista: Christian Reconquest of Spain.
  • The Samurai Warfare in Feudal Japan.
  • The Naval Innovations and Strategies of the Viking Age.
  • The Impact of the Crusades on European Trade.
  • The Role of the Roman Legions in the Expansion of the Roman Empire.

Technological and Cultural Milestones

Technological and cultural milestones encompass achievements in the arts, sciences, technology, and social structures that have significantly shaped human societies.

Technological and Cultural Milestones Topic Examples:

  • The Invention of the Wheel and Its Impact on Ancient Societies.
  • The Development of Writing Systems in Ancient Civilizations.
  • The Construction Techniques of the Pyramids of Egypt.
  • The Development of the Ancient Greek Theater.
  • The Advancements in Mathematics during the Islamic Golden Age.
  • The Construction of the Roman Aqueducts.
  • The Invention and Impact of Paper in Ancient China.
  • The Significance of the Code of Hammurabi in Ancient Law.
  • The Development and Influence of Sanskrit Literature in Ancient India.
  • The Technological Advancements of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • The Architectural Styles and Techniques of Ancient Greece.
  • The Development and Impact of the Astrolabe in the Islamic Golden Age.
  • The Creation and Influence of Roman Law.
  • The Advancements in Astronomy by the Mayan Civilization.
  • The Construction and Cultural Significance of Stonehenge.
  • The Art and Symbolism of Egyptian Hieroglyphs.
  • The Invention and Impact of the Printing Press in China.
  • The Agricultural Advancements of the Inca Civilization.
  • The Philosophical Contributions of Ancient Greece.
  • The Sculpting Techniques and Symbolism of the Olmec Colossal Heads.
  • The Mummification Process and Beliefs of Ancient Egypt.
  • The Construction and Cultural Significance of the Great Wall of China.
  • The Advancements in Metallurgy during the Iron Age.

Influential Religions and Philosophies

Religions and philosophies have played crucial roles in shaping societies, influencing human behavior, and fostering cultural exchanges.

Influential Religions and Philosophies Topic Examples:

  • The Life and Teachings of Buddha and the Spread of Buddhism.
  • The Influence of Confucianism on Chinese Society and Beyond.
  • The Emergence of Christianity and Its Spread in the Roman Empire.
  • The Impact of Islamic Philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age.
  • The Religious Beliefs and Practices of Ancient Egyptian Civilization.
  • The Philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and Their Impact on Western Thought.
  • The Role of Religion in Mayan Civilization.
  • The Teachings and Influence of the Hindu Scriptures.
  • The Development and Impact of Zoroastrianism in the Persian Empire.
  • The Spiritual Beliefs and Practices of the Indigenous Cultures of America.
  • The Role of Norse Mythology in Viking Society.
  • The Spread and Influence of Judaism in the Ancient World.
  • The Doctrine and Influence of Daoism in China.
  • The Religious Rituals and Gods of the Ancient Greeks.
  • The Advent and Influence of Sikhism.
  • The Principles of Jainism and Its Influence on Indian Society.
  • The Development and Significance of Shinto in Japan.
  • The Philosophies and Impact of Legalism in Ancient China.
  • The Spread of Christianity during the Middle Ages.
  • The Religious Syncretism in the Hellenistic Period.
  • The Cults and Religious Practices in Ancient Rome.
  • The Origins and Spread of Vedic Religion in Ancient India.
  • The Belief Systems and Rituals of the Ancient Celtic Religion.

Tips for Research Writing in History

Research writing in history involves critical analysis, storytelling, and a deep understanding of historical context and causality. Here are a few steps to ensure you are on the right track:

  • Craft a Strong Thesis

This statement should guide your argument and provide direction for your paper.

  • Source Selection

Use various primary and secondary sources to comprehensively understand your chosen topic.

  • Analytical Approach

Don’t just report facts. Analyze them to provide depth and nuance to your paper.

  • Chronological Clarity

Ensure your paper maintains a clear chronological framework to guide the reader through the events.

  • Revision and Proofreading

Always make time to revise your paper. This includes checking for grammatical errors, ensuring argument clarity, and ensuring all sources are correctly cited.

By following these steps, your research paper will contribute to the field of history and enhance your critical thinking and writing skills.

The Impact of Engaging with History

Engaging with world history before 1500 is about more than just understanding our past. It’s about refining our ability to think critically, argue effectively, and appreciate the complexity of human experience.

History is a conversation with the past, and as students, your role is to keep that conversation alive, stimulating, and relevant. Remember, the true power of history lies not just in knowing what happened but in understanding why it happened and how it shapes our present.

Consider visiting BBC History and Khan Academy’s History Course for additional resources on world history before 1500.

📎 Related Articles

1. Dive Deep into Western Civilization Research Paper Topics 2. Intriguing Modern History Topics for Engaging Research 3. Stirring the Pot: Controversial Topics in History for Research Paper 4. Dive into the Past with Cool History Topics 5. Dive into History: Intriguing 20th Century Research Paper Topics

506 Interesting History Topics to Research

Did you know that time travel is possible? Researching historical topics allows us to do that. It not only reveals the origins of our existence. It also tells us who we are, and even enables us to glimpse into the future!

The process of investigating a topic in history is called a historical inquiry. Here are some recommendations on how to get started:

  • Select an interesting history topic. It can be focused on an event, a person, or an idea.
  • Define a research question within that topic. Make it narrow and manageable.
  • Analyze historical data from different sources.
  • Create a historical narrative using the data you’ve found. Use evidence to support your ideas.

Remember: working on a history project can be easy and fun if you find a research idea that excites you! Custom-writing.org experts are here to help in case you’re stuck when choosing a history topic. In our collection below, you can find cool historical events to write about. There are numerous topics on ancient and modern history of the US & the world. Go on reading to find the most inspiring idea! After you’re done but still not sure about a suitable variant, you can try a history topic generator with all the keyword options from our list.

  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • 🇺🇸 US History
  • 🌎 World History
  • 🏰 European History
  • 💂 British History
  • 📜 History before 1500
  • 🏭 Modern History
  • 📡 20th Century History
  • 🔝 20 Research Questions
  • 🔍 References

🔝 Top 10 Interesting History Topics

  • The US’s role in World War I
  • Child labor during the Puritan era
  • Religion during the Aztec times
  • Causes of the Battle of Germantown
  • Economic impact of the Titanic ’s sinking
  • Bracero Program’s economic effect
  • Cultural impact of the Spanish-American War
  • Industrial Revolution’s impact on the environment
  • The goal of Protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention
  • Women’s employment during the Great Depression

🇺🇸 Interesting US History Topics

The history of the United States starts before the European colonization . Then it follows a turbulent period of building an entirely new nation. In a short time, America became a global superpower. From the first colonies to Roaring Twenties and the Cold War – discover the highlights of American history!

New-York city skyline.

  • What were the relations between the first American colonies? That is a fascinating historical question for a research paper. See how the early settlements co-existed before the 1760s. Learn how their alliances were used for asserting defense and control. 
  • Alternatively, you could study the Stamp Act crisis of 1765. See how it helped to unite the colonies and set the basis for future partnerships. 
  • The society of Puritans: truth and myths is a fascinating topic for those who are interested in people’s psychology and motivations. Puritans were a rigorous and highly religious society rooted in misogyny. See if they were really as prudent as today’s media portrays them. 
  • Tobacco Trade in early American colonies is another great US history topic. Tobacco plantations in Virginia became a way for laborers to be granted freedom. This caused a rapid expansion of the New World colonies. 
  • What are the reasons behind the Salem witch trials? That is one of the best US history research topics. A group of girls caused mass hysteria in superstitious Puritan society. Learn about their possible motives and the gruesome consequences of their actions. 
  • In the early colonies, there existed laws aimed at restricting slaves’ behaviors. Choose Slave Codes and their influence on society as your essay topic and learn about the ruinous consequences of this practice. 
  • The Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party were the culmination of the growing tension between the colonists and the British authorities. You can write an excellent paper about the reasons behind these events. 
  • One of the iconic documents in US history, the Declaration of Independence , can be the subject of your essay. See how different colonies contributed to the drafts of the Declaration. 
  • The American Revolution was a conflict between America and Britain. You can write about the way the two countries perceived each other and how it influenced the outcome of the revolt. 
  • You can choose to write about an important person in US history. What made George Washington a key figure in Revolutionary America? That is a fascinating paper topic. One of the greatest leaders in US history, he proved that he could be trusted with power. 
  • How the Battle of Saratoga changed the course of the war? This one is another excellent history research essay topic. The victory in this battle provided Americans with much-needed confidence and gave them a new ally – France. 
  • What factors helped Americans win the revolutionary war? That is an exciting topic for high school students who want to understand early American history. You can mention the difficulties faced by the British, as well as the most prominent advantages of the American army. 
  • You can write a fascinating argumentative essay on the American Revolution and its effects on society.  
  • Another topic is life after the Revolution. Discover how life in America changed for women, African Americans, and Native Americans after the Revolution. 
  • The creation of the American constitution is full of twists and turns. Americans had many different views on how their country should be governed. See how they managed to reach a compromise. 
  • Southern society before the Revolution is a topic that includes the analysis of the most prominent features of the Old South, such as its conservatism and emphasis on honor. 
  • Closely connected to it is the topic of the American South as a slave society before 1865.  
  • See how the early Americans justified slavery from the Biblical, historical, and economic points of view. 
  • The American North before the revolution had many intriguing features, such as Manifest Destiny , progressiveness, and a riotous optimism… you can discuss it in an essay! 
  • Reconstruction of the South took place after the Revolution. See how it was planned and carried out over the course of 12 years. (You can focus on a particularly interesting aspect, such as the lives of African American people during the Reconstruction.) 
  • How the US became the world’s largest industrial nation? That is an interesting history research paper idea. During the second half of the 19th century, the US developed very rapidly. See how the Industrialization led to the birth of Capitalism as we know it today! 
  • Women in American society of the late 19th century were on the way of transforming the old values. They didn’t like the cult of domesticity and wanted to take an active part in society. Learn how the traditional female roles were changing during that epoch. 
  • The cowboy era: truth and myths is an exciting topic about one of the quintessential American images. Discover how the cowboys really lived, and what led to the decline of the cattle industry. 
  • The conflicts with Native Americans in the late 19th century is an important controversial topic. The closure of the final frontier was achieved through bloodshed and horrifying violence. Learn about the reasons behind these events. 
  • An exciting essay can be written about urbanization and immigration of the early 20th century. The glamour of American big city life was alluring to many people from different countries. Unfortunately, the reality was not all that glamorous… 
  • If you choose the Progressive Era of the USA as your essay topic, you can learn about the origins of modern activism groups. See how they were fighting with organized crime, inequality, and many other vital issues. 
  • A closely connected topic is women’s suffrage movement. The long struggle for women’s right to vote resulted in the Nineteenth Amendment. It was an essential step towards equality. 
  • The preservation movement of the early XX century is another topic concerning activism. President Roosevelt recognized that industrialization damages America’s wildlife. See how his policies gave rise to nature conservation and even Scouting! 
  • You can write a great essay on what caused the financial panic of 1907. The financial panic rocked Wall Street and exposed many problems with the American economy at the time. 
  • The Spanish-American war: causes and consequences is an intriguing essay topic. Learn how the United States managed to win the war while not being prepared for it at all. 
  • Write an essay about American expansion after 1877 and see how America was stretching its boundaries overseas. There were many reasons for it, including nationalist, economic, and religious. 
  • USA and Asia: the Boxer Rebellion is a topic closely connected to the expansion policies. In 1900, an attempt to occupy China resulted in disaster. Discuss the conflict and its consequences in an essay. 
  • An essential part of American history is wars. When Germany sank the ship Lusitania, killing many Americans, the country stopped being neutral. Choose the USA in World War I as your essay topic and see where it led. 
  • One of the most fascinating United States history research paper topics is Roaring Twenties : the culmination of the industrial era. During that epoch, the standard of living increased like never before. See how the country changed in just ten years. 
  • Prohibition era: the rise of organized crime is a topic that includes many interesting aspects, such as highly romanticized gangsters. However, the reality was not all that romantic. You can write about the reasons why Prohibition era turned out to be a disaster. 
  • The birth of mass media: radio, cinema, early television is one of fun and easy history topics for research paper for middle school students. Learn about the origins of the entertainment culture and mass media stars in times of great uncertainty. 
  • Alternatively, you can focus on the question of what led to the birth of consumerism? Back in the 1920s, there were many technological advances for the middle-class people. This gave rise to advertising as we know it today. 
  • When America seemed to be at the peak of its triumph, everything fell apart. The beginning of the Great Depression is an intriguing subject. Learn about the chain of events that plunged the US into the longest and deepest crisis in its history. 
  • Write about the role of the USA in World War II and see how unresolved tension left after World War I influenced the political decisions of the Allies. 
  • The Vietnam War has left many scars on the American nation. Learn about the causes and consequences of the war that kept influencing US foreign policy for many decades. 
  • Watergate scandal and its lasting legacy is one of the most interesting American history topics. Discuss how the scandal led to paranoia and disillusionment in the US government. 
  • You may like to explore the question: who won the Cold War? While no one actually won the Cold War, it did influence ex-Soviet countries and the US in many negative ways. Discuss them in your essay! 

Here are some other samples of American history research paper topics:

  • Quakers: their views and legacy.
  • Survival in the Jamestown colony.
  • French intervention in the American revolution .
  • The true story of Pocahontas.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt and her role in American history .
  • How did Valley Forge change the course of the Revolutionary war?
  • What is Manifest destiny as a concept?
  • American political and economic history.
  • Daniel Boone and the Wilderness Road.
  • Donner party: the true story of survival.
  • American revolutions in Early 19th century
  • The historical significance of the Oregon Trail.
  • Californian Gold Rush: outcomes and consequences.
  • Why and how did the US get involved in the Korean war?
  • The Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Railroads and their impact on the US economy.
  • Social welfare history in the USA
  • What were the relations between America and France during the revolutionary war?
  • The Underground Railroad: history and impact.
  • Colonial unrest in Virginia, New York and Massachusetts .
  • African Americans in the Civil War.
  • The Civil War. The letters from the soldiers .
  • How did the Federalist Party create the basis for the national economy and foreign policy?
  • In what ways was the Whiskey Rebellion important?
  • Benjamin Franklin’s biography.
  • The American identity during Revolution: Loyalists vs. Patriots.
  • James Madison and his role im shaping the American Constitution .
  • Founding Fathers and republicanism.
  • In what ways does the Constitution reflect the principles of both republican and democratic forms of government ?
  • Shay’s rebellion and its aftermath.
  • What is the legacy of the Amistad Case?
  • Malcolm X as civil rights activist.
  • Women in the Civil War.
  • Racism in America between 1783 and 1836.
  • Alexander Hamilton and the foundation of American government.
  • The legacy of John Brown.
  • The civil rights movement in USA.
  • Roger Sherman and the Connecticut Compromise.
  • How did the Missouri Compromise trigger the Civil War?
  • Dunmore Proclamation and its impact.
  • What was the controversy around the Tenure of Office Act?
  • How did the Mexican-American war help to shape the geographical boundaries of the USA?
  • How did Black Laws affect the lives of African Americans?
  • Ulysses S. Grant as a military leader and as a president.
  • The true story of the notorious Wyatt Earp.
  • Frederick Douglass’ fight for freedom.
  • What are the reasons behind the lasting legacy of the Monroe doctrine ?
  • Indian reservations: truth and myths.
  • Native Americans in the 19th century: assimilation and resistance.
  • Outstanding Native American leaders: Sitting Bull, Tecumseh, Geronimo.
  • What was the impact of the Great Chicago Fire?
  • Muckrakers and the birth of investigative journalism.
  • Rockefeller, Carnegie, Vanderbilt : the first tycoons.
  • Why did the Homestead Strike fail?
  • Child labor in the 19th century US.
  • The 19th century nationalism in America.
  • World War I and the Christmas Truce.
  • The Battle of the Somme and its legacy.
  • How did the building of the Panama Canal affect world trade?
  • San Francisco earthquake: immediate and long-term effects.
  • The history of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency.
  • The reaction of the American citizens to the US entry into World War I.
  • What was the impact of the Spanish flu epidemic in the US?
  • Outstanding women: Dorothea Dix, Ida B. Wells , Alice Paul.
  • The controversy of the Scopes Monkey Trial.
  • The beginning of the Hollywood industry.
  • Woodrow Wilson’s first and second administrations.
  • Presidency and post-presidency of Theodore Roosevelt .
  • What factors fuelled the rise of the Ku Klux Klan?
  • Dust Bowl: causes and consequences.
  • Harlem Renaissance and its impact on art and culture.
  • What was the role of women in World War II ?
  • The American Dream in the postwar US.
  • Howard Hughes: magnate, aviator, eccentric.
  • Mississippi Freedom Summer in 1964: whites in the movement .
  • How did the 1968 Democratic Convention change America’s political landscape?
  • Orangeburg Massacre: reasons, backlash, and the aftermath.
  • 1969 Moon landing and the Space Race.
  • The legacy of the Woodstock Music Festival.
  • What was the cultural impact of the Kennedy assassinations ?
  • The Freedom of Information Act: pros and cons.
  • Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society.
  • Women in the Vietnam War.
  • Manson family : truth and myths.
  • The changing attitudes of the 60s.
  • The history and legacy of Pop Art.
  • Three Mile Island: the worst commercial nuclear accident in the history of the USA.
  • The global nuclear arms race and the anti-nuclear movement.
  • What were the lasting effects of the energy crisis ?
  • McCarthyism and Red Scare.
  • Richard Nixon: presidency and impeachment.
  • Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy.
  • How did the Exxon Valdez oil spill change the oil industry?
  • Bill Clinton’s New Economy.
  • The aftermath of 9/11: Ground Zero.

🌎 Interesting World History Topics

World history studies past, present, and future from a global perspective. It includes many cultures and nations, each with their unique qualities. You can focus on differences or common features between cultures. Choose a global history research paper topic that you find particularly interesting and write an excellent world history research paper!

Cultures by ethnicity.

  • Genghis Khan is an outstanding Mongol leader who can be the subject of your essay. Learn how he managed to establish the largest land empire in history while bringing together the East and the West.
  • Or you can choose to write about an extraordinary woman, such as the Empress Dowager Cixi. She has been called a ruthless despot for many years, but currently, her legacy is being re-evaluated.
  • An exciting period in the history of China, the fall of the Qing Dynasty , marked the end of the Chinese Empire. A study of these events could be a great essay subject.
  • Alternatively, you can write about the fall of the Aztec civilization. It’s one of the most interesting world history research paper topics. Discover what led to the end of the most intricate civilization in Mesoamerica.
  • Persian Gulf War is one of the most significant military operations of the past 50 years. What started as a “limited” war turned into a decades-long conflict and had severe environmental consequences, which you can discuss in your essay.
  • Alternatively, you can choose the Korean War . The conflict between Soviet-backed North Korean and pro-Western South Korean countries was the first military manifestation of the Cold War . The peninsula remains divided to this day.
  • Or you can write about the Russo-Japanese war. It is sometimes called World War Zero because the consequences of this conflict influenced both subsequent World Wars.
  • You can also choose a significant event from the Vietnam War, such as the fall of Saigon. It marked the end of the war and the unification of Vietnam into the Socialist Republic we know today.
  • The Russian Revolution lasted for ten days in the 1900s. It shook the world and led to the rise of communism. You can write about the chain of events that triggered it or discuss its long-lasting consequences.
  • Samurai culture is a fascinating world history topic for those interested in Japanese history. The influence of samurai and their philosophy – bushido still manifests itself in Japanese culture.
  • The political activism of Dalits in India is a great and inspiring topic. See how the activism of a minority group formerly known as “untouchables” led to drastic changes in Indian politics and mentality.
  • Another topic concerning human rights activism is Nelson Mandela. The first president of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he is considered to be an icon of democracy.
  • Yet another outstanding person who influenced human rights activism, Mahatma Gandhi . See how his philosophy of nonviolent resistance shaped the ideas of Martin Luther King and others.
  • The Great Wall of China is an excellent topic for an essay. See who and why built the longest wall in the world, and learn about its legends and myths.
  • Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most beautiful and majestic buildings. You can discuss the history of Mughal architecture and the Taj Mahal in particular in your essay.

Global network connection world map.

Here are some other ideas of interesting world history research paper topics:

  • Korea in the Middle Ages. 
  • History of Aztec music  
  • Unification of China: the “warring states” period. 
  • How did the Han dynasty develop its highly efficient civil service? 
  • India’s first empire and the rise of Buddhism. 
  • The revival of Persia: the period of Sassanid rule. 
  • What were the key reforms during the Song dynasty? 
  • Lost empires: Khmer, Pagan, Dai Viet. 
  • The Persian war and Athenian progress. 
  • The rise of the Ottoman Empire . 
  • The age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent . 
  • Why was the Tang dynasty considered China’s golden age? 
  • The tribes of the steppes: Scythians and Kushans. 
  • Prominent figures of Classical Antiquity. 
  • What were the major trading centers south of Sahara? 
  • Palestine and the Crusades . 
  • Women empowerment: role of women in Chinese society . 
  • Constantinople: the capital of the Byzantine Empire. 
  • The rise and fall of Babylonia. 
  • Baghdad as the Islamic world in 8th-11th centuries  
  • The cities and civilization in the Indus Valley . 
  • The cultures of South America and Mesoamerica: Maya , Zapotec, and Nazca. 
  • What were the three kingdoms of ancient Egypt ? 
  • How did the Islamic faith spread around the world? 
  • How were the islands of the South Pacific colonized? 
  • Bastet the Goddess and her role in Egyptian history . 
  • Japan’s “great peace”: the Edo period. 
  • Japan’s development of a unique cultural identity during the period of isolation. 
  • The “prosperous age” of China and the tree emperors. 
  • India: the jewel in the crown of the British Empire. 
  • What were the high and low points of the Byzantine Empire under the Palaiologan dynasty? 
  • The Seven Years War: the first global conflict. 
  • How did Europeans colonize the African continent? 
  • The Young Turks revolt. 
  • How and why were Africans sent to work in colonial plantations? 
  • The rise and fall of Assyrian civilization. 
  • The Soviet rule: collectivization, industrialization, and oppression. 
  • How did the former colonies in the Middle East and Southeast Asia assert their independent rule? 
  • The State of Israel: its foundation and effects on the Middle East. 
  • The foundation of the Islamic state of Iran. 
  • The end of the system of Apartheid. 
  • Tiger economy and the economic boom in Asia. 
  • What are the reasons behind Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Over Jerusalem? 
  • How did the Soviet satellite states become independent? 
  • The Hanging Gardens of Babylon – truth or myth? 
  • Delhi Sultanate: the great Islamic state in India. 
  • Pre-Columbian Americas: Aztecs and Incas. 
  • The struggle for freedom in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies. 
  • Opium Wars and other conflicts between Britain and China. 
  • Mikhail Gorbachev and the collapse of the USSR.  
  • Protests Theatre role in Apartheid South Africa . 
  • What factors led to the Yugoslav wars? 
  • The colonization process of New France . 
  • Oil crisis in the Middle East. 

🏰 European History Research Topics

Europe is the cradle of modern civilization. From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution – the history of Europe is vibrant and colorful. The countries of Europe are very diverse, yet many leaders attempted to unify them. Discover how geography and definition of Europe changed over time!

Europe is the cradle of modern civilization.

  • The philosophy of Niccolo Machiavelli is an excellent topic for history students. Discover the individual whose name inspired the term “Machiavellian.” You can also include the analysis of some “machiavellian” characters.
  • Great artists of the Renaissance period is a fun history topic to research. It can be even better if you make a presentation to accompany your essay!
  • Marie-Antoinette is a fascinating person. You can choose to study her public image or her role in the Revolution.
  • Another topic related to the French Revolution is Maximillian Robespierre and the Terror. The Reign of Terror was a period of massacres and executions. It’s an example of what fear and paranoia can lead to.
  • Or you can research the question why was Louis IV known as the Sun King? Learn how he transformed France into one of the most powerful countries in Europe. You could also discuss Versailles in your essay.
  • Choose “ How did Bismarck unite Germany ?” as the topic of your essay and discuss the policies of the Iron Chancellor. See how his policies influenced both World Wars.
  • Alternatively, you could write about Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt. Learn how it influenced Egyptian language studies and more!
  • Bastille Day is an essential date in the history of France. Discuss how the Bastille fortress became a symbol of Liberty.
  • What was the role of Joan of Arc in the Hundred Years War? is one of the best history research paper topics. Joan of Arc ‘s charisma helped her lead the French army to victory. Despite her tragic demise, she continues to be celebrated today.
  • Voyages of Ferdinand Magellan can be an exciting topic for your essay. Discuss the impact of Magellan’s explorations, his background, and more!

Here are some other ideas of European history research topics:

  • The policies of Cesare Borgia. 
  • Mercantilism in Europe  
  • Medici family and their impact on the Renaissance. 
  • What philosophical movements triggered the Renaissance? 
  • What were the characteristics of the Third French Republic? 
  • The effects of French Revolution on European peasantry . 
  • What was the influence of the Communist Manifesto ? 
  • Scientific discoveries of the Renaissance period. 
  • Why was Galileo Galilei accused of heresy? 
  • What made Pope Alexander VI controversial? 
  • The War of 1812 . 
  • Torquemada: the great inquisitor. 
  • What was the legacy of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile ? 
  • The creation of Austria-Hungary. 
  • Rise and fall of the Carolingian Empire. 
  • Great Viking leaders: Leif Erickson and Eric the Red. 
  • What are the characteristics of Gothic art and architecture? 
  • Renaissance and Ancient Greece: a comparison. 
  • What were the first universities in Europe? 
  • Why is Charlemagne considered “the father of Europe”? 
  • Feudalism and social hierarchy in medieval Europe. 
  • What were the achievements of St. Thomas Aquinas ? 
  • Enlightenment in philosophy, politics, and art. 
  • What led to the emergence of Romanticism ? 
  • Ludwig II of Bavaria: the Fairy Tale king. 
  • Great composers of the 18th century: Mozart, Bach, Beethoven . 
  • Peter the Great and Catherine II: cultural revolution of the Russian Empire. 
  • Legacy of the Crusades. 
  • How was printing invented? 
  • Spain under the reign of the Bourbon kings. 
  • How Prussia influenced the history of Germany? 
  • Turkish war: background and consequences. 
  • Why did Napoleon lose the battle of Waterloo? 

💂 British History Research Topics

The history of the United Kingdom begins in 1707. However, the nations have existed on the British Isles long before that. Many invasions, wars, and revolutions have shaped Britain as we know it today. There is plenty of interesting research topics in the history of the UK. Learn about major events or study the lives of extraordinary people – the choice is yours!

Oscar Wilde quote.

  • Paston family letters is a fascinating topic for a history research paper. The first-hand account of a family surviving the Plague offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  • Alternatively, you can study Henry V: myth and facts. See how literary works and propaganda shaped the public’s perception of the king.
  • Perhaps you would like to learn about the origins of everyday things. The King’s Posts is an interesting topic concerning the beginning of the English Mail and postage system as we know it.
  • Another great topic is the marriages of King Henry VIII. Learn the fate of all six wives: from Catherine of Aragon to Catherine Parr.
  • Or you can write an essay about one of Henry VIII’s wives. For example, Anne Boleyn in popular culture is an interesting topic that lets you explore the real person behind the myths.
  • Princess Diana’s influence on British culture is an intriguing topic. Explore the legacy of Diana and charitable acts that made her a legend.
  • > What if the Gunpowder Plot didn’t fail? can be the theme of an exciting essay for college students. Study the available theories and formulate a what-if scenario.
  • Highland Clearances is an important and controversial topic. See why many people were dispossessed of their land, and what is the cultural impact of the evictions.
  • Another good history topic for a research paper about Scotland is Edinburg: the Athens of the North. See how Edinburg grew from a small town into one of the most important cities in Britain.
  • Margaret Thatcher’s influence in 20th century Britain was immense. Still, her legacy remains controversial. Present your point of view on the Iron Lady in an essay!

Here are some other ideas of British history research paper topics:

  • What is the difference between the English Law before and after Henry II? 
  • Normans and their reforms. 
  • Humanities and justice in Britain during 18th century
  • What tactics were used by William of Normandy during the Battle of Hastings ? 
  • The creation of Magna Carta. 
  • King John and Richard I : the “good” king and the “bad” king. 
  • How did the Hundred Years War change England? 
  • Political influence of William Shakespeare in XVI century in England . 
  • What led the crisis of authority during the reign of Richard II? 
  • Marriage of Margaret Tudor and James IV: what were the long-term consequences? 
  • How and why did England become Protestant? 
  • English colonization in the 18th century . 
  • How did Mary I earn the nickname “Bloody Mary”? 
  • What was Elizabeth I’s approach to religion? 
  • Characteristics of the Elizabethan Era. 
  • What makes Oliver Cromwell a pivotal figure in the history of England?  
  • The public’s reaction to the execution of Charles I. 
  • The Great London Fire and its aftermath. 
  • What caused the Glorious Revolution? 
  • What were the tactics used by the commanders of three armies at the battle of Waterloo? 
  • Admiral Nelson and Battle of Trafalgar: consequences and legacy. 
  • Britain’s reaction to the French Revolution. 
  • British Empire in the East. 
  • How did the industrial revolution cause social reforms in Britain? 
  • Industrial revolution and its effects on British workers’ lives . 
  • British Naval supremacy during the Victorian Era. 
  • What caused the Potato Famine in Ireland? 
  • How did the Crimean War influence World War I? 
  • The Home Rule movement in Ireland. 
  • Urbanization and rural exodus in Victorian England. 
  • How did women’s status in Britain change after World War I ? 
  • Winston Churchill: a politician, a soldier, a hero. 
  • The role of Britain in World War II. 
  • Britain as a member of EU. 

📜 Topics in History of Ancient World (before 1500)

This section includes ideas for history research papers starting from ancient civilizations up to the pre-modern era. At that time, many cultures had their “golden age” epochs. Ancient Greece and Egypt, the Roman Empire, Mesoamerica, and the Byzantine Empire still fascinate us today. Discover for yourself some of the greatest civilizations of the past!

Ancient egypt hieroglyphics.

  • Probably the most interesting subject in ancient history is Egypt. For example, you can write about the Old Kingdom of Egypt – an epoch known as the “Age of Pyramids.”
  • Or you can write about the iconic personalities of ancient Egypt, such as Imhotep. He was not only an outstanding architect, but also a priest, a poet, a physician, and an astronomer!
  • Science and technology of ancient Egypt is a great essay topic in itself. The inventions and scientific achievements of ancient Egyptians continue to fascinate us even today.
  • Besides, their civilization was very progressive when it comes to gender roles. Write an essay about women in ancient Egypt and discover it for yourself!
  • Another iconic civilization of that period is ancient Greece. You can choose to write about the beginning of Greek culture – the Mycenaean civilization and its mythology.
  • Or you can discuss the Golden Age of Greece: science and philosophy in your essay. Democracy, drama, history, atomic universe theory – ancient Greece is the birthplace it all!
  • Sparta and its fighters is a fascinating essay topic. Learn about the legendary Spartans, their society, and their military.
  • Or perhaps you would like to learn about another great civilization, the Roman Empire. Choose several great leaders of ancient Rome (for example, Julius Caesar , Pompey the Great, and Marcus Antonius) and compare their policies.
  • In an essay about Pompeii before the volcano eruption, you can discuss the daily life of ancient Romans . See what discoveries were made on the richest archaeological site in the world.
  • There were also other civilizations with an exciting history in the ancient world. Hammurabi: the conqueror of Mesopotamia is an excellent topic for high school history essay. Learn about his Code that served as a blueprint for many civilizations.
  • Or you can write about Phoenicians as traders. See what helped Phoenicia become one of the greatest trading powers of its time!
  • You could even write an essay about the production and trading of chocolate in Mesoamerica! Chocolate was immensely popular across the Americas. It was often enjoyed as a drink and even used as a form of currency.
  • Tartessos and its culture is a fascinating history essay topic. Discover the place that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado.
  • You could also write about the Akkadian Empire during the reign of Sargon the Great. Sargon came from a humble background. Learn how he rose to power and created the first multinational empire in history.
  • Women rulers of the ancient world can be the topic of an excellent essay. Hatshepsut , Cleopatra, Semiramis – these outstanding women changed history and became legendary.

Here are some other ideas of history research paper topics before 1500:

  • Ancient Rome: economy and trade. 
  • The murder of Caligula: what were the circumstances? 
  • Who were the five “Good Emperors” of Rome?  
  • What was the role of trade contacts in Greek colonization? 
  • Women in ancient Greek society . 
  • Ancient explorers: Hanno, Polybius, and others. 
  • The fall of Jerusalem and its consequences. 
  • Antiquity: the Golden Age . 
  • Akhenaten and the Amarna Period. 
  • How did Amenhotep IV reform Egyptian religion? 
  • Wari civilization and their art. 
  • The Lost City of Atlantis . 
  • Vandals and the fall of Rome. 
  • Battle of AlQadisiyyah  
  • How and where did the Vikings travel? 
  • What were the main attributes of ancient Chinese philosophy? 
  • What was the importance of the Olympic Games ? 
  • First Punic war: causes and consequences. 
  • The foundation of the Caliphate . 
  • The destruction and re-development of Carthage. 
  • Achaemenid Empire under the reign of Cyrus II. 
  • The Arab conquest of Egypt. 
  • Cambodia: the Angkor period. 
  • How did Harold I unify Norway? 
  • Rurik and the founding of Russia. 
  • How did Boleslav I turn Poland into one of the most powerful nations at the time? 
  • What was the origin of Christianity? 
  • Alexius I and the First Crusade. 
  • Who was Leonidas I of Sparta? 
  • The amazing life of Telemachus  
  • The rise and fall of Gauda Kingdom. 
  • What was the role of Corinth in the ancient world? 
  • The Koryo Dynasty and the unification of Korea. 
  • Why did the Second Crusade end in a disaster? 
  • Valdemar II: the expansion of the Danish Empire. 
  • What were the possible causes of the Bronze Age Collapse? 
  • Korea: the Three Kingdoms period. 
  • Confucius and his philosophy. 
  • The Umayyad-Hashemite civil war and the birth of the Sunni-Shiite islamic schism . 
  • What did Alexander the Great do for the popularization of Greek culture? 
  • The architecture of Toltec civilization. 
  • What is “the great migration”? 
  • What was the usage of Circus Maximus? 
  • Ptolemaic dynasty: Greek monarchs in Egypt. 
  • Sumerian religion and mythology. 
  • The early history of Franks. 
  • The Hatti and their culture. 
  • Why is Justinian I considered one of the greatest Byzantine emperors? 
  • The Lombard kingdom under the reign of Alboin. 
  • How did the Roman Republic become the Roman Empire? 
  • Rome from 140 BCE to the reign of Octavian
  • Octavian : the first and greatest Roman emperor. 
  • Etruscan society, religion, and art. 

🏭 Topics in History of Modern World

From the late medieval period up to the 19th century – modern history covers a period of intense development and industrialization. Old civilization fell, and new ones replaced them. Almost every major country faced a revolution, and the standard of living around the world started to grow rapidly. There are many good history topics to research – choose one for yourself!

Andre Maurois quote.

  • How the Aztec military compared to the Spanish army? is an interesting essay question that can help you in better understanding Mesoamerican culture. Aztecs had a complex military structure and tactics specific only to them.
  • Witch hunts in England and America is an interesting essay topic. You can also include your opinions on why witches were usually women.
  • Discussion of positive and negative outcomes of the Columbian Exchange can be a basis for an excellent essay.
  • Re-evaluation or Greek and Roman texts by Humanist authors is a topic concerned with philosophy and art. You can include an analysis of authors such as Petrarch and Machiavelli and discuss the influence if classical texts in their works.
  • Or you can focus on the daily lives of people from the past. Food and diet during the Industrial Revolution can be an interesting health topic. (This includes changes in people’s health.)
  • You can choose to write about the Golden age of piracy and learn the truth about one of the most romanticized periods in the history of early modern Europe.
  • Or choose life in the Wild West as the topic of your history essay and see if the popular perception of the era is accurate.
  • Thomas More’s Utopia and its legacy is an interesting topic for history research paper. Learn about the origins of Utopia and how it influenced the Communism in the 20th century.
  • The Great Famine was a turning point in Irish history. Study the aftermath of the Great Famine and see how it influenced rebel movements in Ireland.
  • Alternatively, you can write about extraordinary people from the modern era. For example, the childhood of Elizabeth I includes the education and upbringing of the future Queen, as well as the development of her qualities as the nation’s leader.
  • Lucrezia Borgia is a prominent historical figure whose legacy is now being reevaluated. You can explore popular myths about Lucrezia Borgia and see if they have any factual basis.
  • You can focus your research on great explorers, such as David Livingstone : a missionary in Africa . He greatly influenced the popular perception of Africa in positive as well as negative ways.
  • Another good topic for a history research paper is the social impact of the Little Ice Age . Learn how emerging cultures survived in a colder climate, and what psychological effects the Little Ice Age had on people.
  • The Dutch East India Company is an interesting example of an early corporation. See how it pioneered business practices that we still use today. It’s a good topic for International Studies students.
  • Russia in the 17th century was a multiconfessional and multiethnic country. You can write about the exploration of Siberia and other ways by which Russia was expanding its territory.

Here are some other ideas of modern world history research paper topics:

  • The history of London Underground.
  • What factors brought about the Age of Enlightenment ?
  • Mona Lisa and Renaissance humanism
  • Muhammad Ali of Egypt and his modernizing reforms.
  • Nationalism in 18th century Europe
  • The French in Vietnam: reasons and aftermath of the conquest.
  • Key features of the Commercial Revolution.
  • History: the decline of Rome in the 3rd century
  • How did the spice trade shape the modern world?
  • The impacts of war on social development in Europe between 1500 and 1815 .
  • Technology that influenced the Age of Exploration.
  • The impacts of peinted press on European society .
  • Isolation policies of Ming Dynasty: causes and consequences.
  • What’s the difference between shogunates and the “Tokugawa period” in Japan?
  • Culture and science in the Mughal Empire.
  • Patriots: The rebellions in Lower Canada 1837-38
  • The use of elephantry during the battle of Plassey.
  • What caused the Protestant Reformation ?
  • The role of gunpowder in wars during the modern period.
  • Inquisition and censorship.
  • The role of indulgences in religious life during the Middle Ages.
  • Abolition of slavery in the US.
  • Characteristics of serfdom in Russia.
  • Ivan the Terrible : the first Tsar of Russia.
  • What were the reasons behind Alexander II’s assassination?
  • Frankfurt Parliament and the concept of Germania.
  • What led to the decline of Spain in the 17th century?
  • What caused the economic and social decline of Venice?
  • What was the role of merchants in Europe’s development?
  • The Paris Commune: the world’s first socialist government.
  • The reforms of Maria Theresa.
  • The assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
  • What caused the Russian peasant uprising of 1773?
  • How did Martin Luther influence the Great Peasant Revolt of 1525?
  • How did Darwin’s theory of evolution affect society?
  • How was the Spanish Armada defeated?
  • The fall of the Habsburg dynasty.
  • Cromwell and the Puritan Revolution.
  • The consequences of the serfdom abolition in Russia.
  • Russian anarchism and its legacy.
  • Absolute monarchy in Germany and its decline.

📡 Historical Topics on the 20 th Century

The last century of the second millennium saw many drastic changes. They directly influenced our contemporary world. On the one hand, there were the World Wars, revolutions, pandemics, and nuclear disasters. On the other hand, we had new technology, human rights activism, and a high standard of living. Choose the best 20th century research topic for your essay!

P. J. O'Rourke quote.

  • During the Gandhi-led revolt against British rule, the police attacked the unarmed crowd. See how Mahatma Gandhi and his followers managed to emerge victoriously.
  • Stalin’s collectivization policy was aimed at increasing of the food supply. It turned out to be a disaster that severely damaged Soviet agriculture. Discuss why it happened in your essay.
  • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the event that triggered World War I. You can write about the reasons and the consequences of the murder in your essay.
  • Similarly, the assassination of King Carlos of Portugal was carried out in hopes of provoking a revolution. See why it didn’t work out as planned.
  • World War I was a devastating conflict that forever changed Europe. Its course was strongly influenced by the first battle of Marne. Write an essay about how it stopped the advance of Germany.
  • Or you can choose another battle, such as the Second battle of Ypres, during which poison gas was used for the first time.
  • One of the best 20th century European history research paper topics is the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Learn about the reasons behind these conflicts. (You can include the definition of IRA and “low-level war.”)
  • History department students can write a great essay on the aftermath of Pearl Harbor . Initially, Japan considered the attack a successful move. In reality, it doomed them to defeat.
  • Juan Peron and Evita is a very interesting topic. See how Evita helped her husband become immensely popular, and discuss the influence of Peronism.
  • Communism propaganda is another fascinating topic. The promotion of communist ideology was carried out in many forms. Discuss its influence on society. Use a presentation to illustrate your points.
  • Instead, you could write about anti-communist propaganda. Discuss where it comes from and its effects on Western society.
  • Another topic closely connected with the Cold War is the contacts between USSR and the USA after 1945. Study the events when the leaders of the two countries visited each other. Describe how the relations changed over time.
  • The Cuban missile crisis was an event that almost triggered a nuclear war. Write an essay about it and learn how the conflict was resolved.
  • The most notable atomic bomb explosion is an important topic connected with the current issues. Trinity test, Operation Crossroads, and Japan explosions changed the world forever. Discuss if it’s possible to justify these events.
  • A closely connected topic is the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl . Learn about the factors that led to the tragedy, and discuss its long-term consequences.

Here are some other ideas of 20th century research topics:

  • How did the union between Norway and Sweden end? 
  • The Senkaku islands territorial disputes . 
  • What were the consequences of Fidel Castro signing a friendship treaty with the USSR? 
  • The policies of Nikita Khrushchev. 
  • The art of the Weimar Republic. 
  • The “watershed” history moments between 1960 and 1990 . 
  • History of postmodernism . 
  • What were the consequences of Germany’s invasion of Belgium? 
  • The Velvet Revolution and the aftermath of Communism. 
  • Why are the Nuremberg Trials considered to be the greatest trials in history? 
  • Che Guevara’s biography and revolutionary path . 
  • The legacy of Che Guevara. 
  • History of post WWII. 
  • India’s nuclear weapons program. 
  • How did the US react to the launch of Sputnik? 
  • Cuban missile crisis and its aftermath. 
  • The Arab defeat reasons in the 1967 War
  • What were the ambitions of the Nazi party during World War II? 
  • Zionism and anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany. 
  • Nazi propaganda in cinematography. 
  • How was the European Union formed? 
  • Invasion of Poland: the beginning of World War II. 
  • Social and economic Life in the Soviet Union during the 1930s. 
  • How did the dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles impact Mussolini’s rise to power? 
  • What’s the difference between the Red and White Russian Army? 
  • Concentration camps and “Death Camps”: a comparison. 
  • What caused the Beer Hall Putsch? 
  • U.S atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 
  • What factors helped spread Communist ideology across the world? 
  • Night of the Long Knives and Hitler‘s rise to power. 
  • Mao Zedong and Maoism. 
  • What events led to the Kashmir Crisis? 
  • Fall of the Berlin Wall : what was the immediate effect? 
  • Kosovo war and propaganda. 
  • South Pole expeditions: Roald Amundsen. 
  • The invention of the PC and the Internet . 
  • What was the role of Lawrence of Arabia in the Arab Revolt? 
  • Francois Mitterrand: legacy and controversies. 
  • What was the political atmosphere during the 1936 Olympic Games? 
  • What factors led to the Communist victory in China? 
  • The consequences of civil war in El Salvador. 
  • 1968 student revolts. 
  • Kristallnacht and the world’s response to it. 
  • What is the difference between Fascism and National Socialism? 

🔝 20 History Research Questions

Research questions are derived from research topics. You answer the research question in an essay or paper.

Broad questions can be used for theses, Ph.D. dissertations, and proposals. Narrow questions fit better for essays. You can also use them to prepare for AP US essays. Research questions can be focused on different aspects:

  • What caused a historical event,
  • The consequences of an event,
  • The origin of something,
  • The role of a particular person in history,
  • The cultural context of an event, etc.

Here is the list of top 20 history research questions for you to choose from:

  • What was the role of Alexander the Great in the creation of the modern world? 
  • What was the importance of Roman Peace? 
  • What impact has Christianity had on Western culture? 
  • How did the Plague influence European society? 
  • How was Constantinople conquered? 
  • In what ways did the Renaissance improve life in Europe? 
  • Why is the Printing Press considered one of the greatest inventions? 
  • What were the positive and negative sides of the Protestant Reformation? 
  • Why did Europe eventually lose control over its colonies? 
  • In what ways did the American Revolution inspire other countries? 
  • How did the French Revolution influence the Enlightenment? 
  • What would have happened in the North lost the Civil War? 
  • What challenges did the Industrial Revolution provide for lower classes? 
  • How did the Medical Revolution change the world? 
  • What aspects of the industrial Revolution triggered World War I? 
  • What factors led to the popularity of Communism in Russia? 
  • How did the Great Depression influence World War II? 
  • Why was Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party popular in 1930s Germany ? 
  • What is the Iron Curtain , and why was it created? 
  • In what ways did Space Race advance technology? 

🤔 Historical Topics FAQ

The importance of history can’t be underestimated. It plays a crucial in understanding other cultures as well as our own. It teaches us to think, compare, and draw conclusions. It provides us with role models and examples of how to manage societies. Besides, it covers every single facet of life, from art and television to sports and video games. That’s why history is not only important but also relatable and fun.

  • Choose a topic that will be interesting for you to research.
  • Decide on a solid historical argument.
  • Formulate a thesis statement.
  • Find reliable sources and study them from a critical standpoint.
  • Make an outline for your paper.
  • Write the first draft.
  • When you quote, cite your sources correctly.
  • Proofread and write the final draft.
  • Find reliable resources and analyze them.
  • Describe the imagery of the artwork
  • Provide a brief analysis of imagery or symbolism.
  • Describe the stylistic category to which the artwork belongs.
  • Write about the time in which the artwork was created.
  • Discuss how it relates to the author’s life.
  • Discuss the place of the artwork in a broader historical context.
  • Choose your subject.
  • Formulate your thesis statement.
  • Find credible sources, biographies, and articles.
  • Write a draft plan.
  • Describe the formative years of the historical person.
  • Discuss their most important achievements that relate to your thesis statement.
  • Include particularly interesting lesser-known facts about them.
  • Describe their legacy and impact.
  • Write a conclusion.
  • Proofread your paper.

Primary sources relate directly to the subject of the study. This includes art, literature, and documents from that period. Primary sources are created at the time of the event, usually by people who participated in the event. The best examples of primary source documents would be diaries, interviews, and letters.

Secondary sources are the sources created after the time of the event. They are usually scientific, written from a historical point of view, and include evaluation of the information derived from the primary sources. The best examples of secondary source documents would include academic analyses, research papers, reviews, critiques, scientific journals, biographies, and encyclopedias.

You might also be interested in:

  • 280 Good Nursing Research Topics & Questions
  • 226 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology
  • 204 Research Topics on Technology & Computer Science
  • 178 Best Research Titles about Cookery & Food
  • 180 Best Education Research Topics & Ideas
  • 110+ Micro- & Macroeconomics Research Topics
  • 417 Business Research Topics for ABM Students
  • 190+ Research Topics on Psychology & Communication
  • 512 Research Topics on HumSS
  • 281 Best Health & Medical Research Topics
  • 501 Research Questions & Titles about Science
  • A List of Research Topics for Students. Unique and Interesting
  • Good Research Topics, Titles and Ideas for Your Paper

🔎 References

  • Databases for Research & Education: Gale
  • Topics: History
  • Historical Research Capabilities: UCLA History
  • 25 Most Important Events In History: List 25
  • How to Write a History Research Paper: Carleton
  • Historic Places and the Inquiry Method: National Park Service
  • Historical narrative: Britannica
  • Historical Research: Oxford Academic
  • Introduction to Historical Research: UW Libraries
  • Tools and techniques for historical research: University of Cambridge
  • Historical Research – Checklist: History Detectives
  • Studies in History: SAGE Journals
  • History Research: Science PG
  • History: Academia
  • Databases for History & Culture Research: Smithsonian Libraries
  • Writing a Good History Paper: Hamilton
  • Research: Cornell, the Department of History
  • History Research Areas: McGill
  • Research Areas: History Department, Vanderbilt University
  • Areas od Study: Department of History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine, Indiana University Bloomington
  • U.S. History and Historical Documents: US Government
  • Colonial North America: Harvard Library
  • United States of America: Topics (Colorado State University)
  • European History: ThoughtCo.
  • The history of the European Union: EU Official Website
  • The history of British slave ownership has been buried: now its scale can be revealed (The Guardian)
  • Women Creating Change (Before 1500): Albany
  • The 20th century: Khan Academy
  • Timeline of 20th and 21th century wars: Imperial War Museum
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One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

  • Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
  • Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
  • How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
  • How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
  • How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
  • How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

music-277279_640

Current Events

  • What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
  • How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
  • How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
  • Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
  • What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
  • What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
  • How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
  • How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
  • How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
  • What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
  • What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
  • Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
  • Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
  • Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
  • Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
  • Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
  • Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
  • How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
  • Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
  • What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
  • How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
  • What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
  • Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
  • Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
  • Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
  • How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
  • Should graduate students be able to form unions?

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  • What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
  • How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
  • Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
  • How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
  • How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
  • Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
  • Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
  • Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
  • Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
  • Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
  • Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
  • Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
  • Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
  • Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
  • How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
  • How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
  • What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
  • What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
  • Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
  • What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
  • Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
  • Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
  • Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
  • What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
  • Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
  • How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
  • Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
  • What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
  • What were the causes of the Civil War?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
  • Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
  • What caused Hitler's rise to power?
  • Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
  • What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
  • How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
  • What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

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  • Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
  • Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
  • How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
  • How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
  • What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
  • What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
  • How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

  • How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
  • How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
  • Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
  • Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
  • How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
  • How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
  • What are the pros and cons of fracking?
  • What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
  • What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
  • How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
  • Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
  • Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
  • What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
  • What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
  • How are black holes created?
  • Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
  • How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
  • Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
  • How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
  • Has social media made people more or less connected?
  • What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
  • Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
  • What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
  • How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
  • When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
  • Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

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How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Exploring your topic.

  • Newsletter February 2024
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  • Outline of Primary Sources for History
  • Finding Online Sources: Detailed Instructions
  • Religious Periodicals
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  • Exploring Special Collections at Harvard

The best way of finding primary sources is often to get an overview of your topic.  Collect names of persons and organizations involved, and words and phrases used in your era (public health was once called hygiene).  These names and terms can be searched in the primary source databases.  Use HOLLIS to tease out the various aspects and ramifications of your topic.  Here are some methods for getting an overview of a topic, bringing out its components and looking at it from a variety of perspectives. Take notes on your reading.

Sources for quick overviews

  • Find them by searching in HOLLIS for your subject plus encyclopedias OR dictionaries OR handbooks OR companion
  • Do a Title keyword search on your topic
  • On the results page look for Resource Type under Refine Your Results in the right-hand column.
  • Choose  Reference entries .
  • For example, such a search for Hip Hop
  • Search your topic at the upper right
  • Under Narrow Your Choices: Refine Terms,
  • Change All to Entry Title.  
  • Under Refine by Subject, the + signs allow another layer of narrowing.
  • In Advanced search you can limit by time period (adjust Date range from Anytime to Between)
  • About 100 pages each and are largely available both online and in paper.
  • Here are the records in HOLLIS
  • Here is a breakdown by topic (choices on the left).
  • Example: Prohibition: A Very Short Introduction .
  • Databases of secondary source periodical articles usually offer online access to much full text.  This means that you can quickly look over an interesting article, perhaps just reading the abstract (summary), and then go on to something else.
  • Oxford Bibliographies Online  are literature guides in several humanities and social sciences areas. They offer annotated lists of secondary source articles on particular subjects.  Oxford Bibliographies by subject .  Example:  Pan-Africanism .
  • If there were particular people involved of any prominence, there will likely be articles about them in biographical dictionaries which often offer references and give you the names of associates.

HOLLIS Catalog

You can use  HOLLIS  not only to find sources, but also to explore and analyze your topic of interest. It is worth rummaging around in HOLLIS even before you have focused your topic.

Start with a keyword search in the Library Catalog.

  • Browse down the results list until you find something interesting. 
  • Look at the Subject terms.  These are standard terms which specify the topic and scope of the item. 
  • More Subject terms found in your record set are listed under Subject on the right-hand side of the results list.

On your  HOLLIS  record, note the words following the main Subject term and preceded by hyphens (-).  These are called Subdivisions and indicate the various aspects of a Subject

Virtual homelands : Indian immigrants and online cultures in the United States , by Madhavi Mallapragada. Urbana, IL : University of Illinois Press, 2014, 188 pages Subjects:

  • East Indians -- United States -- Ethnic identity.
  • Online social networks -- Social aspects.
  • East Indians -- Cultural assimilation -- United States.

Next go to Starts with.../Browse at the top of the page.  Adjust the menu to Subject and enter East Indians -- United States.   This displays the subdivisions attached to your Subject term

Subdivisions

  • Offer additional terms to search
  • Suggest new aspects of and approaches to a topic
  • E.g., Asian Americans – Ethnic identity​

Finding Primary Sources

Meditate on what kinds of documents might be generated by people and organizations associated with your topic.  What kinds of documents (primary sources) do secondary sources refer to?

  • Archives and manuscripts  are "materials created or received by a person, family, or organization, public or private, in the conduct of their affairs and preserved because of the enduring value" ( Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology ) . They are occasionally digitized en masse, but usually must be consulted in their repositories. Selected individual items from archival collections are fairly frequently digitized, and can be found by searching for digital collections online or by discovering the repository holding the collection you are interested in and visiting their website to see if that particular collection has online material. Search instructions .
  • Events may be reported and discussed in contemporaneously published books (Example: World War I ).  Travel books may describe conditions in the region visited (Example: Irish Potato Famine ).  Search instructions .
  • Are events reported in newspapers or broadcast news and discussed in newspaper editorials?   Search instructions .
  • Events may be analyzed in popular, academic, trade or professional periodicals .  Example: How were environmental issues discussed in the business periodicals of the 1970s and 1980s?  Search instructions .
  • Have participants written memoirs or autobiographies , or have their diaries been published? Search instructions .
  • Have historians interviewed the participants and produced “ oral histories ”?  Good for wars (veterans), for the civil rights movement and many other events.  Search instructions .
  • Was the government involved?  Might your topic have been the subject of government documents , of reports to Congress, of law and legislation (in which case present in court cases), presidential statements, discussions in the Cabinet?   Search instructions (and the following pages).
  • Images are often a valuable source, and many are available online.  Search instructions .

Numerous other kinds of primary source materials exist. You may wish to browse through the list in the Library Research Guide for History which gives instructions for finding each type.

Collections of Primary Source.  Numerous collections of primary sources have been gathered and published for use by students and historians. These may be in the form of:

  • Books . Example: New Deal .  Many of these will be available in HathiTrust.
  • General instructions for finding them .
  • Instructions for particular countries or regions, including the United States .
  • Example: Try searching  "World War I" propaganda in the Digital Public Library of America
  • Go to the HOLLIS databases page and enter general keywords for your topic.  You are searching for databases here NOT within them.  Example: "African American"
  • We are making a subject-arranged list of combined open Web and HOLLIS Databases digital collections .  This will grow during the summer, so if your topic area is included you may wish to check it occasionally.  If your topic area is not included, please let us know.
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  • Next: HOLLIS (and other) Catalogs >>
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UMGC Global Media Center History Conference Spotlights Undergraduate Research

Liz Connolly-Bauman

A research paper on Polish music, an examination of clothing worn in Japanese internment camps and a paper on how Black nationalism influenced the oldest Black theater in the United States were among the undergraduate research findings presented at a virtual history conference hosted by the History Student Society at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

The two-day conference hosted by UMGC students in April turned a spotlight on nine research projects from around the world. The research addressed aspects of world history, and small cash prizes were awarded for the top four presentations.

“The best part of the conference was that it offered history students the chance to develop transferrable skills, present their research to the public, and, for rising seniors, to see how senior thesis projects are modeled,” said Professor Danielle Mead Skjelver, PhD, who teaches history at UMGC and serves as faculty adviser for the History Student Society. “UMGC students and alumni from the History Student Society planned and hosted the event.”

The top prize went to Case Western Reserve University student I'Maya Gibbs for a presentation that grew out of her research paper “Black Nationalism and Black Power’s Influence on Karamu House.” Cleveland’s Karamu House is the oldest Black performing arts theater in the United States.

“Studying the history of the theater in the 1960s and 1970s, I noticed a shift in its leadership, artistry and goals, which influenced me to write on the movements that influenced this change, i.e., the Black Power and Black Nationalist Movement,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs said she planned to develop her findings further as part of a graduate school dissertation at University of Massachusetts Amherst and a book.  

UMGC Assistant Adjunct Professor of History Stephen Corbett served as keynote speaker for the first day of the conference. He said he was impressed by the students and “their very diverse interests and depth of scholarship.”

Corbett noted that since UMGC is a global campus, “our geographic diversity is also an interesting component that the conference organizers try to reflect.” He pointed out that the student moderator on the first day was a UMGC graduate student who teaches high school in Florida, while the student moderator on the second day was an active-duty military member who worked as a broadcast journalist for the Armed Forces Network in Italy.

UMGC’s Prize Committee for the conference was made up of faculty from the Department of History, alumni and students. Second-place prize went to another Case Western University student, Grace Lee, for her presentation on “Clothing and Power: Japanese Clothing in Internment Camps.” Third place was claimed by Howard University’s Hugh Goffinet for “Warriors from Another Land,” and fourth place was awarded to Finley Bandy at University of Maryland Baltimore County for “The Reds Are Going Our Way: Race and the Red Scare in Baltimore.”

The generosity of Jessica Sheetz-Nguyen, a retired adjunct professor of history, made the four prizes possible, and Professor Skjelver expressed in a letter to conference participants, “the high quality of the presentations made it challenging for the judges to narrow down the winners.” Prize criteria included a reliance on primary sources, a clear thesis threading through the presentation, presentation skills, and conclusions that encompassed the importance of the research within the context of scholarly discourse.  

“This was an extremely difficult decision this year. All of the presentations exemplified top-notch original research,” Skjelver wrote to conference participants.

The other presentations were:

  • “Policing Masculinity and Homosexuality in the SA and SS, 1933-1945” by McKenna Love from the University of Southern Indiana.
  • “Bridging Cultures and Breaking Stereotypes: Marion Dudley’s Unique Evolving Perspective on Chinese Women, 1927-1947” by Jingqi Su from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • “Krzysztof Penderecki's Polskie Requiem: How the Death and Rebirth of Poland Are Expressed Through Music” by Isabelle Wolpert, Boston University.
  • “Voting Charities in Victorian Britain” by Skyler Foley, College of William and Mary.
  • "The Transformative Decade and the Inspirational Legacy of the United States Most Prolific Sex Work Advocacy Organization: COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics)” by Ailean Duffie, Case Western Reserve University.

“I chose my topic for my capstone, which was a class called Global Victorian Era. I had no idea what I wanted to conduct my research on initially, so I started by looking for primary sources on disability in the Victorian era. In doing so I came across a source on voting charities, and I became extremely interested in the topic,” said Foley, who is about to graduate from William and Mary. “I think it resonated with me because of how clearly wrong these charities were to me. I could not imagine believing these charities were the correct way to improve social conditions, so I got interested in how individuals from the period justified them.”

Love, a junior history major, said she became interested in homosexuality in Nazi organizations while researching medical practices in Nazi Germany. “While conducting this research, I became even more intrigued in Nazi policies and the reasons behind the political decisions they made,” Love said.

UMGC undergraduate Katlin Katrina Muller assisted in planning the event and served as a chat moderator during the second day of the conference. “I love that this conference provides a venue for student voices,” she said.

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History Thesis Topics: List of 69 Outstanding Ideas

good world history research topics

Unless you plan to go for a Ph.D. in history, a thesis will be the most significant academic writing of your life. It shows your in-depth knowledge of a subject, your ability to think logically, creatively, and originally. Besides, it’s a great way to demonstrate how good your writing is.

But finding an appropriate title for your thesis is a challenging task. You may feel unsure about any idea until you see the rest of them. So, what can help you?

A history thesis topics list, of course. In this article, you’ll consider a wide variety of ideas about historical events and figures. There are some tips on picking the right one for you. With a little explanation of the basics, you’ll differentiate the Bachelor’s thesis from the Master’s one in a second.

  • ☝️ How to Choose?
  • ⭐ Top-12 Thesis Ideas
  • 🚀 American History
  • ⚔️ European History
  • 🎨 Art History
  • 📚 MA Thesis Topics
  • 🦉 MPhil Thesis Ideas
  • 👨‍🏫 Thesis vs. Dissertation

☝ How to Choose a History Thesis Topic?

Before picking a topic about history, you have to understand what you’re looking for. Take into account that you’re going to spend plenty of time writing your thesis. So, you need to find an idea that engages you and is worthy of your time. Don’t go for a random history topic that you do not feel passionate about.

Searching for an idea, follow the tips below:

  • Find a topic that interests you . You’ll most probably write your thesis for a whole semester or even longer. That’s why you should determine something that doesn’t bore easily. At least those countless hours in the library will be spent with pleasure. The more the idea challenges and intrigues you, the less you’ll procrastinate and suffer from writing. No one can tell you what to write about. Your advisor can help you specify the topic, but it is up to you what to write about.
  • Look for a topic that creates a trajectory for further research . You may not pursue it later, but having an opportunity to do so is a significant advantage. If you decide to pursue a further degree, you will already be familiar with the topic well. Take a look at available works in a free essays database to get a clearer picture of what can be further explored.
  • Find a professor who will become your thesis advisor . Bring some thesis ideas up and see what your instructor suggests. It’s a good thing to have several research topics in mind—the instructor can help you determine the best one.
  • Think beyond the graduation date . Whether you are going to start a career or continue your studies, your thesis should help you in achieving your goals. What may your employer look for in your paper? What do you need to be successful in your job or further research? It’s good to approach the issue with some level of practicality. See if you can apply the skills and information you’ve acquired to your professional life.
  • Strive for originality but stay within your studies context . Try to make your title unique to grasp attention and intrigue from the get-go. At the same time, don’t fall outside the scope of your field. Before picking a topic, do some research to understand the field deeper. This way, you’ll see what exactly you would like to address.
  • Make sure your title fits the requirements . Open your university guidelines for the thesis work and find this out before anything else. Ask your thesis advisor as well to give you honest feedback.

You don't have to choose a thesis topic that reflects the latest craze in your field.

⭐ Top-12 History Thesis Ideas

  • Civil War — the role of women.
  • The Watergate Scandal.
  • Contemporary art history.
  • The Napoleonic Wars.
  • Causes of World War 2.
  • Impact of the Black Plague.
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • Japanese-American conflict.
  • The Vietnam anti-war protests.
  • Origins of the Great Famine in Ireland.
  • The French Revolution.
  • The rule of Elizabeth I.

📝 History Thesis Topics for Bachelor’s Degree

Usually, American Universities don’t require students to write a Senior Thesis. However, you still have an option to choose one. You can write a thesis as a part of your program completion. It will take a lot of time, energy, and effort. But, in the end, you will be able to produce a prime piece of academic writing.

Strive to write anywhere from 60 to 100 pages. You will also dedicate a lot of time writing and polishing it afterward. Make sure to leave enough time for that too.

What’s the first step?

Look for a thesis advisor you know you will enjoy working with. Consider all the professors you’ve interacted with at your university and pick several. Approach them and see if they are accepting new students for thesis supervision.

Make sure to choose a history thesis paper topic that your advisor knows a lot about. At some point, you will become very knowledgeable about the history thesis topic you chose. It will be crucial to have someone who can direct you.

There are several reasons why you should consider writing a thesis for a Bachelor’s Degree in history:

  • It provides you with essential experience in writing, researching, and brainstorming ideas. It can later help you in your academic or professional life.
  • You can deeply understand a subject that interests you.
  • You can improve your reading skills.
  • If you have to use foreign sources, you can also increase your foreign language skills.

Having a strong position on the history thesis topic is great.

Are you still wondering what historical thesis ideas are appropriate? Then, this list is perfect for you.

🚀 American History Thesis Topics

  • African American history in the United States : disfranchisement and segregation in 1890-1900
  • Early American History and the lost colony of Roanoke
  • The construction of race in American culture and history. It’s not a secret that race is a social construct. In American culture and history, it plays a critical role. In the thesis, you will have a chance to research the mechanisms through which the race was constructed. Movies, literary representations, articles, what else? It’s up to you to find out what can be relevant.
  • World War 2 through personal letters and diaries . This thesis can be personal and will not leave people indifferent. Examination of diaries, notes, and personal accounts can be fascinating. You won’t be bored doing historical research. Maybe you even have some in your own family? Worth checking it out.
  • Guilt over Slavery in the United States: a historical examination
  • Gender equality in American education . A comparative study of Germany, Russia, The United States
  • New York City and its historical geography. NYC is one of the captivating American cities. Writing a thesis about its historical geography is not an easy task. Gladly, you have tons of information available to you.

You can examine various documents for your history thesis topic.

  • Rocket Science as one of the most significant innovations of the 20th century
  • Examining the Role of Privilege within the Ivy League Universities
  • Role of American Public Health in a Post-9/11 World

⚔ European History Thesis Topics

  • Formation and development of the European Union during the 20th century
  • Feminist perspective on the representation of women in Roman Art
  • Religion and Nation in Europe in the 19th century
  • Construction of National Identity in Post-Soviet Latvia. What did contribute to developing a national identity of post-soviet Latvia? First of all, its independence and belonging to the European Union. In this thesis, talk about colonization and colonial identity. Consider the policies Latvian government implemented to build a Latvian character. What is it? What are the essential characteristics of it?
  • Composition and religious hierarchy in The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
  • Representation of Jews in Late Medieval Period in Europe
  • Problems of political leadership in Athens of 404-355 BCE
  • The French Renaissance Court and its structural hierarchy. This topic is interesting yet complex. Its complexity comes not from the name but the nature of the French Renaissance Court. You need to have a clear idea of how the royal court is built and is operating. Find relevant historians of that time, and, hopefully, you can speak some French.
  • Immigrational Politics of the United Kingdom. The problem of multiculturism at the beginning of 1960-1980.
  • Orientalism or the Middle East through the prism of Western scholars in the XIX century. In this thesis, start by exploring the notion of Orientalism. Edward Said will be a good point of departure and one of the most fundamental works to cite and read. You can agree with his argument or disagree with it. Nevertheless, find the relevant evidence for your point of view.

🎨 Art History Thesis Topics

  • Medicine in Ancient Rome with a focus on surgeries through paintings. This thesis topic is rich. Numerous Ancient Roman paintings depict surgeries and medical treatments. Find the most interesting ones and talk about innovations in medicine. What was the point of recording medical procedures in art? Truly a topic that can captivate anyone.
  • Vincent Van Gogh: A phycological analysis of the artist’s last years . In this thesis, examine his artworks together with the personal letters. Look at the words he used, as well as the images he painted. You need it to comprehend what was happening in Vincent’s life in his last years. Some art therapists claim that the artist had bipolar disorder. Examine those views. However, be careful not to give any medical diagnosis yourself.

Analyze how Vincent Van Gogh's life and mental health issues affected his art.

  • Plato on Punishment and Vice: the notion of punishment in The Republic. You cannot get a degree without reading the most fundamental text of the Western Academy, The Republic . In this thesis, you should simply focus on the ideas of punishment and vice. Plato wrote a lot regarding the morals and the laws. Try to discern what exactly he meant. Extract his views regarding capital punishment and punitive justice.
  • Modern Art in Europe, with a specific focus on Italy
  • Trade in Medieval Europe with a focus on Africa through art
  • The erotism of art of Ancient Rome
  • Synthesis of sculpture and paintings in Spanish art of the 17th century
  • Neoclassicism in French art of the 1900s-1910s
  • Surrealism in Art as the quintessence between realism and hyper-realism

📋 History Thesis Topics for Master’s Degree

In the United States, to enter a graduate degree in history, a bachelor’s degree is required. Most of the time, students will have to submit several recommendation letters. Plus, they need GRE scores and writing samples. Add to this several essays explaining the purpose of going to university again, and there you have it.

Bachelor’s thesis can serve as your writing sample.

It is common to have several completion requirements. They can include basic courses, language tests, and a master’s thesis at the end of the program. However, it depends on the department and the university.

Keep in mind that there are several credits that students should obtain to get a degree. It differs from university to university as well. In most of the programs throughout the United States, they are required to complete 30-32 credits to get an M.A. degree. This number usually corresponds to 8-9 classes.

If you are pursuing an M.A., you’re in luck. There is an excellent chance that you will be able to choose if you would like to write a thesis or not. If you are pursuing an M.Phil., then you will have to write your thesis because it’s a research degree.

No matter if you are pursuing an M.A. or an M.Phil., this historical thesis ideas can help you find a title:

📚 MA Thesis Topics in History

  • Apotheosis of the Philippine Historical Political Tradition
  • Kerala History: Syrian Christians in the region in the 18th century
  • History of Modern India with a focus on women’s rights
  • The history of theater in the American South and the main characteristics of the Southern Drama. This thesis includes a lot of aspects starting from playwriting in Charleston to drama in New Orleans. Then there are War Drama, Black Drama, etc. Try to find a good balance to fit all of the main characteristics of the Southern Drama and theater.
  • New Deal and its impacts on events leading to the Great Depression
  • Mistakes of the Soviet side in WW2. WWII was the deadliest military conflict of the 20th century. In this thesis, talk about the biggest mistakes the Red Army made during the war. Some of those can include signing to the Non-Aggression Pact with Hitler. Plus, there were anti-tank dogs and the Molovot-Ribbentrop Pact.

The initial period of World War II for the USSR was a real catastrophe for the Red Army's tanks.

  • Military strategies that allowed Napoleon to win crucial battles
  • Mussolini & Hitler : connection along with its consequences for Italy
  • Queen Victoria’s politics and the way it has changed British history
  • The Development of Strategic Bombing Doctrine Between the World Wars
  • Historical Creation of a Black Elite in the United States
  • Through Imperial Eyes: Race and British Reactions to the American Slavery Question
  • Gertrude Bell’s Influence in the Formation of Iraq. Gertrude Bell is a crucial figure in Islamic studies. She contributed a lot to the formation of Iraq. In this thesis, explore her unique contribution and approach to building a modern state of the country. She was highly trusted by British politicians and by Arab leaders.
  • Baptist church history as a way to escape slavery

🦉 MPhil Thesis Topics in History

  • Investigating the impact of WWI on trade blocks. A case study of the European Union
  • Women in WWII: sexual objectification of women through magazines and advertisement. Women played an integral part in WWII. In this thesis, explore the role of sexual imagery in the advertising industry during the war.
  • Sudan-American relationships in 1989-2000: US Foreign Policy and Genocide in Sudan
  • Criticism of the war on drugs during the Ronald Reagan administration
  • The political evolution of the Southern States during the Reconstruction Era
  • Everest Expeditions in British Popular Culture, 1920-1960. Explore how Everest Expeditions were depicted in British movies. Analyze the subject via comics, journals, and visual art in the first part of the 20th century.
  • Impact of Otto von Bismarck on German Liberalism

Otto von Bismarck was a prime minister of Prussia and founder of the German Empire.

  • Discrimination of German immigrants in the USA during WW2
  • The Fourth International and the Spanish Civil War
  • Political and economic aspects of the crisis in Venetian Diplomacy in the 1500s
  • The connection between institutionalized racism and police violence in the United States. There are several dimensions to racism. In this thesis, look for a connection between structural racism and police violence in the US. Compare the numbers, look at the stories. See if this data exposes any hidden bias.
  • An image of the Medieval Period in Post Modern Art
  • A comparative analysis of the Four Quran English Translation. In this thesis, discuss why and how the Quran can be translated. Also, you should look at the four translations. Try to determine which one is the closest. To do that, you need to have an advanced level of Arabic.
  • The psychological effect of war on American soldiers in Vietnam

👨‍🏫 Differences between a Thesis and Dissertation

Understanding the difference between a thesis and a dissertation is essential. Would you like to obtain a master’s and a doctoral degree? Then read attentively. In the United States, both thesis and dissertation are vital for this purpose.

The prominent differences that you have to realize are the following:

  • A dissertation is required to graduate with a doctoral degree. A thesis is a culmination of a master’s program.
  • A dissertation is written to add a new piece of knowledge to the field. A thesis is to show that you have enough knowledge about the field.
  • A dissertation usually takes several semesters, sometimes even years, to complete. A thesis does not require this amount of time. It can be finished within months.
  • A dissertation can be seen as an academic book. A master’s thesis is a long research paper.

A dissertation has to be defended, while the master's thesis doesn't require defense in most universities.

Let’s see the main characteristics of a bachelor’s thesis, a master’s thesis, an MPhil’s thesis, and a dissertation:

  • A Bachelor’s Thesis (honors thesis). It’s a research-based paper that allows undergraduate students to put their knowledge into practice. The paper is usually 40-60 pages long. It includes an introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography.
  • A Master’s Thesis. It’s a piece of original scholarly work. A mater’s thesis is written under the close supervision of an academic advisor. It attempts to bring some fresh look or a new perspective to a field of study. The length of a master’s thesis can vary. Usually, it doesn’t go beyond 100 pages.
  • An MPhil’s Thesis (Master of Philosophy). It’s a specific type of thesis. As it was stated earlier, most American Universities don’t grant this degree. A few schools give it under specific circumstances. Doctoral students should accomplish all the course work and pass their exams. Then, this degree can be granted to them. A more colloquial way to call this degree is “all but dissertation.” In other cases, this degree is granted to students who are doing their postgraduate research.
  • A Dissertation. It’s a major piece of academic writing. It’s independent, shows critical and thinking ability. A dissertation is meant to illustrate academic knowledge, originality of work, and research skills. The length usually stays within 200-300 pages.

Each thesis and dissertation has its distinct structure.

Any thesis or dissertation is a monumental work. Choose a topic that you are passionate about. Make sure it’s researchable and clear, but at the same time memorable. Spend time writing, proofreading, editing, and talking to your advisor about your ideas and academic goals.

Remember that it is okay to get frustrated and tired at times. If it happens to you, stop working for a bit and relax. Good luck and congratulations on your soon to be graduation! We hope this article was helpful. Share it with those who may need a history thesis topic or a piece of advice.

🔗 References

  • MPhil in History: University of Oxford
  • How to Pick a Masters Thesis Topic: Peter Campbell for Medium
  • How Do I Choose A Thesis Topic: Grad School Hub
  • Writing a Senior Thesis: Undergraduate Program, Department of History, Brandeis University
  • The Bachelor’s Thesis, Bachelor EE: University of Twente
  • Guidelines for the Preparation of Your Master’s Thesis: the Office of Graduate Studies and Research: University of Nebraska at Kearney
  • Guidelines for Writing a Master’s Thesis for MA Degree: Jeremy Bailey, Susan Scarrow, University of Houston
  • What is a dissertation? How it is different from an essay: The Royal Literary Fund
  • What is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Dissertation: The Best Master’s Degrees
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Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

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Is College Worth It?

As economic outcomes for young adults with and without degrees have improved, americans hold mixed views on the value of college, table of contents.

  • Labor force trends and economic outcomes for young adults
  • Economic outcomes for young men
  • Economic outcomes for young women
  • Wealth trends for households headed by a young adult
  • The importance of a four-year college degree
  • Getting a high-paying job without a college degree
  • Do Americans think their education prepared them for the workplace?
  • Is college worth the cost?
  • Acknowledgments
  • The American Trends Panel survey methodology
  • Current Population Survey methodology
  • Survey of Consumer Finances methodology

good world history research topics

Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand public views on the importance of a four-year college degree. The study also explores key trends in the economic outcomes of young adults among those who have and have not completed a four-year college degree.

The analysis in this report is based on three data sources. The labor force, earnings, hours, household income and poverty characteristics come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Social and Economic Supplement of the Current Population Survey. The findings on net worth are based on the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances.

The data on public views on the value of a college degree was collected as part of a Center survey of 5,203 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, 2023. Everyone who took part in the 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. Address-based sampling ensures that 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 report , along with responses, and the survey’s methodology .

Young adults refers to Americans ages 25 to 34.

Noncollege adults include those who have some college education as well as those who graduated from high school but did not attend college. Adults who have not completed high school are not included in the analysis of noncollege adults. About 6% of young adults have not completed high school. Trends in some labor market outcomes for those who have not finished high school are impacted by changes in the foreign-born share of the U.S. population. The Census data used in this analysis did not collect information on nativity before 1994.

Some college includes those with an associate degree and those who attended college but did not obtain a degree.

The some college or less population refers to adults who have some college education, those with a high school diploma only and those who did not graduate high school.

A full-time, full-year worker works at least 50 weeks per year and usually 35 hours a week or more.

The labor force includes all who are employed and those who are unemployed but looking for work.

The labor force participation rate is the share of a population that is in the labor force.

Young adults living independently refers to those who are not living in the home of either of their parents.

Household income is the sum of incomes received by all members of the household ages 15 and older. Income is the sum of earnings from work, capital income such as interest and dividends, rental income, retirement income, and transfer income (such as government assistance) before payments for such things as personal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes, union dues, etc. Non-cash transfers such as food stamps, health benefits, subsidized housing and energy assistance are not included. As household income is pretax, it does not include stimulus payments or tax credits for earned income and children/dependent care.

Net worth, or wealth, is the difference between the value of what a household owns (assets) and what it owes (debts).

All references to party affiliation include those who lean toward that party. Republicans include those who identify as Republicans and those who say they lean toward the Republican Party. Democrats include those who identify as Democrats and those who say they lean toward the Democratic Party.

At a time when many Americans are questioning the value of a four-year college degree, economic outcomes for young adults without a degree are improving.

Pie chart shows Only 22% of U.S. adults say the cost of college is worth it even if someone has to take out loans

After decades of falling wages, young U.S. workers (ages 25 to 34) without a bachelor’s degree have seen their earnings increase over the past 10 years. Their overall wealth has gone up too, and fewer are living in poverty today.

Things have also improved for young college graduates over this period. As a result, the gap in earnings between young adults with and without a college degree has not narrowed.

The public has mixed views on the importance of having a college degree, and many have doubts about whether the cost is worth it, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

  • Only one-in-four U.S. adults say it’s extremely or very important to have a four-year college degree in order to get a well-paying job in today’s economy. About a third (35%) say a college degree is somewhat important, while 40% say it’s not too or not at all important.
  • Roughly half (49%) say it’s less important to have a four-year college degree today in order to get a well-paying job than it was 20 years ago; 32% say it’s more important, and 17% say it’s about as important as it was 20 years ago.
  • Only 22% say the cost of getting a four-year college degree today is worth it even if someone has to take out loans. Some 47% say the cost is worth it only if someone doesn’t have to take out loans. And 29% say the cost is not worth it.

These findings come amid rising tuition costs and mounting student debt . Views on the cost of college differ by Americans’ level of education. But even among four-year college graduates, only about a third (32%) say college is worth the cost even if someone has to take out loans – though they are more likely than those without a degree to say this.

Four-year college graduates (58%) are much more likely than those without a college degree (26%) to say their education was extremely or very useful in giving them the skills and knowledge they needed to get a well-paying job. (This finding excludes the 9% of respondents who said this question did not apply to them.)

Chart shows 4 in 10 Americans say a college degree is not too or not at all important in order to get a well-paying job

Views on the importance of college differ widely by partisanship. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners to say:

  • It’s not too or not at all important to have a four-year college degree in order to get a well-paying job (50% of Republicans vs. 30% of Democrats)
  • A college degree is less important now than it was 20 years ago (57% vs. 43%)
  • It’s extremely or very likely someone without a four-year college degree can get a well-paying job (42% vs. 26%)

At the same time that the public is expressing doubts about the value of college, a new Center analysis of government data finds young adults without a college degree are doing better on some key measures than they have in recent years.

A narrow majority of workers ages 25 to 34 do not have a four-year college degree (54% in 2023). Earnings for these young workers mostly trended downward from the mid-1970s until roughly a decade ago.

Outcomes have been especially poor for young men without a college degree. Other research has shown that this group saw falling labor force participation and sagging earnings starting in the early 1970s , but the last decade has marked a turning point.

This analysis looks at young men and young women separately because of their different experiences in the labor force.

Trends for young men

  • Labor force participation: The share of young men without a college degree who were working or looking for work dropped steadily from 1970 until about 2014. Our new analysis suggests things have stabilized somewhat for this group over the past decade. Meanwhile, labor force participation among young men with a four-year degree has remained mostly flat.
  • Full-time, full-year employment: The share of employed young men without a college degree who are working full time and year-round has varied somewhat over the years – trending downward during recessions. It’s risen significantly since the Great Recession of 2007-09, with the exception of a sharp dip in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For employed young men with a college degree, the share working full time, full year has remained more stable over the years.

Chart shows Earnings of young men without a college degree have increased over the past 10 years

  • Median annual earnings: Since 2014, earnings have risen for young men with some college education and for those whose highest attainment is a high school diploma. Even so, earnings for these groups remain below where they were in the early 1970s. Earnings for young men with a bachelor’s degree have also trended up, for the most part, over the past 10 years.
  • Poverty: Among young men without a college degree who are living independently from their parents, the share in poverty has fallen significantly over the last decade. For example, 12% of young men with a high school diploma were living in poverty in 2023, down from a peak of 17% in 2011. The share of young men with a four-year college degree who are in poverty has also fallen and remains below that of noncollege young men.

Trends for young women

  • Labor force participation: The shares of young women with and without a college degree in the labor force grew steadily from 1970 to about 1990. Among those without a college degree, the share fell after 2000, and the drop-off was especially sharp for young women with a high school diploma. Since 2014, labor force participation for both groups of young women has increased.
  • Full-time, full-year employment: The shares of employed young women working full time and year-round, regardless of their educational attainment, have steadily increased over the decades. There was a decline during and after the Great Recession and again (briefly) in 2021 due to the pandemic. Today, the shares of women working full time, full year are the highest they’ve ever been across education levels.

Chart shows Earnings of young women without a college degree have trended up in the past decade

  • Median annual earnings: Median earnings for young women without a college degree were relatively flat from 1970 until about a decade ago. These women did not experience the steady decline in earnings that noncollege young men did over this period. By contrast, earnings have grown over the decades for young women with a college degree. In the past 10 years, earnings for women both with and without a college degree have risen.
  • Poverty: As is the case for young men without a college degree, the share of noncollege young women living in poverty has fallen substantially over the past decade. In 2014, 31% of women with a high school diploma who lived independently from their parents were in poverty. By 2023, that share had fallen to 21%. Young women with a college degree remain much less likely to be in poverty than their counterparts with less education.

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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 .

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Vaccines not blamed for new cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome | Fact check

good world history research topics

The claim: American Heart Association announced 90% of vaccinated population now has ‘deadly heart defects’

A May 18 Instagram post ( direct link , archive link ) includes an image that ties vaccines to heart problems.

“American Heart Association: 90% of Vaxxed Population Now Have Deadly Heart Defects,” reads the text on the image, which is a screenshot of a May 17 article from The People’s Voice .

Another version of the claim spread widely on X, formerly Twitter . 

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

This claim mischaracterizes a study published in May that found that almost 90% of American adults meet the criteria for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, a condition first defined by the American Heart Association in 2023. The organization did not make any announcement tying the findings to vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccines hadn't yet been released during the time period examined by the study. The claim stems from a website that routinely publishes misinformation .

Study is 'unrelated to vaccines of any kind'

The social media posts “make connections that cannot be attributed to the American Heart Association,” said spokesperson Suzanne Grant . 

Almost 90% of American adults met the criteria for a condition called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome in a May study by Harvard Medical School researchers published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 

The Harvard study uses the American Heart Association's definition of the condition that was announced in October 2023 . Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is the overlap of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to the organization . The study noted people of older age, men and Black adults were at increased risk for advanced stages of the condition.

Fact check : No evidence COVID-19 vaccine 'shuts off' the heart, contrary to anti-Kelce post

The post connects the study to the COVID-19 vaccine with its reference to the "vaxxed population," but this is wrong on multiple fronts.

For one, the study predates the COVID-19 vaccines. The last survey cycle for this study ended in March 2020 – months before the vaccine became available .

And the study did not say vaccination status of any kind played a role, because vaccines weren't part of the research.

“Our research did not deal at all with vaccines and is unrelated to vaccines of any kind,” said Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan , a Harvard Medical School cardiologist involved in the study.

Similarly, neither the American Heart Association's announcement nor other statements the organization published about the condition mention vaccines. Rather, it said the condition is a “consequence of the historically high prevalence of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in both adults and youth.” 

The association has said the COVID-19 vaccine could have rare side effects including heart inflammation and blood clots. It added, however, that the virus itself could also cause such health issues and that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the potential risks.

USA TODAY has debunked an array of false claims from The People’s Voice about vaccines, including that a billion people have died since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, that the World Health Organization declared “mass vaccination” is required to combat climate change and that the WHO admitted fully vaccinated mothers are giving birth to babies with heart defects. 

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Our fact-check sources:

  • Suzanne Grant , May 21, Email exchange with USA TODAY
  • Muthiah Vaduganathan , May 20, Email exchange with USA TODAY 
  • JAMA, May 8, Prevalence of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Stages in US Adults, 2011-2020 
  • American Heart Association, Nov. 14, 2023, A Synopsis of the Evidence for the Science and Clinical Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association 
  • American Heart Association, Nov. 14, 2023, Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association 
  • American Heart Association, Oct. 9, 2023, Heart disease risk, prevention and management redefined 

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .

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