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People often say that time travel is impossible. I beg to differ. Did you know that researching historical events can be regarded as time traveling? Because you will get more information about events as if you were there. Most university and college students in the United States consider writing history papers uninteresting. Some of their negative opinions stem from inability to come up with unique and fascinating historical research topics. If you have a history assignment and are stuck on finding a suitable title that can guarantee you success, you are in the right place. Our research paper writers for hire have compiled various history research paper topics that can inspire your essays. Select from different interesting topics in history to research and write on. Apart from giving you 250 research themes, this article also explains what these topics are, their characteristics, and how to choose them.

What Are History Research Paper Topics?

History research paper topics refer to titles that explore past times, events, and the evolution of cultures and traditions. As a branch of more broad social science research topics , they evaluate social, political, scientific, and economic developments that humans have made since the beginning of time. History research topics majorly focus on recorded and unrecorded past events and times. The theme you choose for your research paper or thesis will guide your overall content. You may be provided with history paper topics by lecturers or professors in your school or required to come up with one of your own. In this case, we have got a huge list for your selection.

Characteristics of Good History Research Topics

Before writing any history paper, you should come up with or select a suitable title. Choosing good history topics to research is a challenging task. As a scholar, you may falter at this stage and pick a topic that is unsuitable for your paper, which eventually affects your grade. Since we want to make it easy for you, we will provide a checklist of characteristics to look out for when selecting titles for your essay. Good topics for a history research paper should be:

Meaningful.
Unambiguous.
Attractive.
Expressive.
Well-defined.

How to Choose a History Research Topic?

Unless you are provided with a title to write on, most times, you will be required to come up with your research topics in history. Generally, this is a broad subject covering different areas. As a result, it may be a tedious task for you to try and select a suitable research topic for history paper. However, do not worry because we will present a series of steps to guide you in choosing a title for your essay. Follow this procedure when you want to pick historical topics to write about:

Brainstorm ideas and determine the best one.
Evaluate all background information that has been provided.
Focus on issues that are interesting to you.
Create a keyword list or an outline for your topic.
Be flexible in your research.
Ensure all titles meet assignment requirements.

List of History Topics to Research

To succeed in your essays, it is vital to come up with good research topics for history. Therefore, you should select unique and interesting historical topics to research. Below are examples of best history research paper topics:

What were major impacts of slave trade in Europe?
Historical development of the industrial revolution.
Factors that promoted construction of pyramids in Egypt.
Negative consequences of World Wars on the global economy.
Effects of the American Civil War on people’s ways of life.
Historical origin of the American Revolution.
Impacts of European scramble for and partition of Africa.
Factors that led to the US-Mexico war in 1846.
Major reasons why the Soviet Union collapsed.
Expressionist movement and its impacts on modern art.

The following list offers everyone what they need. If not, ask our experts for a piece of advice or generate a title to your liking with our Topic Generator .

Interesting History Topics to Research

There are many interesting history research paper topics that you can write on. However, we strive to provide you with the best. We have compiled a list of most interesting history topics for you to pick:

What processes were taken in abolishing slave trade?
Queen Elizabeth: A historical background of how she came to power.
Factors that led to Americans going into Civil War.
Main uses of money in ancient Greece.
Science that led to discovery of polio vaccines.
Key facts about the American Revolution.
Assassination attempts on US Presidents in the last 70 years.
Effects of child labor during the Puritan era.
Major roles played by America during World War I.
What factors made the Titanic sink?
Environmental impacts of industrial revolution.
What economic role did women play during the Great Depression?
How did the Germantown Battle start?
What influenced the Spanish-American War ?
Roles played by religious leaders during the Aztec era.

Good History Research Paper Topics

Apart from interesting titles, there are also good topics for history research paper that can guarantee you high grades in your paper. Below is a list of good history paper topics:

Historical origin of the Roman Empire.
What tactics were used by Greeks in their win against Persians?
Famous war strategies employed by Alexander the Great in his conquest of Egypt.
What lesson can we learn from construction and implementation of the Great Wall of China?
Most successful attacks by Julius Caesar on Great Britain.
Hun's first invasion of Europe: An analysis of its success.
Challenges faced by Mohammed in his journey from Mecca to Medina.
Impacts of Aristotle’s philosophical ideas in today’s world.
First Greek Olympiad and its legacy.
Famous African American soldiers during the Civil War.
Achievements of Genghis Khan in Asia.
Russia-Ukraine war: Origin of this conflict.
Challenges faced by the American army in Vietnam.
Economic implications of Versailles Treaty on European nations.
Major causes of World War II.

Unique Historical Research Topics

To stand out from other scholars, you ought to have unique history research topics. To get you there, we have provided history topics to write about:

Historiography of reasons that led to World War I.
Adoption of Rococo artistic style in architecture.
Major environmental impacts of late Warthe retreat in central Europe.
What political impacts did cartoons and propaganda experts have during World War II?
What vital religious roles did sculptures play in ancient Greece?
History of famous Christian symbols and their significance.
Psychological significance of Kazimir Malevich's artworks.
Origin and political importance of Dalits in India.
How did Julius Caesar and Cleopatra’s relationship affect his leadership?
Famous medics who played a crucial role during World War II.
What key implications did Balkan Wars have on the European map?
Achievements of Queen Victoria’s first year in office.
Discovery of X-Rays: How and by who?
Spanish Civil War: An analysis of first 100 days during the war.
Key events that followed after Pearl Harbor was attacked.

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Easy History Topics to Write About

Sometimes you are striving to beat deadlines for submitting your paper. Such times call for easy history topics to research. When you find yourself in such a situation, look at these easy historical events to write about for your inspiration:

Major impacts of World War I.
Key achievements of the Women's Rights Movement in the past century.
Economic impacts of the biggest earthquake in America.
Salem Witch Trials: Causes and impacts.
How did the European invasion of Africa affect levels of education on the continent?
Achievements of the Ottoman Empire.
Apartheid in South Africa: Its social and political impacts.
Causes of rise and fall of Roman Empire.
Significant inventions during the Middle Ages.
How Native Americans reacted to European invasions of their lands.
Strategies used by the American government to overcome the Great Depression.
How important was Pearl Harbor during World War II?
Consequences brought by nuclear weapons in Europe.
Common effects of Greek culture in Europe.
Major roles played by Shogun in Japanese history.

History Research Paper Topics for Students

Most students always encounter challenges when it comes to selecting historical topics to research. Choosing the right title can make a difference between success and failure in your paper. This is why you need to have various history research questions to help you in selecting your focus area. It does not matter whether you are in middle school, high school, or college because we have a list of topics that will help you get good grades .

History Research Topics for Middle School

There are times when middle school students are required to select historical events to write about. If you find yourself in this situation, we have interesting topics in history suggested for you:

European Middle Ages: Major challenges that were witnessed during that era.
Gender bias roles and how they have changed over time in Britain.
How many soldiers did America lose during World War I?
In what ways have nuclear weapons changed the military?
What measures were taken to abolish slavery in America?
History of the United Kingdom monarch.
How were enslaved people transported to America?
Impacts of the Cold War on the European economy.
Who were the first settlers in America?
Agrarian revolution: Origin and impact in Europe.
Evolution of man according to Darwin.
Positive impacts brought by the Ottoman Empire .
Significance of Shakespearean plays to modern theaters.
Factors that facilitated the growth of the industrial revolution.
How the motor industry developed in America.

History Research Topics for High School

If you are a high school student looking for research topics in history, you have arrived at the right place. Below we have compiled history project topics for you to choose from:

Factors that promoted growth of the Byzantine Empire.
Repercussions brought by World War II to Britain.
History and growth of Civil Rights Movement in America.
How did World War I cripple Germany's military power?
Major factors that made it easy for colonies to win the American Revolution.
Challenges faced by China in its space exploration attempts.
Why was America reluctant to participate in World War II?
Key benefits of the Cold War to Russia.
Factors that led to eradicating most Native Americans’ cultural practices.
American Wild West: Analysis of myths as portrayed by popular culture.
History of the American constitution.
Fight against terrorism: Its origin and development.
Berlin Wall: Its social impacts on the people of Germany.
Major social revolutions in Britain.
Revolution of the internet.

History Research Paper Topics for College Students

There is a wide range of history research topics for college students. However, to achieve the highest grade, you must find the best history thesis topics for your term paper. The following is a list of the most popular American history research paper topics for college students:

A comparison between Crusaders and Jihadists.
Most effective farming tools that were used in Mesopotamia.
In what ways has Japanese art influenced European cultures?
Impacts of racial segregation on development of music industry in America.
Major racial events that have plagued American society in the past 50 years.
Key constitutional amendments that have taken place in the US over the last 100 years.
How did Europeans use religion to conquer countries?
Origin and benefits of vaccines to people.
Significance of Marie Antoinette during the American Revolution.
In what ways did the Medici family influence the Renaissance?
How did communist manifesto influence European countries?
Controversial issues surrounding Pope Alexander VI.
Roles played by women during the Vietnam War.
Manson family: Truths and myths surrounding them.
Historical account of first space exploration by America.

Historical Events to Write About

Writing a history paper should be a fun affair. To make your experience worthwhile, we have different cool history topics for research papers. Selecting a theme from these classifications will make it easy for you to write a unique and interesting essay for your research. Go through these topics for history project and use any of them as sources of inspiration for your paper. When you decide on the idea, make sure to check how to write a research paper properly.

World History Research Paper Topics

One of the most fun titles to write on is interesting world history topics. Although this category is broad, you should not be confused about what to research and write because we have got you covered. Below are world history topics for research paper that you can choose:

Significant environmental consequences of Persian Gulf War.
Factors that contributed greatly to the fall of Aztec Civilization.
What were the economic impacts brought by the rise of the Qing Dynasty?
Key chain of events that led to the Russian Revolution and rise of communism.
How did the Samurai culture greatly impact nations around Japan?
Life and achievements of Nelson Mandela and his struggle to liberate South Africa from colonial rule.
Major reasons why the Great Wall of China was constructed.
Factors that contributed to Babylon collapsing.
Economic significance of Constantinople in the Byzantine Empire.
Mughal architectural influences in constructing Taj Mahal.

US History Research Paper Topics

There are a lot of American history research paper topics that you can select. However, to guarantee your success in this process, we have provided the best US history topics for research paper below:

Ways in which early settlers in America learned to coexist together.
Major factors that contributed to Witch Trials in Salem.
What laws were put in place to control enslaved people in America?
Key reasons why Boston Massacres occurred.
What factors led to the American Revolution?
Reasons why George Washington is regarded as one of the greatest leaders in American history.
New roles for women after the American Revolution.
Key events that took place in creating the American Constitution.
Conflicts between British and Native Americans in the 19th century.
Modern activism groups. Their origin and development in the USA.

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European History Research Topics

Finding the best European history research paper topics may be difficult because of European countries' different historical and cultural backgrounds. Nevertheless, below we have created interesting European history topics that will make it easy for you:

Niccolo Machiavelli's philosophy and its impacts.
Most renowned artist of the Renaissance period.
Maximillian Robespierre: Impacts brought by his reign of terror during the French Revolution.
Factors that led to creation of Austria-Hungary.
Rise and fall of the Viking era.
Characteristics that are associated with Gothic art.
Origin and impacts of Romanticism.
A comparison of great works by Mozart and Bach in the 18th century.
How Cubism revolutionized the art movement in Europe.
Military role played by British women in World War II.

European history has various events described in literature. If you want to focus on how any event is depicted in literary works, don't hesitate to browse for literature research paper topics.

French Revolution Research Topics for History

The French Revolution is a significant historical period. If you are searching for the best historical topics to research about this period, look no further. Below are best history topics ideas for you to start with:

Achievements of King Louis IV.
Factors that contributed to Napoleon losing the Waterloo battle.
Major causes of the French Revolution.
How has the French Revolution affected modern France?
Major roles played by the French Revolution in Europe.
What was the significance of Robespierre during the French Revolution?
How did the French Revolution influence music and French operas?
How was Napoleon’s conquest affected by the French Revolution?
Key societal transformation after the French Revolution.
Causes and impacts brought by Champ De Mars Massacre.

American Revolution History Research Paper Topics

Another popular category to write on is American history research topics. When asked to write about the American Revolution, do not be confused. The following are interesting American history research paper topics for your ideas:

Social consequences caused by the American Revolution.
What role did women play during the revolution?
How did the American Revolution impact Europe?
How did typical Americans live during this revolution?
Famous female writers during the American Revolution.
Negative social impacts of the American Revolution.
Similarities between the Trenton and Princeton Battles.
Significant achievements of Alexander Hamilton during the American Revolution.
How did the revolution change the perception of America by British?
How did George Washington affect the outcome of the American Revolution?

History Research Paper Topics on US Civil War

When looking for popular US history topics to write about, you should consider the Civil War. If that is the case, we have good US history research topics about the Civil War for your inspiration:

What factors led to the American Civil War?
How is the American Civil War represented in popular culture?
What were the roles played by African Americans during this period?
Impact of Civil War on American society.
Effects brought by the Civil War on ending slavery in America.
Key roles played by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
Major roles played by women during the Civil War.
Major course of American Civil War.
What are the key advantages of the American Civil War?
How did the Civil War impact distribution of wealth in America?

Cold War History Research Topics

The Cold War has some of the most interesting history topics to research. If you want to be inspired by the Cold War historical investigation topics, we have a list for you below:

What key roles did America play during the Cold War?
What interventions were made by the UN during the Cold War?
How were popular cultures affected by the Cold War?
Why is the Cold War described as an era characterized by fear?
Key events that led to discussions to end the Cold War.
What impacts did the Cold War have on European economic development?
Key events that led to the Cold War.
What major countries were involved in the Cold War?
What was the aftermath of the Cold War?
Cultural shifts during the Cold War.

20th Century Research Paper Topics

Are you searching for 20th-century history paper ideas? Look no further. Below are interesting research topics about history and development witnessed in the 20th century:

Successful tactics used by Gandhi to revolt against British oppression.
Reasons why the assassination of King Carlos of Portugal failed to provoke a revolution.
How the Marne Battle made it easy to stop advancement of German forces.
Factors that facilitated the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
How did the attack on Pearl Harbor change the course of the war?
Methods used to spread and promote Communism ideologies in Europe.
How did the relationship between the Soviet Union and America change over time after 1945?
Factors that led to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
Friendship treaties signed between Fidel Castro and the USSR.
Cuban missile crisis: Origin and consequences.

Modern History Research Paper Topics

You may be asked to write a paper on modern history topics. When you find yourself in this situation, go through the following history topics for research paper to get your inspiration:

Columbian Exchange: Its origin and consequences.
Foods taken by people during the Industrial Revolution.
How was it living in the Wild West?
Aftermath of the Great Famine in Ireland and how people coped.
Negative impacts brought by David Livingstone's exploration in Africa.
Russia's expansion of its territories and how they annexed Siberia.
Characteristics associated with the Commercial Revolution and its impact on world finances.
Positive consequences brought by spice trade in shaping the modern world.
Key inventions that facilitated the Age of Exploration.
Why was Alexander II assassinated?

Extra History Research Paper Topics

You can never fully exhaust historical titles because history is constantly changing and being written. But, by now, we hope you have a clear picture of interesting history research paper topics you can write on. But if you still need more inspiration for your essay, we will provide you with extra history research paper topic ideas classified in the following different categories.

History Research Paper Topics for Exam

Do you wish to study for your history exam and are looking for US history research topics to get you going? Not only do we have various topics on American history to aid you, but we also have interesting world history research topics. Below is a list that can jump-start your revision:

Gender roles in 19th century England.
Economic repercussions brought by World War II in France.
Major people who fought for abolition of apartheid rule in South Africa.
How Roosevelt contributed to ending World War II.
How Alabama's claim impacted America.
Factors that contributed to the rise of communism in China.
Origin and development of the Syrian crisis.
University education in Europe: Its origin and development.
How colonization of America impacted the Natives.
History and development of Veteran’s Day.

>> Read more: How to Write a DBQ

History Research Paper Topics for Academics

There are many interesting things to learn about in history. All you have to do is seek a fascinating historical topic to investigate and learn about. To start you off, we have topics you can look at below:

Similarities between European and American industrial revolutions.
Negative effects brought by the industrial revolution on the working class.
Reasons why Black Death spread rapidly in Europe.
Origin and development of poetry.
Islamic architecture’s influence on modern structures.
Negative environmental effects brought by World War II.
Importance of Mathematics in ancient Egypt.
Major roles played by women during the Great Depression.
Why was iron important during the industrial revolution?

History Research Paper Topics for Experts

Scholars should not be the only ones looking for stimulating ancient history research paper topics. Experts can also find inspiration in various US history paper topics that we have provided for you below:

Origin of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Gulf War: Its causes and social effects on the people.
Social impacts of conflicts witnessed in Syria.
Most respected general during the Roman Empire's rule.
Negative consequences of the Cold War on global politics and direction.
Social and political impacts brought by racism in America.
History of education development in Europe.
What causes the Mexican-American wars?
Factors that facilitated the rise of the Dutch Republic?
Controversial issues surrounding the American Civil War.

Need more ideas? We have a full assortment of titles in different fields. From education research topics or philosophy paper topics to business research topics , you are sure to choose the one you need.

Bottom Line on History Research Topics

As a history scholar, choosing a title for your essay can seem both daunting and exciting. There are many interesting topics of history you can select to write on. However, picking the right one can be challenging. This article has provided various ideas on the US and world history topics to research and write argumentative essays on. We hope that the above list makes it easy for you to choose a title or inspire you to come up with your own. There are many good historical events to write about. All you need is to go through the list we have provided and make your choice.

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Good History Research Paper Topics For Your Help

By: Nathan D.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Jan 4, 2022

Research papers can be boring and time-consuming for some high school and university students. However, students will easily create a successful paper if they pick a great research paper topic. Some professors assign topics and make them easy for students. At the same time, others leave the choice to students by giving them the freedom to choose what they want.

The following blog post is a helpful resource for students who need ideas on what topics they can write about. It includes some great topics from which you'll be able to choose the best topic or get inspiration for your paper.

History is a fascinating subject that we should all know more about. There are many topics, and it's always hard to pick which one will work best for your research paper.

However, for your help, we compiled a great list of history research paper topics that can be divided into different categories. So, pick the one that matches your interest and academic level.

On this Page

History Research Paper Topics For College Students

Nuclear weapons and their influence on the world military clashes
The Crusades and Jihad: What are the similarities and differences?
Constitutional change in America: what is the role of the amendments?
What does religion have to do with the colonist wars?
How were ziggurats used in ancient Mesopotamia?
Ancient conquests and their impact on modern world map development
When were vaccines invented? Are they really useful?
The influence of Japanese art on European culture
How did segregation affect the American music industry?
Is racial discrimination still a part of American society?

History Research Paper Topics Before 1877

How did the border states perceive the battles of the Civil War?
Impact of the 1964 elections on civil rights
History before 1877: cause & effect
Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Fourteenth Amendment
Explain American history before 1877
Labor unions, conflicts, and strikes in the 1800s
The British rule in the Americas and the first British settlements
United States foreign policy in the early 19th century
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
The role of faith in American history before 1877

History Research Paper Topics Philippines

The fundamentals of the Barrio Government System
The origins of the name the Philippines
Communist Party of the Philippines
Trading with the Chinese
The Consequences of Magellan’s murder
US colonization of the Philippines
Fire Mummies of the Philippines
Christian-Muslim relations in the Philippines
The religious belief system in the Philippines
The reorganization of town governments under the Maura law of 1893

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Indian History Research Paper Topics

What are the European influences evident in Indian culture?
The establishment of the British East India company
British colonialism in India
The real problem at the heart of goa's Devasthan regulation
Indian art and the impact of Hinduism
The issues of the partitioning of India in 1947
First European powers in India and their trade relations
What were the devastating impacts of British rule in India?
India’s first empire and the rise of Buddhism
The political activism of Dalits in India

History Research Paper Topics 20th Century

McKinley role for American imperialism
The reasons and causes for the start of prohibition and its effects on subsequent US history
The assassination of John Kennedy in 1963 and its consequences
Were imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century justified?
The implication of atomic weapon
China in the 20th century
Hiroshima and Nagasaki events
The role of America in the Cold War
The analysis of Martin Luther King’s speeches
Rise of mafia

History Research Paper Topics 1900s

Queen Victoria died-World politics and the monarchy
What was the role of women in the 1900s?
The formation of the league of nations
Psychiatric methods in early 1900s America
The first electric washing machine
The NAACP is first founded-politics and civil rights
The New York subway opens-innovation and science
The origin of the piano
How did sports help promote equality for African Americans in the 1900s?
Gender roles of the Sioux tribe before 1900

Art History Research Paper Topics

Why were the sculptures of great importance in ancient Greece?
Comparative analysis of Mikhail Vrubel and Gustave Moreau art
The relevance of Abbey Church of St. Denis in Gothic architecture
The shifts in the art development in ancient Greece
Can impressionism be termed as simple art or art for the simple?
The significance of Christian symbols in Renaissance art
The influence of Hinduism on art from ancient India
Color psychology in the works of Kazimir Malevich.
The Influences of Sumerian art found in Hittite art creations
Construction of the Great Wall of China

European History Research Paper Topics

European colonization impact on Native Americans
The history of the French Revolution: new perspectives from Chartier and Furet
What made Pope Alexander VI controversial?
Great mistakes of Napoleon
How did Venetian history affect present Europe?
The role of politics in the spread of Christianity across Europe
How were cities developed in Medieval Europe?
Historical development of East European Jewry
The main battles of World War I
Between World War I and World War II, what are the military innovations?

Environmental History Research Paper Topics

What is the little ice age, and what impact it may have on the climate?
Landscape painters and environmental photography
Renewable energy
Discuss the most significant causes of climate change
Global warming: what could happen if ice glaciers melt?
Prehistoric wildlife and its importance in future eco-systems
How do organisms survive under extreme conditions?
What effects does biodiversity loss have on humanity?
Ecosystem health
Biomes and Ecosystems. What is considered a biome?

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Theatre History History Research Paper Topics

Attitudes towards women and their role in American musical theatre
Puppetry influence on cartoons these days
President of the greater Euclid little theatre
Women in restoration theatre: stages of liberation
Theatre role as a tool in social commentary
Artaud’s theatre influence
Ancient Greek theatre and drama
Theatre play
State theatre
The use of historically accurate costumes on stage

Interesting History Research Paper Topics

The process of abolition of slavery and its meaning for the world
Timeline of the 21st century
American revolution facts
How have taxes been introduced throughout USA history?
Queen Elizabeth. The truth about her life.
The conditions of life for soldiers in the First Crusade
African American soldiers during the war
Money and its uses in the Ancient Greek world
The power of denial: Buddhism, purity, and gender
Polio vaccines: historical development, types, and efficiency

Us History Research Paper Topics

Industrialization effects on American social movements
Amelia Earhart: Who was she? What is the truth about her life and death?
Effect of the cotton gin on economy and slaves labor
What did “American” mean in the 18th century?
The oldest universities: who founded them?
How and why were National Parks created?
Immigrants and their ideas of the American Dream
What did France lose because of Louisiana’s purchase?
How did the war affect social life and citizens’ psychology?
German-American immigration in 1854-1894

19th Century American History Research Paper Topics

What struggles did women face in the Nineteenth Amendment?
The genre of black popular music
American south religious practices
Tobacco trade in early American colonies
The beginning of slavery in British America and the middle passage
Women’s suffrage movement
1968 democratic convention in Chicago
Was there a need to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The role of the United States during World War 2
What conditions were faced by the Americans in the 19th century?

Tips for Choosing the Best History Research Paper Topic

Here are some things to consider when choosing the topic for a history research paper.
Make sure your topic meets the assignment requirements. Consult your professor for feedback if you're not sure, and then use their input as guidance in completing it.
Choose a topic that interests you and will make the writing process more engaging.
A topic that is too broad might seem impossible to research. But, the right scope will enable you to find information relevant and focused.
Do some research and then select the topic.
Read other researchers’ thesis statements and get an idea from them.
Find history research papers from the past and read them for a better understanding.
Keep the audience’s interest in mind and then choose the topic.

Keep these points in mind, and then select the best topic, then add it to our AI essay generator to get instant essay help!

But, if you still have any confusion, simply consult the best essay writing service 5StarEssays.com .

We offer the best paper writing services and have helped countless students just like you with their academic tasks. Now, finding a good history topic is easy with the help of our expert writers.

So, don’t hesitate to contact us and avail the best write essay for me? writing help.

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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.

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.

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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History Research Guide

Research Questions

Topic to Research Question

Previous interpretations.

Finding Secondary Sources
Primary Sources
Digitized Primary Texts
Government & Statistical Information
Managing Your Research
Specialized Research Guides

First think about historical topics that interest you broadly. Then, gather background information by reading encyclopedias, major books on the topics, and then add focus with a research question.

Qualities of good historical questions.

Open-ended, asks "how" and "why" questions about your general topic
Considers causes or effects
Is argumentative and uses interpretations based on the evidence)
Appropriate specificity (think who, where, when)
Consider the "so what?" of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others?
Reflect on the questions you have considered. Identify one or two questions you find engaging and which could be explored further through research.

Example: "How did white and African-American defense plant workers create and think about interracial relationships during World War II?"

This question investigates broad issues - interracial romance, sexual identity - but within a specific context - World War II and the defense industry.

WARNING: Avoid selecting a topic that is too broad: "How has war affected sex in America?" is too broad. It would take several books to answer this question.

A good question is narrow enough so that you can find a persuasive answer to it in time to meet the due date for this class paper. A good historical question also demands an answer that is not just yes or no. Why and how questions are often good choices, and so are questions that ask you to compare and contrast a topic in different locations or time periods; so are questions that ask you to explain the relationship between one event or historical process and another.

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center, (2008) " How to write a research question ," and Brown, " Writing about History ."

Connecting your interpretation to previous work by other historians:

Once you have a topic in mind, you need to find out what other scholars have written about your topic. If they've used the same sources you were thinking of using and reached the same conclusions, there's no point in repeating their work, so you should look for another topic.

Most of the time, though, you'll find that other scholars have used different sources and/or asked different questions, and that reading their work will help you place your own paper in perspective. When you are writing your paper, you will cite these historians - both their arguments about the material, and also (sometimes) their research findings.

Example: "As Tera Hunter has argued concerning Atlanta's laundresses, black women workers preferred work outside the homes of their white employers"(and then you would cite Hunter in a footnote, including page numbers).

Adapted from: Brown, " Writing about History ."

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150 Strong History Dissertation Topics to Write about

Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging and exciting moments of an academic career. Such work usually takes a great deal of time, courage, and intellectual effort to complete. That’s why every step in your work process is essential.

It all starts with finding a good topic, which can be a challenge of its own. It especially matters when it comes to liberal arts subjects. In social studies, literature, or world history options are practically endless.

Coming up with history dissertation ideas, you need to think of historical events that interest you. We get it, choosing one is tough. There can be too much to wrap your head around. That’s why IvyPanda experts prepare some dissertation topics in history ready for you.

How to Choose a Topic?
Ancient History
Medieval History
Modern History
Cold War Topics
American History
European History
Indian History
African History
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
How to Structure

🧐 How to Choose a History Dissertation Topic?

Before examining our ideas for dissertation topics in history, you should get ready for this. You have to understand how to pick a history dissertation topic, which will ensure your academic success. Keep in mind that this is a vital step in your career.

So, check some tips on picking what to write about:

Make sure that the topic fits in your field of study. You have to understand what you’re writing about. Basing your paper on existing knowledge and experience is a part of any dissertation. Working on an overly complicated idea can sound impressive but lead to failure. It will become a nightmare already on the stage of writing a dissertation proposal. How can you write the entire thing without comprehending it?
Estimate whether you’re interested in the topic you intend to write on. Although this might seem obvious, yes. However, being actually invested makes a massive difference for your further work. There are plenty of students who settle for “easy but boring” topics and end up struggling twice as much.
Ensure that your topic is specific enough. Your idea should have the potential for fruitful research. Narrowing down your area of study is essential for writing a good dissertation. It helps you to find the direction of your examination and enough sources to work with. Moreover, this way, you’ll be able to explore your topic in its entirety.
Do some prior research. It will give you an understanding of how much literature on your topic is out there. Take notes of the materials for the reference list and your analysis. Checking history essay samples is a good idea, too.
Don’t be shy to ask your dissertation advisor for some assistance. After all, they are here to help and guide you through the process. Besides, you have to see what ideas they consider relevant and appropriate.

👍 Good Dissertation Topics in History: Time Period

History is a subject as ancient and vast as the humankind itself. It’s only rational to study it according to a particular timeline. Here are some good history dissertation topics for different periods.

🏺 Ancient History Dissertation Topics

Ancient Civilizations: The Maya Empire . The Maya was an incredibly powerful Empire with its prime around six century A.D., excelling in mathematics, calendar-making, astrology, and writing. It faced the decline of its city-states in nine century A.D., leaving a rich cultural heritage to the studies of subsequent generations.
Women’s Roles and Gender relations in the Ancient World
Greek City-States . Ancient Greece is the place where the first city-states were formed. How did the first governments in the ancient history timeline develop? How did people’s attitudes towards leadership change in that context?

A city-state was the community structure of ancient Greece.

Ancient Near-Eastern Thought and the Old Testament
The Inca Empire as a Great Civilization of Pre-Columbian America
The Impact of Mongol Invasion in Ancient Arab
The personality of Julius Caesar and His Effect on Rome
The Role of Poets and the place of Poetry in Ancient Greece
Mesopotamian Civilization . This was a fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It has been home to some of the world’s wealthiest and most advanced ancient cities. It can also make an excellent archaeology dissertation topic. There are plenty of fascinating sites that could be studied.
History: Ancient Greek Olympics . Started in 776 BC, the Olympic Games were the most important cultural event in Ancient Greece. They were held in honor of Zeus every four years. Besides, the Olympics were representative of the triumph of physical and spiritual power.
Warfare and Violence in Ancient Times. Try to do a comparative analysis of warfare techniques used by different ancient civilizations. It could be a great dissertation topic.
Burial Rituals in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece: a comparison
Plutarch’s Vision on Alexander the Great
Dissolution of the Roman Empire . The Empire sprawled from the coast of North Africa to the territories of the modern UK and Armenia. Once, it was the most powerful political entity in the entire Mediterranean. The empire, however, collapsed in 476 CE. What were the reasons for its eventual decline?

There are at least 8 prominent reasons for the Roman Empire's decline.

How Geography Has Impacted the Development of Ancient Cultures
Cause and Effect of Art on Classical Societies
The Invention of Papyrus and its impact on the World
Chichen Itza Archaeological Site . Chichen Itza is a great pre-Columbian archaeological site, home to the Maya civilization. It is a fascinating study case in many aspects. Consider the origins and Maya history. Analyze the cultural preservation issues that it faces nowadays.
Egyptian Pyramid’s Importance in Egypt’s society
The Stone Age Period and its Evolution

🛡 Medieval History Dissertation Ideas

Cultural Exchanges in the Medieval Period . In the aftermath of the Roman Empire’s fall, new geopolitical conditions formed. The early Middle Ages period already marked the appearance of new trade routes. It fostered cultural exchange between nations.
Rome in the Middle Ages and its cultural transformation
The Development of Feudalism and Manorialism in the Middle Ages
The Catholic Church and the Black Death in the 14th Century . During the high Middle Ages, the plague epidemic terrorized Europe. It was a dreadful challenge to medicine, religious institutions, and the social apparatus of the time. How did the Catholic Church deal with such a complex and disastrous medical phenomenon?
Jews and Muslims in Medieval Spain . Christian, Islamic, and Jewish communities shared the Iberian peninsula in the early Middle Ages. It formed a vibrant cultural environment.
London during the Roman Age: A Critical Overview
Causes of the First Crusade of 1095-1099
Twelfth-Century Renaissance, how Franciscans reacted to it and benefited from its development
Business and Empire, the British ideal of an Orderly World
The Black Death, Late Medieval Demographic crisis, and the Standard of Living controversies
The Role of the Church in the life of the Middle Ages

Over the Middle Ages, the church was the only universal European institution.

Medieval Siege Warfare . Exploring methods of defense used during the Middle Ages might be an interesting research project.
The Conditions of Hindu and Islamic women in Medieval India
Why the Crusades Failed
The Mechanical Water clock of Ibn Al-Haytham, his philosophy of the rise and fall of empires
The Renaissance and its Cultural, Political and Economic Influence
The Dark Ages as the Golden Ages of European History . Plenty of facts demonstrate civilization’s decline during the Middle Ages. It was, nevertheless, the time of significant scientific, literary, and technological progress. For some interested in writing a medieval literature dissertation: think of Dante’s Divine Comedy . Da Vinci made his groundbreaking study projects during the Middle Ages. It was the time when first universities, such as Cambridge and Oxford, were founded. Overall, this period has a lot to offer!
Japan’s Development Under Edo/Tokugawa Shogunate
Historical and Theological Context of Byzantine Iconoclasm
Medieval Convivencia: Document Analysis

🕰 Modern History Dissertation Topics

World History: Enlightenment in Society and its Impact on Global Culture
Nationalism and its 19th Century History
Why Mussolini and the Fascists Were Able to Seize Power in Italy
Religious Symbolism in Renaissance paintings . Renaissance is well-known as a period when fine arts were thriving. It was an early modern birthplace of many technological and cultural advancements. Religion, however, was still a central topic in visual art.
Industrial Revolution and its Impact on Western Civilizations
Principles of Liberalism and Its Connection to Enlightenment and Conservatism
“History and Topography of Ireland” by Gerald of Wales . Looking for an incredible Irish history dissertation topic? Then this document might be an interesting prompt. Its somewhat controversial tone of describing contemporary Irish culture, history, and traditions can be subject to a comprehensive analysis.
Moral treatment of Mental Illness . Over the 19th and 20th centuries, psychology has changed. Moving from a scientific periphery, it became one of the central subjects of scholarly discussions. Mental illnesses were highly disregarded in earlier centuries. People even considered them to be manifestations of demonic possession. How did this attitude change? Why did people rethink psychology as a scholarly discipline?
A History of the Cuban Revolution

Abraham Lincoln’s Historical Influence
Role of Women During the Spanish Civil War
Conquest and Colonization of America by European Countries . Colonization of America is one of the grandest enterprises in the world’s political history. What were its driving forces?
Origins and Trajectory of the French Revolution
Major Impacts of Consumerism in contemporary world history
Coco Chanel Fashion: History of Costume . Probably not the first topic for a history dissertation that comes to mind. Chanel is truly an iconic figure in modern history, though. She revolutionized the fashion industry concerning gender as well.
Causes of the Breakup of the Former Yugoslavia
The Russian Working Class Movement . Before 1861, the agriculture and peasant-owning system were the foundation of the Russian Empire’s economy. Serfs made up a significant part of the population, accounting for over 60% in some regions. Then the serfdom abolition happened. A lot has changed in the economic and social life of the country.
Segregation During the 1960s
Historical Development of Feminism and Patriarchy
Monetary and Fiscal Policy during the Great Depression

🔔 History Dissertation Topics on Cold War

The Role of Cold War in Shaping Transatlantic Relations in the Period from 1945 to 1970
The showdown between the United States and the USSR . Cold Was was essentially the power struggle between the US and the Soviet Union. It unleashed in the aftermath of World War II. This political precedent came to an end with the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, the answer to the “Who won the Cold War?” question may be unclear.
The Cuban Missile Crisis , its causes, and effects
US Foreign Policy during the Cold War. Cold War, as a phenomenon, has many layers to it. Yet the one crucial is the contest of two ideologies: democracy and communism. How did the US shape its foreign policy and pursue its interests abroad? And how did the cultural and political setup within the country adjust to it?
To what extent did the Cold War shape the US relations with Latin America?
What was the importance of Berlin in the Cold War?
Japan’s role since the end of the Cold War
Cold War Politics, Culture, and War . Exploring the Cold War causes and effects can be quite a challenge. It is such a multifaceted phenomenon. It was a war led on many fronts. Both USSR and the US pursued their interests using a variety of methods.

For your history dissertation, analyze the Cold War from different angles.

How did Cold War propaganda influence the film industry?
What were the challenges in the post-cold war world?

🗺 History Dissertation Topics: Geographical Regions

Every country has its historical course, and so does every continent. Geography has always been an important factor when talking about history. It shapes historical trajectory in varied, unique ways.

Look at a dissertation topics history list based on geographical regions:

🦅 American History Dissertation Topics

History of Hollywood, California . Oh, Hollywood. A place where American movie history was born. What about Hollywood’s history? Although a less traditional American history dissertation topic, it is still a fascinating one. Explore the way technological advancements in filmmaking were introduced over the decades. How did they influence the film’s general style?
History: Migration into the United States . How did migration influence the economy of the time?
The Relationships between the Settlers and Native Americans
Literary works’ Views on Slavery in the United States
Causes of the Civil War in America
What is the real meaning of a cowboy?
The United States military experience through the eyes of films
Attack on Pearl Harbor: Effects of Foreign policy
Causes of Depression in the 1890s
Has President Obama’s Presidency changed the US?
The role of Founding Fathers in American Society and Religion
Post-Civil War reconstruction . Consider the way America’s economy, trade, and finance transformed in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Principal causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War
Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
The Significance of the Frontier in American History
How is a “new racial narrative” in the U.S.A created?
American Revolution and the Crisis of the Constitution of the U.S.A. Rethink the origins of the American constitution, as well as the following events. It could be an exciting thesis idea for an American history dissertation.

The US Constitution can be recognized as a crisis.

Growth and Development of San Francisco and Los Angeles after the Gold Rush
The Role of Racism in American Art
Drug Use and Abuse in America: Historical Analysis

🏰 European History Dissertation Topics

Age of Discovery in Europe. The Age of Exploration in Europe lasted from the 15th to the 17th century. Over this period, Europe actively engaged with other territories and continents. Discoverers formed new international relations and expanded geographical knowledge. This topic could also make an excellent cultural history dissertation.
Analyzing the Impact of British Colonization
Nationalism in World War II
Effects of the Industrial Revolution concerning World War I
The Rise and Fall of Napoleon and the Cause of Revolution . Napoleon is one of the most prominent figures in French history. What has shaped his career as a political leader?
History of Hitler’s Nazi Propaganda . Consider a brief history of Germany. Undoubtedly, the rule of Hitler and the Third Reich was its most devastating chapter. The “art” of propaganda flourished during the nazi regime. It penetrated the cultural, political, and social life of the country.
Evolution of the IRA
Napoleon’s Strategy and Tactics in his Invasion of Russia . For someone interested in writing a military history dissertation.
Industrial Revolution Impact on Gender Roles
Witchcraft in Europe (1450-1750) . Witch hunts took place as early as the Middle Ages in Europe. Held by the Church in most cases, witch hunts targeted those who were suspected of practicing black magic. Examine this both astonishing and problematic phenomenon.

Witch hunts are strongly tied to the gender discrimination.

French Revolution: Liberal and Radical Portions
West European Studies: Columbus’s Journey
History of Feudalism . Feudalism dominated the European way of life during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. What were its distinctive features as a system? Why did it eventually fade away?
Europe’s perception of Islam in the Early and Middle centuries
Cold War Consequences for European Countries
Mutated Medical Professionals in the Third Reich: Third Reich Doctors
Was the Holocaust the Failure or the Product of Modernity?
How did the use of print change the lives of early modern Europeans ?
Early Modern England: a Social History
Jewish Insight of Holocaust

⛰ Indian History Dissertation Topics

History of the Indian Castes. The Indian Caste system is a complex and unique example of social stratification.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Leadership . Gandhi is, for sure, among the greatest human rights advocates in the world’s history. His one of a kind leadership style is subject to many studies. While practicing a peaceful form of civil protest, he fought for equality, independence, and compassion.
Political conflicts in India in the XVII century
Impacts of the First World War on British Policies in India
Movement Against the British rule in India. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, with the support of the National Congress, the movement took place in 1920-22. It sought to fight for the freedom of Indians.
The Origin and Course of the Indian revolt of 1857
The Issues of the Partitioning of India in 1947
India Since 1900 . India is a region rich with unique traditions. Its spiritual and cultural heritage goes back to antiquity. The country’s authentic art and architecture, music, and cuisine have served as an inspiration worldwide. A considerable part of its history is, however, affected by British rule.

Colonization has created a merge of cultures in India.

Women in Hinduism and Buddhism
The British East India Company

🌍 African History Dissertation Topics

Ancient Societies in Mesopotamia and Ancient Societies in Africa: a comparison . Egypt is one of the most ancient African civilizations. Its origins go back to the third millennium B.C. Back then, the cultural exchange between Egypt and Mesopotamia was flourishing. What were the significant differences between the two civilizations? What did they have to offer to one another?
Political Violence in South Africa between 1985 and 1989
Did History of Modern South Africa begin with the Discovery of Diamonds and Gold?
Nelson Mandela: “Freedom in Africa.” Nelson Mandela is, without a doubt, one of the central figures in African history. His devotion and tireless effort in fighting against apartheid were remarkable. Thanks to him, many sub-Saharan countries enjoy the freedoms and advances of a democratic society.
The Cult of the Dead in West Africa: The Kongo People . African tribal rituals and traditions are unique and specific to their region. Cult of the Dead is prevalent in Western African culture. It can be notoriously known as the origin place of voodoo and other black magic practices. There is yet much more to this culture. Dismantling some prejudices could make an excellent African history thesis.
Christianity, Slavery, and Colonialism: the paradox
The Colonial War in Southwest Africa
African-Europe Relations between 1800 and 2000
Impacts of Slavery and Slave Trade in Africa
African Communities in America

There are organizations of African immigrants in the US.

🎨 Art History Dissertation Topics

Art comes in all shapes and forms. To grasp it better, we can explore each kind separately. Here’s a list of art history dissertation ideas:

🎶 Topics on Performing Arts

History and Development of Ballet . Ballet is an art form with a long history. Initially, a specific dance originated in Medieval Italy. It was later brought to France and Great Britain. Ballet thrived in the 20th century Russia, where Russian choreographers brought it to the highest level of mastery.
The Life and Work of William Shakespeare: His Contribution to The Contemporary Theater
Jazz Music in American Culture . Jazz is one of the most complex and exciting music genres of all time. It was born in the 20’s century black communities of New Orleans and quickly spread across America and then the world. The genre, however, will always be an integral part of African-American identity.
The Instrumental Music of Baroque: Forms and Evolution
Rock Music of the 1970s
Michael Jackson’s Life as a Musician and Choreographer
Development of the Symphony Orchestra in the 19th and 20th Century
Woodstock Music Festival . This massive music festival that first took place in 1969 was the epitome of hippie culture. It has a rich history that once again underscores the importance of performing arts in Western culture.
The History of Modern Chinese Music
The Renaissance Theater Development. The era in which both visual and performing arts were thriving. It has a lot to offer for proper dissertation research.

🖼Topics on Visual Arts

Art Period Comparison: Classicism and Middle Age
Vincent Van Gogh: Changes in the Technique
The Ambiguity of Mona Lisa Painting

Orientalism in Western Art . It’s commonly associated with romanticism and some 20th-century artworks. Orientalism is a Western term that speculates the aesthetics of the Orient. Consider this concept as a prism through which Westerners viewed the Eastern world.
Classical Art and Cubism: History and Comparison
Postmodern and Modern Art . The 20th and 21st centuries have been a breeding ground for many forms of fine art to emerge and flourish. Some art movements presented their philosophy in the form of manifestos. These texts can be nothing but a pure treasure for someone writing an art history dissertation.
Female Figures in Ancient Greek Sculpture
Andy Warhol’s Career . Pioneer of pop-art, creator of Studio 54, and a style icon.
Filippo Brunelleschi and Religious Architecture
The Photographic Approaches Towards American Culture of Robert Frank and Garry Winogrand

📋 How to Structure Your Dissertation?

An adequately structured history dissertation can immensely help students. It ensures that they present their ideas and thoughts logically. Sticking to a particular dissertation structure is an essential element of such work.

Proper organization of a history dissertation can improve the working process.

The general plan of any dissertation type is the following:

Title Page. A title page should only contain essential information about your work. It usually shows your name, type of the document (thesis, research paper, dissertation), and the title itself. A good history dissertation title is crucial! It’s the first thing a reader will see.
Acknowledgments. Do you wish to give credit to someone for supporting you during the tiresome months of your work? This is the right part to do so, be it your family, friends, or professors. It is an excellent form to express gratitude to those who proofread your drafts. Or those who brought you another cup of coffee when you needed it.
Declaration. This section is your written confirmation. You declare that all the research and writing is entirely original and was conducted by you. If someone intellectually contributed to your project, state it in the acknowledgments.
Table of Contents. Essentially, it’s a brief structure of your dissertation. List every section that you’ve included in your academic paper here.
Abstract. This is the section where you write a brief summary of your dissertation. It should describe the issue, summarize your core message and essential points. List your research methods and what you’ve done. Remember to make it short, as the abstract shouldn’t exceed 300 words or so. Finish the part with a few essential keywords so that others can find your work.
Introduction. A dissertation introduction presents the subject to the reader. You can talk about the format of your work. Explain what you plan to contribute to the field with your research.
Literature Review. The chapter reviews and analyzes pieces of scholarly work (literature) that have been made on the subject of your research. The sources should present relevant theories and support your thesis. Be sure to discuss the weaknesses and strengths of the selected area of study and highlight possible gaps in this research.
a code of conduct;
research limitations;
research philosophy;
research design;
ethical consideration;
data collection methods;
data analysis strategy.
Findings and Results. Restate everything you have found in your research. However, do not interpret the data or make any conclusions yet.
Discussion and Conclusion. In this chapter, you should personally interpret all of the data and make conclusions based on your research. It is essential to establish a logical link between the results and evidence. Finally, conclude the overall study. You can add final judgments, opinions, and comments.
References. This section contains a list of references to all the sources that you used. Write down every material, which you quoted, mentioned, or paraphrased in your work. Check your educational institution’s guidelines to see how to do so correctly.
Bibliography. Similar to the reference section, a bibliography is a list of sources you used in your dissertation. The only difference is that it should contain even the sources you don’t directly mention in your writing. Whatever helped you with the research, you state here.
Appendices. The section may include any supplementary information that explains and complement the arguments. Add pictures, diagrams, and graphs that serve as examples for your research subject.

An appendix of the history dissertation should be available to provide the reader with evidence.

Writing a dissertation is the right challenge for those with ambitions and lots of determination. It is a lot like a marathon, and it starts with choosing the right topic. We hope that you will find one for yourself on this list. Good luck! Share the article to help those who may need a piece of advice or some history dissertation topics.

🔗 References

How To Write A Dissertation: Department of Computer Science, West Lafayette, Purdue University
Ph.D. Thesis Research, Where Do I Start: Don Davis, Columbia University
Writing with Power: Elbow P., Oxford University
Writing a Thesis or Dissertation – A Guide to Resources: Gricel Dominguez
The Elements of Style: Strunk, W. Jr., White, E.B., Angell, R.
A Collection Of Dissertation Topics In American History: asqauditconference.org
Yale History Dissertations: Department of History, Yale University
Dissertation Outline: School of Education, Duquesne University
Developing a Thesis Statement: The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Writing an Abstract: The Writing Center, George Mason University
Formatting Additional Pages: University of Missouri Graduate School
Reference List vs. Bibliography: OWLL, Massey University
How to Write Your Dissertation: Goldsmiths University for The Guardian
Tips on Grammar, Punctuation and Style: Kim Cooper, for the Writing Center at Harvard University
Acknowledgments, Thesis and Dissertation: Research Guides at Sam Houston State University
Thesis Formatting, Writing up your Research: Subject Guides at University of Canterbury
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US History Research Paper Topics: Moments that Shaped a Nation

Table of contents

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

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

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

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

List of 160 American History Research Paper Topics

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

Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877

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

US History Paper Topics on the Civil War

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

American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization

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

American History Research Topics on Reconstruction

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

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

20th-Century American History Paper Topics

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

US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II

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

American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement

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

Native American History Thesis Topics

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

Which Topics to Choose for History Research?

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

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

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

Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

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

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Researching
1. Key Question

How to write a key inquiry question

Gold representation of Christ and the evangelists

At the beginning of the research process , you need to be clear about what you are trying to discover as a result of your research.

To create a focus to drive your research, you are required to create a Key Inquiry Question.

What is a 'key inquiry question'?

A Key Inquiry Question is the question that your research is aiming to answer.

A key inquiry question is a question that helps guide historical research by focusing the investigation on a particular aspect of a historical event, trend, or development.

A good key inquiry question should be specific, open-ended, and focused on a historical issue or problem.

By reducing your focus down to a single Key Inquiry Question, it will help you to avoid wasting time on needless research, but also help you tell if your research has ultimately been successful.

At the end of the research process , you will write a one-sentence answer to your Key Inquiry Question, which will become your hypothesis .

How do you create a key inquiry question?

Great inquiry questions must abide by the following rules:

1. Start with an interrogative

An interrogative is a question word. Here are some common interrogatives with which you can start a key inquiry question:

Interrogative	Explanation
How	Explain the process, steps or key events
To what extent	Quantify the importance (to a great extent? to a limited extent?)
Why	Explain the , reasons or

2. Do not make it a 'closed question'

Closed questions are ones that can be answered with a single word (e.g., yes, no, Churchill, 1943, etc.).

Most 'closed questions' start with the interrogatives 'does', 'did', 'was' or 'are'.

A great key question starts with either 'what', 'why', or 'how'.

3. Base it on a historical knowledge skill

Make your question focus on one of the historical knowledge skills in history.

Here is a list of the most common historical knowledge skills:

Historical Knowledge Skill	Explanation
	What things led to or the historical event?
	What was different as a of this event or person?
	What happened as a of the historical event or person
	How have people interpreted this event or person differently over time?
	What , or ?
	The for their actions
	Why is it important?

4. Be extremely specific

Limit your topic by mentioning specific historical information, including people, times, places or concepts.

Draw upon the information you collected in your background research when doing this.

Example key inquiry questions

Here are some examples of great inquiry questions that follow the rules outlined above.

To help you see each element, the interrogatives are coloured in blue , the historical knowledge skill is in red , and the specific historical information is in green .

What were the economic , military and political causes of Rome’s departure from Britain in AD 410 ?

What archaeological evidence exists to confirm Suetonius' descriptions of Nero’s ‘Domus Aurea’ ?

How did Stalin justify the human cost of the dekulakisation during the First Five-Year Plan ?

How did Britain , Russia and America understand Hitler’s actions during the early 1930s ?

Alternate approach: testing a hypothesis

In some essays, you will be asked to assess the accuracy of someone else's hypothesis .

This kind of task will require you to look at all of the arguments being made and test these arguments based upon what your sources tell you.

This is a great way of working out whether someone's claim about the past is trustworthy, or if they are simply manipulating the facts.

The best way is to turn the hypothesis into a Key Inquiry Question in order to begin your research.

For example, someone's hypothesis could be:

Constantine the Great founded the Catholic Church at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325.

Your Key Inquiry Question could be:

What evidence is there that Constantine the Great founded the Catholic Church at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325?

Watch a video explanation on the History Skills YouTube channel:

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Tertiary Sources
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Developing a topic or research question
Historiography
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History: Developing a topic or research question

Suggested steps for developing a topic or question.

Image courtesy of William Cronon's Learning to Do Historical Research: A Primer

Use the sources -- primary and secondary -- to guide the development of a topic or research question.
Search for primary documents. Historical research consists primarily of constructing arguments based on primary documents. You will want to spend significant time exploring which documents are available that are related to your topic. These documents may include photographs, newspaper or magazine articles, recordings, public records, and so on. As always, consult a librarian if you are unsure where to start.
Read scholarly literature (secondary sources). Reading academic literature is critical for you to identify the questions that have not yet been sufficiently studied, to locate your topic within a particular context, and to ask further questions. If you are uncertain how to find the books and articles you may need, you should ask a librarian for help.
Example: I am studying _________________because I want to know_______________in order to help my readers understand____________________.
Research is an iterative process . As you discover new information or ideas, you may need to redo your database searches to locate additional primary and secondary sources. By constantly reviewing what you have found and learning, you can continually revise, develop new ideas, and make improvements.
Talk to professors and librarians.
Ask questions at every step to help you decide where to take your research next.
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Last Updated: May 24, 2024 11:47 AM
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Research Guides

The History Research Process

Choosing a Topic & Framing a Research Question
Brainstorming Search Terms
Feasibility: Secondary Sources
Feasibility: Primary Source Overview
Example Assessment of Primary Sourcebase #1
Example Assessment of Primary Sourcebase #2
Where and How to Find Primary Sources
Tutorial on Reading Primary Sources
Searching: How-To Videos
Writing History Book Reviews
Find the Historiography of a Topic This link opens in a new window
Evaluating Sources (new window) This link opens in a new window
Reference Sources
Surveying Scholarship
Discussing Scholarship in Your Narrative
Referencing Scholarship in Footnotes
Chicago Citation Style (new window)

Research Topics Versus Research Questions

You will often begin by selecting a research topic, then defining a research question within this topic to investigate. What's the difference?

A simple topic is too broad. For example:

African Americans and the Civil War may be a broad topic that interests you, but this is not yet a question you can attempt to answer.
How did African American participation in the Union and Confederate armies change during the course of the war? is one example of a research question you might create from the previous topic.
How were African Americans participating in the Civil War in eastern Kentucky in June of 1864? is one example of a question which relates to the previous topic, but which is too narrow in scope to be reasonable.

As you explore scholarly secondary sources and historical primary sources, you may need to periodically re-evaluate your research question to ensure that it is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Robert C. Williams suggests that a research question might:

"ask how or why an event happened (causation, explanation)"
"ask what the consequences were of a particular event"
"discuss the intellectual origins of a particular idea"
"ask what the cultural context of an event was";
"ask whether or not an individual was responsible for a certain act"
"ask about the social history of a political event"
"quantify broad trends in a society at a particular time" (52)

Source: Williams, Robert C. The Historian's Toolbox: A Student's Guide to the Theory and Craft of History . Second ed. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe, 2007.

Additional Resources for Selecting Topics

The following books can suggest topic ideas.

Consulting a special encyclopedia in your area of history may also inspire you with ideas for topics and research questions.

Another approach is to start with the primary sources that are available and work backwards to a research question. Browse through sources from the "Primary Sources" tab (or similar). What questions do the documents raise for you? (Maybe regarding the people who created them, the culture in which they were created, etc.) Your research might seek to answer one of your questions.

Tips for Choosing Research Topics

Start with something that interests you. Extreme boredom will make it harder to stay motivated.
Jenny Presnell recommends choosing a topic "that exemplifies a larger phenomenon. For instance, you may be following the current debates on the changing family in twenty-first century America and want to explore what families were like in a different place and time" (8).

This list of tips owes credit to: Presnell, Jenny L. The Information-Literate Historian: A Guide to Research for History Students . New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

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Next: Brainstorming Search Terms >>
Last Updated: Jun 10, 2024 8:39 AM
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HIST H270 What is History?

Finding Books
Finding Articles
Primary Source Databases
Other Primary Sources at IU
Develop a Research Question
Primary Sources
Cite Sources
Scholarly vs Popular
Thesis Statements

Developing a Research Question

From Laurier Library.

Selecting and Narrowing a Topic

When starting out on your research, it is important to choose a research topic that is not only of interest to you, but can also be covered effectively in the space that you have available. You may not know right away what your research question is - that's okay! Start out with a broad topic, then conduct some background research to explore possibilities and narrow your topic to something more manageable.

Choose an interesting general topic. If you’re interested in your topic, others probably will be too! And your research will be a lot more fun. Once you have a general topic of interest, you can begin to explore more focused areas within that broad topic.

Gather background information. Do a few quick searches in OneSearch@IU or in other relevant sources. See what other researchers have already written to help narrow your focus.

What subtopics relate to the broader topic?
What questions do these sources raise?
What piques your interest? What might you like to say about the topic?

Consider your audience. Who would be interested in this issue? For whom are you writing?

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2008). How to write a research question. Retrieved from http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/wc-quick-guides

From Topic to Research Question

Once you have done some background research and narrowed down your topic, you can begin to turn that topic into a research question that you will attempt to answer in the course of your research. Keep in mind that your question may change as you gather more information and as you write. However, having some sense of your direction can help you evaluate sources and identify relevant information throughout your research process.

Explore questions.

Ask open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic.
Consider the “so what?” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others?

Evaluate your research question. Use the following to determine if any of the questions you generated would be appropriate and workable for your assignment.

Is your question clear? Do you have a specific aspect of your general topic that you are going to explore further?
Is your question focused? Will you be able to cover the topic adequately in the space available?
Is your question sufficiently complex? (cannot be answered with a simple yes/no response, requires research and analysis)

Hypothesize. Once you have developed your research question, consider how you will attempt to answer or address it.

If you are making an argument, what will you say?
Why does your argument matter?
What kinds of sources will you need in order to support your argument?
How might others challenge your argument?

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2008). How to write a research question. Retrieved from http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/wc-quick-guides

Sample Research Questions

A good research question is clear, focused, and has an appropriate level of complexity. Developing a strong question is a process, so you will likely refine your question as you continue to research and to develop your ideas.

Unclear : Why are social networking sites harmful?

Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as MySpace and Facebook?

Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming?

Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?

Simple vs Complex

Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?

Appropriately Complex: What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2008). How to write a research question. Retrieved from http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/wc-quick-guides

General online reference sources.

Reference sources like dictionaries and encylopedias provide general information about various subjects. They also include definitions that may help you break down your topic and understand it better. Sources includes in these entries can be springboards for more in-depth research.

A note on citation: Reference sources are generally not cited since they usually consist of common knowledge (e.g. who was the first United States President). But if you're unsure whether to cite something it's best to do so. Specific pieces of information and direct quotes should always be cited.

Reference resources from the Oxford University Press. Includes English dictionaries and thesauruses, English language reference books, bilingual dictionaries, quotations, maps and illustrations, timelines and subject reference sources.

Database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources.

Encyclopedias and specialized reference resources in: Arts, Biography, History, Information and Publishing, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation and World, Religion, Science, Social Science

The online equivalent of the printed Encyclopedia Britannica and more. A fully searchable and browsable collection of authoritative references, including Britannica's latest article database, hundreds of recent articles not found in the print Britannica. Thousands of illustrations; references to biographies, geography and yearbooks are available.

Why Use References Sources

Reference sources are a great place to begin your research. They can help you:

gain an overview of a topic
explore potential research areas
identify key issues, publications, or authors in your research area

From here, you can narrow your search topic and look at more specialized sources.

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HIS 100 - Perspectives in History

Developing a research question.

The FAQ What is a research question and how do I develop one? provides great information on the process of forming and developing your research question:

A research question is the question that is answered by your research. So when you are developing one, you want to ask yourself: What do you want to know about a topic? When doing research, you want to address your topic as a question for which there are no immediate answers.

For example:

Topic: video games and violence

Research Question: Does playing violent video games lead to juvenile violence?

Try these steps to formulate a research question:

Start by identifying your topic (e.g. texting and driving).
Focus your topic by asking your self: who? what? when? why? where? (e.g. texting and driving and accidents).
Formulate a question to ask about your topic (e.g. How many car accidents are caused by drivers who are texting?)
Narrow your question further if possible again by asking your self: who? what? when? why? where? (e.g. How many car accidents are caused in the U.S. per year by drivers who are texting?).

Further Help

To access help with citation and more, visit Academic Support via modules in Brightspace:

The Complete Guide to Using Academic Support via Brightspace This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window
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Next: Research Topic List: Inequality and Human Rights >>

You are interested in doing some research in environmental history, but how do you begin? It can be difficult to select a research topic. You may feel unsure of where to begin, or you may be frustrated by the process. Even though you have a specific topic ready, you could still feel lost when searching for data to support your argument. These feelings are quite normal at the beginning phase of doing research. Developing good research questions is an essential first step of every research project, because and provide direction for your next steps. The purpose of this page is to help you learn how to create research questions from general topics, and to give you useful tips for refining your questions during the research process.

The Importance of a Good Research Question

Your research question helps readers to know the specific subject matter you will be addressing within the broad topic of environmental history. For instance, suppose you are interested in market development and its environmental effects. If you asked, "What is the relationship between market development and environmental degradation?” your question would be too broad. This question does not clearly define the problems you are interested in, nor does it put boundaries on your research project. Instead, you could ask, “How did large-scale agriculture contribute to the Dust Bowl in the 1930s?” This is a more specific question. A well-articulated research question provides you and your readers with critical information about your project by defining the focus of your research, its scope, and your motivation.

A research question defines which data you need to collect and which methods you will use to access and analyze your documents. Again, take the Dust Bowl question in the previous paragraph as an example. By narrowing your question to the relationship between large-scale agriculture and the Dust Bowl, you also narrow the scope of data collection and analysis. You may start archival research focusing on agriculture and settlement history, or decide to conduct oral histories concerning farmers' memories of the Dust Bowl.

However, as you collect data, your question is likely to change and grow. Defining questions within your project is not a linear process. Rather, questions will define your directions of inquiry and, in turn, the results of your inquiries will refine your question. Developing research questions is an iterative process evolving with your project. We have made a figure below to illustrate the process. You will start with something you are interested in. You will then create questions about this thing, and figure out what your next steps will be to investigate those questions further. As a result, you will (hopefully) learn something new, which will lead to a whole new “item of interest.”

Before you can begin this process, however, you need to find a general research topic.

Finding a Research Topic

Picking a topic from projects you have done before could help you find ideas that you are already interested in. Collect your previous term papers or reports and list the topics you have researched for those projects. Choose one or two that seem promising and relevant to environmental history. However, you shouldn’t just recycle topics from previously written papers. Instead, you should develop a new topic from the old research.

. List your interests (as many as you can!), and then rank them to come up with one or two which are the most compelling to you. One of the best ways to generate a topic from a general interest is to look up encyclopedia articles. They usually contain an overview outlining facts on a subject with a concise list of suggested readings. If you go to the library to find encyclopedia articles, you will have a good chance of finding a topic from them.

can be a good place to find a promising research question. For example, Hurricane Katrina brought ideas about poverty and environment into the mainstream press, as well as ideas about land-use patterns and natural disasters. Any of these topics would make a good starting place for an environmental history project. You may read newspapers and magazines, use Wikipedia, or even use Google to find current events. Listen to how people debate these events. What are people saying? What are their claims, and how do they make these claims? Jot down different ideas and perspectives, ask yourself whether you agree or disagree, and try to formulate interesting questions about what you are reading.

You may find a good research topic just from your everyday life. For example, a McDonald’s drive-through facility represents America’s unique fast food restaurant landscape. Think about why this particular type of landscape (highway systems and road systems) formed. Doing so will help you to come up with a research topic investigating the relationships between highway development and American fast food culture. Remember not to take things for granted. Try to observe through fresh eyes to produce rich research insights.

For example, suppose that you are a bird watcher and volunteer at a bird conservation society. Recently, you have noticed that it has become harder and harder to spot a specific species in the wild. For this reason, you have decided to participate in an initiative to protect the bird. Your own experiences may help you to look into the relationship between land use change and habitat loss, or make you curious about the historical relation between bird watching and the American conservation movement.

Making Your Question Specific

Research is complex and almost always leads to more questions. In fact, research could be a lifelong process of asking new questions and searching for answers! However, for your paper or project you will need to narrow your question down to something manageable within your time frame.

Here is an example of how to generate specific questions from a more general research topic. Let’s suppose you have selected urban gardening as your research topic. How do you move from “urban gardening” to a specific question? One way to begin is to talk to professors. A professor might mention “war gardens” to you, gardens that sprung up during World Wars I and II in all sorts of areas, including urban areas.

While browsing the shelves for material related to gardening during World War I, you find a book on war gardens in World War I called by Charles Lathrop Pack. Inside the book, you find this picture of Boston Common, taken in 1918:

by Charles Lathrop Pack, 1919.

You’re intrigued by the notion of Boston Common as a garden. You’ve been to Boston Common recently, but there were no vegetable gardens in sight. When and why was it turned into a garden? How long did the garden last? To help you figure out the answers to these questions, you look up some old photos of Boston Common in the Library of Congress. You find this photo of Tremont Street next to the Common, taken between 1910 and 1920. You note that the buildings in this photo exactly match the buildings in the top right corner of the previous photo!

You realize that these pictures were taken at approximately the same time, from only several hundred yards apart. Yet the photographs give two very different glimpses of Boston Common: one as city garden tended by civic-minded Girls Scouts, the other as bustling metropolitan street with cars, pedestrians, and a subway stop.

With a little more digging, you find a picture of this same street (Tremont Street) in 2008, taken by Google Maps:

What a difference! The street has been widened, there are far more cars than pedestrians, a new skyscraper has sprung up in the background, and the old subway station appears to be gone. These photos illustrate a few obvious ways in which Boston Common changed over time. But what about the changes that we can’t see in these photographs? Aha! You are getting closer to a research question.

Now take some time to think about what questions these photographs raise for you. How has the landscape of Boston Common changed throughout the years? Why did these changes happen? What can these three photos tell us about people’s relationship to their environment?

Finding a specific research question can be as simple as following a trail of documents until you get closer and closer. It can be helpful to document your steps while you are looking for a research question so that you can see a path to follow. For the Boston Common example above, your path might look like this:

The Iterative Flow of Questions, Documents, and Research Process

The lesson to take from this is that . You will go through many of the same steps again and again. You will have to read documents, pursue interesting ideas, read some more, create more questions, find documents, and so on. Continue doing this until you reach a question that is small enough that you think you could answer it in the time available to you. For example, “How has Boston Common changed?” is not specific enough to answer in one semester. However, a question like, “How did the uses of the grounds in Boston Common change during World War I?” might be more manageable for a semester.

If you are having difficulty revising and narrowing your research question, we strongly recommend reading by Wayne Booth et al. Chapters 3 and 4 in particular focus on defining a researchable question and will give you good advice about thinking through your topic. When you think that you have an appropriate research question, see if you can fill in the blanks in the following sentence. If you are unsure how to fill it in, there are many examples in Booth’s book, or you can consult a professor or peer for help.

How to Explore Your Questions

This section will suggest some steps you might take while researching your questions. These may fall into the “next steps” category from the diagram above. They can be used at many places in the research process, and you will often do these steps more than once.

? Why Historical research is constantly asking why certain events happened when and where they did. You should always be asking yourself, “What is the historical context that led to this event or situation? Why did it happen at this time and place?”

Historical research consists primarily of constructing arguments based on . You will want to spend significant time exploring which documents are available that are related to your topic. These documents may include photographs, newspaper or magazine articles, recordings, public records, and so on. As always, consult a librarian if you are unsure where to start.

. Reading academic literature is critical for you to identify the questions that have not yet been sufficiently studied, to locate your topic within a particular context, and to ask further questions. If you are uncertain how to find the books and articles you may need, you should ask a librarian for help. If you wish to read about how to use a library, we recommend Thomas Mann’s .

Don't just passively take the knowledge different authors convey to you. Try to really think about the ideas you read and have a conversation or debate with them. Figuring out what is not yet known about your topic is powerful. This gap in knowledge is a good area from which to generate research questions. Pay special attention to whether certain assumptions underpinning a conclusion should be re-examined, or whether scholars have significant disagreement about a subject.

. If you have no clue how to generate a researchable question from academic literature, discuss your ideas with your professors. They can give you suggested readings and potential research directions, as well as fill you in on current debates within the field. Also, don’t forget your fellow students! Some students have started study groups to help formulate ideas for research questions. Students can review each other’s research questions to give comments and criticisms.

. It is likely that your research topic has already been studied using certain theoretical approaches. (Theories are a way of organizing knowledge and explaining certain phenomena or events in the world.) Therefore, don’t be surprised if you come across a body of literature with similar arguments and theoretical approaches. You are always free to situate your research topic in relation to other theories to help you produce research questions. See our web pages on and relative to surrounding scholarly literatures.

. Many scholarly books and journal articles pose further research questions at the end of the books or review papers. Pay attention to these questions; they represent the thoughts of an experienced researcher about what still needs to be studied. Take them as guidelines for exploring your own research questions. Of course, you may wish to just absorb them as your research question if they fit your research interests well.

. From the preliminary reading that you do, pay attention to things that may be related. For example, suppose you are interested in how disease affects landscapes. As you do preliminary research, you find that in your landscape the rising rate of AIDS is concurrent with the declining area of crop planting. This initial finding will help you to frame a research question concerning the relationship between AIDS, crop planting, labor, and landscape transformation in the research site.

General Research Advice

. You should consider carefully the meaning of every term you wish to use and For example, a term like “globalization” could have a number of different meanings, depending on the topic and specialization of the author. A more specific term might be (for example) “increasing global interdependence of the financial industry.” Be specific, and try to write in language that your mother, father, siblings, or grandmother could understand.

As you develop your research ideas, consider carefully what assumptions you may be making. You should be able to verify your claims with appropriate primary or secondary sources. If you can’t verify a claim, consider whether it might be a bias or assumption. For example, suppose your research question is:

…
because I want to know …
in order to help my reader understand .

The first assumption to note here is that the 1970’s environmental laws were “stringent.” Were they? Can you justify this “stringency” and explain why it is interesting? What was unique about the 1970’s that would make this question interesting? The second assumption to note is that your research question will explain how environmental legislation gets created and passed. What if your research topic represents an odd situation and therefore says nothing about how environmental legislation is passed? Be careful of overstating the importance of your topic and making assumptions about what your narrative can tell us. A more precise question (one more conscious of its assumptions) might look like this:

…
because I want to know …
in order to help my readers understand .

Ask for their help in figuring out your assumptions. Talking with your professors cannot be emphasized enough. Most professors are delighted when a student is interested in their subject, and will be happy to talk with you about your ideas. They will also help you pick out your assumptions and biases, and help you articulate your research question in such a way as to acknowledge your biases without relying on them.

You may have the best research idea ever, but if you need to be in northern Alaska to do it, you are going to need to find a plane ticket and some time. Good research can be done at home in far away places. If you are lucky enough to have grant money or other money to help you travel, by all means, use it! But if you are not able to travel, consider what documents are available at your home institution, town, or state. Although the Internet has made interlibrary loan much easier, if you have to borrow from outside libraries it will slow down your research.

You never know what sort of surprises and interesting ideas you will encounter along the way. Keep a record of all interesting sources, documents, ideas, and questions. If something seems likely to be even marginally helpful or interesting, write it down. It is not likely that you will encounter it again.

Try This… If your instrument is made of wood, where has the wood come from? Which wood is used, and why? How might the demand for instruments affect a landscape? Dos and Don’ts

Interesting Links and Works Consulted

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008.

Mann, Thomas. . New York: Oxford University Press US, 2005.

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Page revision date: 23-Mar-2009

Finding a Good Research Question for the History IA

History IA Good Research Question by Natasja Agermark Hansen

Written by Jay Ayliffe, history tutor at Lanterna and author of Lanterna’s History IA Guide The History Internal Assessment requires students to investigate a historical topic of their choice. This means you could write about potentially anything, as long as it’s not about an event from the last ten years. This gives you an incredible scope of topics to consider and think about, but such freedom can be quite daunting! How do you choose what topic to write about? What should be the title of your investigation? What even makes a good research question?

This blog aims to tackle the above questions by providing some helpful advice and tips on what you can do to get started on your History IA and how to formulate your own research question. It is part of a series of blogs which will cover everything there is to know about getting a 7 in your History IA!

How do I start to come up with my own research question?

When starting my History IA, I remember feeling a kind of helplessness as I tried to begin this seemingly colossal task. As it was then and is now, the History IA counts for 25% of the final assessment for SL students and 20% for HL students , so I knew how important it was to do this right and try to get as many marks as I could. However, I found it really difficult to come up with a topic. There was just too much choice!

Fortunately, my teacher gave me some helpful advice. Rather than worrying about trying to come up with the ‘perfect’ research topic straight away (hint: no such topic exists), he told me to start by looking at the IA’s criteria.

This really helped me, as after working out what the IB wanted from me, I felt much more confident about deciding what it was that I wanted to write about!

So, to work out what makes a good research question, let’s look at the criteria of the History IA together!*

*Note, we will be looking only at the highest bands of the criterion to guide our planning. Reach for the stars, people!

History IA Criteria

A – identification and evaluation of sources.

Immediately, the IB emphasises the importance of formulating an appropriate and clear research question. This means that your research question should be clearly posed as a question and phrased sensibly. Think about including the kinds of command words you see in IB exam questions, e.g. To what extent? How far? Examine…

You should also think about your sources. For your IA, you must select two sources (primary or secondary) for detailed analysis. Therefore your research question should be related to a topic on which there are plenty of sources you have access to for your investigation. This might seem obvious, but certain topics, such as life in Ancient Mesoamerica, may lack easy-to-access sources or may require specialist knowledge and/or translation. The next blog post in this series will go into more detail about choosing your sources, but a good topic and research question should make selecting interesting and varied sources a relatively easy endeavour.

B – Investigation

This section describes the important qualities that your investigation will need to get top grades. It must be a critical analysis that provides a clear evaluation of different perspectives and a well-reasoned conclusion . As a result, formulating a good question is very important for the investigation. The question needs to facilitate the exploration of multiple different arguments or different factors and have a possible answer.

For example, ‘What were the effects of the French Revolution?’ is not a very good research question because it encourages a description of events, not an evaluation. Moreover, it is far too vague. Your investigation needs to consist of a tightly constructed answer that you can articulate within 1,300 to 1,500 words. It would be much better for the question to have a narrower point of focus and include a specific factor which allows for debate, e.g. ‘To what extent did the French Revolution improve the lives of women?’

C – Reflection

This final criterion matters the least for constructing your research question. However, it’s still worth looking at. The reflection is where students are expected to think critically about the methods used by historians and the challenges they faced during their own research. A good research question will naturally require you to put yourself in the position of a historian and should make writing the eventual reflection fairly easy!

So what does this mean for me?

Hopefully, you found going through the above criteria was a useful exercise! These are the points that you will be ultimately marked on and so should guide the entire process of researching, writing and editing for the History IA. However, here is a summary of the key steps that are needed for that first stage, finding a good research question:

1. Decide on your topic!

In order to find a rich and interesting historical topic of interest, think about what interests you!

A really good way to do this is to look at a list of historical topics and pick out a couple (or more!) which stand out to you. History Today has a really good collection of articles that are organised by theme and period, which might strike your curiosity! Remember, at this point, you are just thinking about the broad topic, e.g. life under the Tudors or an event, e.g. The Bombing of Pearl Harbour War. We will then narrow this down through the next few stages.

2. Find sources you like!

After you have 2-3 topics you like, have a brief look to find what kind of sources are available. Are there any important primary sources like legislative bills, personal diaries or war reports that you could analyse? What about recent historical books and articles written by contemporary historians? Eliminate any topics where you are struggling to find useful sources.

3. Find a debate!

Whilst you are considering the sources, you should also be thinking about what kind of controversies or questions they may reference. Historians are likely to directly reference such subjects of debate in their own work as they attempt to convince you with their own arguments. Do you agree with them? What do the primary sources say about this? If you believe that there is room to explore multiple interpretations or sides to this topic, then you have a good basis for an investigation!

4. Write and Refine!

Now it’s up to you to write your investigation! Use your selected sources and the key historical debate you found to write a short essay presenting your response to a particular question. You may find that your focus shifts as you write your answer. Watch out for this and think about whether or not you can slightly adapt your question, so it better fits the content you are actually writing about.

Some good research questions examples

Evaluate the social, political and economic impact of the introduction of the potato on the British Isles

This question clearly states an investigation of a particular topic involving multiple perspectives. It identifies three key factors which are likely to form the three main talking points/paragraphs of its investigation.

To what extent did the Prague Spring represent a significant turning point in the development of the Cold War?

The question introduces a core debate whilst focusing on a particular event, the Prague Spring, which its sources are likely to describe.

Why did Hitler issue the “Halt Order” on May 24 1940?

Very specific and narrow question about a particular decision. The sources used are likely going to be directly about what the ‘Halt Order’ was.

Some Final Top Tips for Finding a Good Research Question

Okay, so this feels like this has been a very long blog for a seemingly seemingly simple task, coming up with a good research question. But, it shows how important it is to think so carefully about what the IB is asking for you. Here are some final top tips to leave you on:

I – nterest – Picking a topic for research ultimately comes down to you! What are your interests? Choose a topic that you are passionate about. But, you need to make sure that you compromise with the demands of the IA criteria.

C – ontent – Remember that there are multiple dimensions to this IA! First of all, this is a work of source analysis. Think about which sources your question encourages you to look at. If your question contains any keywords or a particular event, make sure your sources describe that particular thing! Secondly, as an investigation, ensure your question has room for debate. There is no point in investigating something that everyone agrees on!

A – dapt – While we would like to form the perfect research question straight away, sometimes we might need to change it later! This may be because we find some sources that we want to use are really about something else or that we find another argument more convincing. Make sure you consult your teachers and fellow students when thinking about making changes.

N – ow! – Even with IB History, there’s no time like the present! Begin your research now! Starting a big assignment like the History IA can be extremely difficult. But that’s why it’s even more important to start as soon as possible!

Closing Thoughts

I hope this short blog has been useful! Be sure to check out the other blogs on the history IA and our History IA guide for more information on how to smash IB history and get a 7 in your IA. Also, if you are looking for extra help, please consider checking out Lanterna’s Online Private Tutoring service . Our tutors can sit down with you 1-on-1 online and help you plan, draft and finalise your history IA and can help with any other piece of coursework or revision you might be struggling with! We also provide tips for other subjects, such as BIO IA Tips , that will help to smash not only history but Bio, too!

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Formulating a Research Question

Whether for a Proseminar paper, a doctoral dissertation or a large-scale research project, the task of formulating a research question stands at the beginning of every academic assignment. A research question must be developed in relation to the existing research and the available source material and should be modified throughout the research and writing process.

What to Consider When Formulating a Research Question

A historical research question is formulated on the basis of the existing research and an appropriate academic approach and is answered by consulting a range of relevant sources. Developing a pertinent research question along these lines is a demanding task which must be constantly practiced over the course of your degree. Finding appropriate sources represents a particular challenge; the most interesting of research questions is of little value when you can find no relevant sources to answer it. You should thus make an effort to find pertinent sources from as early a stage as possible; one option is to look for references to stimulating sources among your seminar notes or reading lists. A research question can also be developed by testing arguments or research methods from your secondary reading on source material which has seldom been examined before or which you can easily access. This will mean that you will not have to formulate a new research question from scratch.

Bear in mind the following key factors when formulating a research question:

The Existing Research and Appropriate Academic Approaches

A research question is developed on the basis of the available research literature. For example, ask yourself: “Which findings have been made and which debates have taken place in relation to my research topic? Which aspects and viewpoints have been overlooked in the process? In relation to which points, if at all, are existing arguments unconvincing?” Historical research can be understood as an ongoing debate: by deciding on a research question, historians select the debates in which they would like to participate and the kind of contributions which they would like to make to these.

Available Sources

Sources lay the foundations for every historical insight. They make the investigation of concrete questions possible, but they also set the limits of what can be researched: a topic for which no relevant sources exist cannot be pursued. On the other hand, very large or overly complex source collections can also complicate research.

A Model Research Question

The following template illustrates how a research question can be formulated on the basis of the existing research, the available sources and an appropriate academic approach:

In research on phenomenon AB, CD’s views have long been regarded as definitive. Recently, however, CD’s argument has come under increasing criticism, especially from EF, who places more emphasis on GH. By examining source material IJ and by following approach KL, I would like to investigate whether more recently devised methods can lead to a more conclusive explanation than that offered by CD. In doing so, I rely primarily on the following literature: MN

The Development of a Research Question as a Circular Process

A research question is generally developed in a circular process. An initial idea or the selection of a topic or object of research steers your investigation in a particular direction. After working your way through the introductory literature (typically in the form of encyclopaedia and handbook articles ) and assessing potential sources, you will then be in a position to formulate a preliminary research question. This will shape your subsequent research and help you to evaluate which literature is and is not relevant.

You should refine your research question as your research progresses. As such, your literature research , literature analysis , source research and source analysis will all be engaged in a constant exchange with your research question. While the latter steers your research in a particular direction, it will also be influenced by the results of your research. For example, it can often be the case that key aspects relating to your topic only become apparent after you have already formulated your research question. It can also become clear during your research that a lack of relevant sources may leave certain questions unanswerable.

This back-and-forth between formulating a research question and conducting research can continue indefinitely, since each new answer to one aspect of your research question throws up new questions of its own. It is therefore important that you draw boundaries around every piece of research which you conduct and that these are made clear to your readers, for example in your introduction. These boundaries can relate to your topic itself (which aspects can be investigated, which must be overlooked?), the time period under investigation, and/or the secondary literature to be consulted. Important to consider here is how much time you have to complete your study.

A useful technique when working on a research question can be to maintain a written list of important themes which emerge from your literature and source research. These can take the form of findings, suppositions and/or open questions recorded as a series of claims to be subjected to more stringent subsequent analysis. This intermediate step can help to ease the transition from research to writing .

Narrowing Down Your Research Question

Narrowing down your research question marks a crucial step towards writing a successful academic paper; a research question which is too broad can cause you to become lost in a sea of literature and sources. A (Pro)Seminar paper is always focused on a narrow research question. A handbook article , in contrast, primarily seeks to provide broad background knowledge (e.g. “England in the Late Middle Ages”). In practice, a research question can never actually be too narrowly defined and should, as a rule, be spatially, temporally and thematically circumscribed. This means that a research question should focus on a particular topic as it relates to a specific time period and/or geographical area, as is often indicated in a study’s (sub-)title.

- “The wave of strikes in the Basel chemical industry in the immediate post-war period.”

- “Which similarities and differences were there between communist movements in Switzerland and those in other countries at the end of the Second World War?”

“How does the conception of an 'Industrial Revolution’ change in relation to sources from rural parts of the German-speaking world?”

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

A good research question fulfils several of the following criteria:

It awakes the author’s interest.
It is relevant to the topic under investigation.
It aims to distinguish itself from or refute the results of previous research (e.g. “previous studies argue that…, in contrast this study posits that…”). Alternatively, it seeks to establish a link between topics or debates which have hitherto been seen in isolation from one another, or it attempts to fill a gap in the existing research.
It includes a claim which can be debated or discussed.
It allows a conclusion to be drawn.
It is written in the form of a question or an assertion.
It comprises a main question (and related sub-questions)
It is precisely formulated.
It is stated succinctly (in approximately 10 lines or fewer).
It connects with related topics and contexts and opens up further points of discussion.
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HI481 History Research Seminar: Topic Development

Topic Development
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Preliminary Research

After selecting a preliminary topic it's a good idea to do a preliminary search on your topic. Wikipedia is a good place to start for gathering background information.

Some of the benefits of preliminary searching are:

Clarify the topic
Support background knowledge in order to develop your research focus
Identify key terminology for further searching
Understand gaps in the literature, what have people already researched? What questions still need to be answered?

Developing a Research Topic

Developing Your Research Topic This worksheet has examples of the many ways you a approach topic development. While you may already have a topic in mind, visualizing your topic using a concept map may help you identify other gaps in your research.

Concept Maps

Use a concept map to help visualize the relationship between different patterns within your data. How many of the below questions can you answer with your general knowledge of the topic?

After preliminary searching, see if you can answer the remainder or add to your original responses. Write down other questions you have on your topic; this will help you to narrow down your ideas.

Take a look at some of the other examples of concept maps -- There is no right or wrong way to do this brainstorming activity!

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/staff/educational-development/teaching-toolkit/educational-research-methods/methods/concept-maps/

Concept mapping your topic Another example of how to structure a concept map

Developing a Good Research Question

What Makes a Good Research Question? How can you formulate a good research question based on your initial topic interest? This resource will help you consider the many pieces that go into formulating a research question.

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6 Things I Never Expected to Learn From Family History Research

Last Updated August 29, 2024

Have you ever found out things through your genealogy research that made you raise an eyebrow, or two? How about something that made you pick up the phone, call a family member, and say “guess what!?”

I’ve had those moments, and my parents, who did genealogy the old school way for 50 years, certainly had them as well. One thing that comes from those moments is the knowledge of how to use the records for a deep dive into the personal lives of our ancestors.

Here are a few examples of those “raise an eyebrow” moments my family has had during genealogy research.

1. Tombstones Don’t Always Have the Correct Dates

How many times have you recorded birth and death dates from tombstones? Lots, right? But just because those dates are carved in stone, does not mean that they are “carved in stone.” I was surprised to learn, in fact, how often the dates on tombstones are incorrect .

For example, the birth date carved on my husband’s great-grandfather’s tombstone is 1858 . When I found his actual birth and baptism record, however, I discovered that he was actually born in 1860 . Did his family ever bother to verify his birth date? Probably not – why would he lie about it? We’ll never know, but his tombstone will forever say that he was two years older than he was.

A tombstone showing Wilhelm Parsch's birth date as 1858.

My husband’s great-grandfather, Wilhelm Parsch, was actually born in 1860, but his tombstone says 1858.

When you are researching your ancestors, make sure to search for the most accurate records you can find regarding birth, marriage, and death dates. These will usually be civil vital records or original church baptism, marriage and death records. You can look up resources on FamilySearch to find specific archives.

Dates recorded on tombstones, in census records, or on immigration records were gathered by verbal report, so they may or may not be accurate and you should not rely on them as confirmed fact.

2. The Local Church Played Matchmaker

My great-great-great grandmother died when she was 40, leaving my great-great-great grandfather a widower with 10 children, one of them an infant. Less than a year later, he married a woman who was 16 years his junior.

How did they meet and get married so quickly? Through some historical research about the area, we found out that the two may have been matched up by the local pastor. Apparently, a person who needed help in finding a spouse sometimes approached the local clergyman for help, and that clergyman would consult his list of unmarried church members for a potential match.

In this case, my ancestor needed a wife to help him raise his children, and the woman he was matched with needed a husband to help support her and her illegitimate child. Works for everyone, right?

Photo of Huston Dilley and Amanda Wait Dilley from 1863.

My great-great-great grandfather, Huston Dilley, and his second wife, Amanda Wait Dilley, were matched up by the local pastor.

While marriage records don’t always reflect this circumstance, knowing some history about the local area can shed light on the customs of the day and help you to determine how, when and why events happened for your ancestors. Local historical societies are the best places to find this kind of information.

3. “Happily Ever After” Didn’t Always Happen

While many people in your family tree may have stayed married for many years, marital bliss was not had by everyone. During my research, I was taken aback when I learned that divorce isn’t a (even mildly) recent phenomenon, but that people got divorced throughout history (when they had a right to do so, of course).

I first encountered this while researching my children’s family tree. A relative sent me a packet of copies of newspaper articles mentioning family members from the 1800s. In one of them, the ancestor had placed an ad in the local paper stating that his wife had left his home and his bed.

Newspaper ad from 1882 in which a man states that his wife has left him without just cause.

This newspaper ad is very similar to the one posted by my children’s ancestor.

Since I was mildly shocked to read this in a paper from the 1880s, I inquired about it, and found out that people would place ads like this in local papers to document the start date of an abandonment case . After a spouse was gone for one year, the remaining spouse could sue for and win a divorce case.

If you have divorce cases in your family tree , search for old local newspapers from the time and see if you can find any articles or ads documenting the circumstances of the divorce. You might be surprised what you read! There are an increasing number of old newspapers digitized online, so a search through a free one like Chronicling America , or paid options such as Newspapers.com or Genealogy Bank might be worth it. The local public or LDS library may also have copies or images of old newspapers.

4. Sometimes Your Ancestors Had Unsavory Professions

Did Grandpa have a side gig that the family whispered about behind closed doors? This question is actually easier to answer than you would think, by searching old court records . Some of the oldest court records in America have been published in book form and are searchable online.

For example, for many years my family has tried to confirm the identity of my father’s earliest ancestor in America. One of the prime candidates was a ship’s captain who made money on the side by kidnapping young people in Ireland and shipping them to America for indentured service .

An early court record from Salem, Massachusetts narrates the circumstances surrounding one of these cases, citing the bill of sale between the ship’s captain and a land owner who purchased two Irish young men, taken against their will and sold for 9 years of indentured service.

An excerpt from a court case in Salem, Massachusetts regarding indentured servants brought to America by George Dill.

An excerpt from testimony regarding the legality of the indenture of two young men. George Dell, the captain of the Goodfellow, may be my ancestor.

The record appears in a book titled Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts, Volume II that was published in 1912. These old published record books are worth a search and many of them have been digitized. Since the copyrights have expired, you can access them through online libraries like the Digital Public Library of America or even Google Books .

5. Can’t Find Grandpa on the Census? Maybe He’s in Jail.

My grandmother’s father was a classic deadbeat dad. When he left the family for the third time, my great-grandmother had had enough and she sued for divorce. We knew all that, and we knew that he was really angry and refused to pay child support, but we were kind of surprised to find it all documented in the paper!

He had been arrested due to his failure to pay and was sentenced to jail time because of it. This newspaper article from 1920 gives a brief summary of the whole story, including his jail sentence and his good fortune to receive parole shortly after.

Newspaper article about the conviction and parole of Arthur Shepard.

This brief news article documents how my great-grandfather, Arthur Shepard, deserted his family and paid for it.

If you have a “sketchy” ancestor, you can check several sources to find out details about their problems. Local court records will provide the most detail, but old newspapers are also a great place to check. Find the sections that report on crime, court cases, and social activities.

Also, if your ancestor isn’t where he’s supposed to be on a census, be sure to do a search of local jails or state prisons. You will need to research where these were located during your ancestor’s lifetime.

6. Hey, You Might Be Related to Someone Famous! But What Else Will You Find?

At one point in their family history activities, my parents were diligently researching their Dutch ancestral lines in old Dutch church records from Kingston, New York. These records were transcribed and published in hardcover books. They became very excited when they found out that my mom had a connection to the Roosevelt family, being distantly related to both Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt.

A while later, after some in-depth research on my dad’s Dutch line, my parents found out something else. Yep, they were related to each other! I remember them telling us “Well, we’re both so into genealogy, we knew we would find it eventually.” Fortunately, they are so distantly related that there’s really no concern.

Marriage record from the old dutch church records of Kingston, New York.

This marriage record, from 1679, shows my ancestors that connected my parents to the Roosevelt family…and to each other.

If you have ancestors from New England or the Mid-Atlantic states, you may be fortunate to be able to use these old published records in your research. Church records, court records, and town histories often contain vital record information, as well as land purchases and sometimes stories from the area. Many of these books have been digitized and you can find them online, often for free through Digital Public Library of America, Internet Archive, or Google Books.

So, the next time you find some information about your ancestor that seems out of the norm, do a thorough investigation of the circumstances. Local church records, court records, old newspapers, and published books can help you do this. A knowledge of the area where your ancestors lived and its customs will also help. You may be surprised when you finally uncover the truth!

For more help with these resources, including how to find and access them (often at no cost), visit Family History Daily’s course center.

By Janet Meydam. Janet is a freelance writer who has over 40 years of experience in genealogy research. Her knowledge includes researching many different records from the United States, Germany and Poland.

1 thought on “6 Things I Never Expected to Learn From Family History Research”

This article was very interesting. Many times I have discovered, that dates are wrong on census & other documents. Although I hadn’t realised that Headstones might also be wrong. I also suspect that the information given on a death certificate by a son in law about the deceased mother might be wrong, but finding it hard to prove. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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300+ Research Paper Questions and Topics for History Class
History Paper Questions and Topics. Now that we have established how to write a research paper for history class (along with its necessary components), it is time to turn our attention toward potential questions and topics. The following list provides over 300+ questions to help you navigate through this particular stage of the writing process.
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There are numerous history research paper topics you can choose from. This page is dedicated to providing students studying history with a comprehensive collection of 200 history research paper topics. With a focus on diverse categories and subtopics, students can find inspiration and guidance as they embark on their research journey.
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Characteristics of Good History Research Topics. Before writing any history paper, you should come up with or select a suitable title. Choosing good history topics to research is a challenging task. As a scholar, you may falter at this stage and pick a topic that is unsuitable for your paper, which eventually affects your grade. Since we want ...
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First think about historical topics that interest you broadly. Then, gather background information by reading encyclopedias, major books on the topics, and then add focus with a research question. Qualities of good historical questions. Open-ended, asks "how" and "why" questions about your general topic; Considers causes or effects
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A good question requires research (not just reflection or opinion) and is narrow enough to allow for an answer. Here are some kinds of questions one should generally try to avoid. Common Problems in Question Posing 1. The Deceptively Simple Question A question that demands a simple answer to a complex question. Ex: When did women achieve ...
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Use the sources-- primary and secondary -- to guide the development of a topic or research question.; Conduct initial research in both primary and secondary sources to test the feasibility of your topic and let the available evidence mold your research question.. Search for primary documents. Historical research consists primarily of constructing arguments based on primary documents. You will ...
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A good research question is clear, focused, and has an appropriate level of complexity. Developing a strong question is a process, so you will likely refine your question as you continue to research and to develop your ideas. Clarity. Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?
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Writing History Formulating a Research QuestionCrafting a thoughtful research question will allow you to select, eval. ate, and interpret your sources systematically. The question you start with is not set in stone, and will almost. certainly be revisited and revised as you read.Every discipline al. ows for certain kinds of questions to be ...
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When doing research, you want to address your topic as a question for which there are no immediate answers. For example: Topic: video games and violence. Research Question: Does playing violent video games lead to juvenile violence? Try these steps to formulate a research question: Start by identifying your topic (e.g. texting and driving).
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Narrowing down your research question marks a crucial step towards writing a successful academic paper; a research question which is too broad can cause you to become lost in a sea of literature and sources. A (Pro)Seminar paper is always focused on a narrow research question. A handbook article, in contrast, primarily seeks to provide broad background knowledge (e.g. "England in the Late ...
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6 Things I Never Expected to Learn From Family History Research
For more help with these resources, including how to find and access them (often at no cost), visit Family History Daily's course center. By Janet Meydam. Janet is a freelance writer who has over 40 years of experience in genealogy research. Her knowledge includes researching many different records from the United States, Germany and Poland.

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