153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]

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

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

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

To decide on it, students should answer several questions:

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

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

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

🌎Top 10 American History Topics to Write about

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

🧊 Cool American History Topics

  • 🧐 US Regents Topics
  • ✊ Black History Topics

🎉 Fun US History Essay Topics

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

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

☝️ Good US History Topics by Period

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

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

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

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

🏗️ History Topics before 1877

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

These ideas are for essays and research papers.

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

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

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

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

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

he cotton plantation is “the Second Middle Passage.

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

🌻 American History 1878-1899

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

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

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

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

🏙️ 20th Century US History Topics

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

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

Here you go:

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

Many immigrants entered the US through Ellis Island

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

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

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

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

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

🙌 Most Interesting American History Topics

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

🧐 US History Regent Topics

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

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

✊ Black History Essay Topics

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

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

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

Obama prevented a few crises in the US.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference list

These digital tools are worth checking out:

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

🔗 References

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

IvyPanda. (2023, December 27). 153 US History Topics [2024 US History Essay Ideas]. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/

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Navigating Historical Debates: History Argumentative Essay Topics

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Dipping your toes into the vast ocean of history is an adventure. Each dive deep into its depths brings a new perspective, a fresh understanding, or a challenging contradiction. As a student of history, you don’t just learn about the past; you argue, debate, and discuss it. That’s where “history argumentative essay topics” come in, giving you the perfect platform to exhibit your persuasive skills while furthering your historical understanding.

Table of content

The Importance of Studying History

History isn’t just a record of ancient days; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with countless threads, each representing a story, an era, a civilization, or an individual. Understanding history empowers us to make sense of our present, forecast future patterns, and appreciate humanity’s collective journey. Delving into argumentative essays adds depth to this exploration, honing your critical thinking, research understanding, and writing prowess.

The Art of Writing an Argumentative History Essay

In a history argumentative essay, your task goes beyond presenting facts. It would help to form an opinion, defend it with strong evidence, and persuade your reader to view history through your lens. Such essays often explore controversial issues, diverse interpretations, or underrepresented perspectives, making them thrilling.

Remember, an effective argumentative essay balances rigor with creativity. Your arguments should be based on solid research, but your writing style should maintain the reader’s interest. Short sentences, active voice, and transitional words will help ensure your essay is clear, concise, and captivating.

History Argumentative Essay Topics: Your Guide to an Engaging Argument

Picking the right history argumentative essay topics is crucial. Your topic should spark your curiosity, offer ample sources for research, and pose a challenge that motivates you to explore, argue, and persuade. The past is brimming with potential argumentative essay topics, from historical events and famous figures to social movements and cultural trends.

Here are a collection of history argumentative essay topics spanning different eras, regions, and themes to get you started. Use them as they are, or let them inspire you to develop your own.

  • The Crusades: Religious Devotion or Political Expediency?
  • Was the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Justifiable?
  • The Impact of Colonialism: Development or Exploitation?
  • The Role of Women in World War II: Homefront or Battlefield?
  • The American Civil War: Slavery or States’ Rights?
  • The French Revolution: Fight for Liberty or Reign of Terror?
  • The Renaissance: A Cultural Rebirth or a Period of Conflict?
  • Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Malcolm X: Who Had a Greater Impact on the Civil Rights Movement?
  • The Age of Exploration: Discovery or Destruction?
  • The Industrial Revolution: Progress or Plight?
  • The Fall of the Roman Empire: Invaders or Internal Decay?
  • Was the Cold War Inevitable Post-World War II?
  • Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain?
  • The Impact of the Protestant Reformation: Unity or Division?
  • The Age of Imperialism: Prosperity or Oppression?
  • The Vietnam War: A Necessary Stand or a Futile Endeavor?
  • The American Revolution: Liberty or Economic Motives?
  • The Russian Revolution: People’s Uprising or Bolshevik Coup?
  • The Enlightenment: Philosophical Breakthrough or Social Disruption?
  • The Emancipation Proclamation: Sincere or Strategic?
  • The Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany
  • Was Alexander the Great Really Great?
  • The Partition of India: Religious Freedom or Colonial Divide-and-Rule?
  • Did the Suffragette Movement Achieve Its Goals?
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: Near-Apocalypse or Diplomatic Triumph?
  • The Influence of the Printing Press: Information Revolution or Religious Turmoil?
  • The Crusades: A Pathway to Enlightenment or a Dark Age Misstep?
  • The Atomic Age: A New Era or a Dangerous Precedent?
  • The Impact of the Ming Dynasty on China’s Global Presence
  • The American Westward Expansion: Manifest Destiny or Brutal Displacement?
  • The British Raj in India: Beneficial or Destructive?
  • The War of 1812: Forgotten War or Critical Conflict?
  • The Cultural Revolution in China: Necessary Purge or Disastrous Policy?
  • Slavery: The True Cause of the American Civil War?
  • The Role of Espionage in the Cold War
  • The Contributions of Nikola Tesla: Overlooked or Overrated?
  • The Great Depression: Natural Economic Cycle or Result of Poor Policy?
  • Was the League of Nations Doomed to Fail?
  • The Impact of Napoleon’s Reign on Europe
  • The Salem Witch Trials: Mass Hysteria or Religious Extremism?
  • The Influence of the Ottoman Empire on Modern Middle East
  • Did the Treaty of Versailles Cause World War II?
  • The Role of the Catholic Church in Medieval Europe
  • Manifest Destiny: Expansionism or Cultural Imperialism?
  • The Impact of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire
  • The Spanish Inquisition: Religious Persecution or Political Power Play?
  • The Influence of the Harlem Renaissance on African American Culture
  • The Ethics of Using Atomic Bombs in WWII
  • The Role of Britain in the Creation of Israel
  • The Egyptian Revolution of 2011: A Springboard for Democracy?
  • The Effect of the Gold Rush on California’s Development
  • The Role of Social Media in the Arab Spring
  • The Implications of the Scramble for Africa
  • The Battle of Stalingrad: Turning Point in World War II?
  • The Meiji Restoration: Western Influence or Japanese Initiative?
  • The Role of Women in the French Revolution
  • The Impact of the Black Death on European Society
  • The Effect of the Viking Raids on European History
  • The Fall of the Berlin Wall: Inevitable or Surprising?
  • The Contributions of the Ancient Greeks to Modern Society
  • The Influence of the Catholic Church on the European Age of Discovery
  • The Impact of Gunpowder on Medieval Warfare
  • The Influence of the Spanish Civil War on WWII
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Thirty Years’ War
  • The Role of the Railroad in the Expansion of the United States
  • The Significance of the Magna Carta in the Modern Legal System
  • The Impact of the Silk Road on the Exchange of Cultures
  • The Role of the Mafia in Prohibition
  • The Effect of Charlemagne’s Reign on Europe
  • The Implications of the Columbian Exchange
  • The Influence of the Persian Empire on the Modern Middle East
  • The Impact of Marco Polo’s Travels on Europe
  • The Effect of the French Revolution on European Politics
  • The Influence of the Great Schism on Christianity
  • The Impact of the Space Race on the Cold War
  • The Legacy of the Aztec Empire
  • The Effect of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on Africa
  • The Role of the Knights Templar in the Crusades
  • The Influence of Gutenberg’s Printing Press on the Reformation
  • The Impact of the Han Dynasty on China
  • The Causes and Effects of the Boxer Rebellion
  • The Significance of the Pax Romana
  • The Influence of Confucianism on East Asian Cultures
  • The Impact of the Opium Wars on China
  • The Role of the French Foreign Legion in Colonial France
  • The Effect of the Suez Crisis on the Middle East
  • The Influence of the Renaissance on Modern Art
  • The Impact of the Zulu Nation on South Africa
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Irish Potato Famine
  • The Role of the Samurai in Feudal Japan
  • The Effect of the Hundred Years’ War on England and France
  • The Influence of the Roman Republic on Modern Democracies
  • The Impact of the US Constitution on the French Revolution
  • The Role of the Huns in the Fall of the Roman Empire
  • The Causes and Effects of the Haitian Revolution
  • The Influence of the Enlightenment on the US Constitution
  • The Impact of the Homestead Act on the American West
  • The Effect of the Plague of Justinian on the Byzantine Empire
  • The Role of the Medici Family in the Italian Renaissance

Remember, the goal is not just to recount history but to form an argument and defend it persuasively. Use reliable sources like scholarly articles, credible news outlets, and respected history websites for your research ( History.com , JSTOR , Fordham University’s Internet History Sourcebooks Project , etc.).

Conclusion: Your Historical Argument Awaits

Choosing from these argumentative history essay topics is just the beginning. You can turn your chosen topic into a compelling essay with thorough research, careful planning, and passionate writing. As you debate the past, you’re not just learning history but contributing to its discussion. Let these argumentative essay topics be your first step toward a thrilling historical discourse.

📎 Related Articles

1. Hot Topic History: A Journey Through Pivotal Moments 2. Engaging 8th Grade Research Paper Topics for Budding Historians 3. Dive Deep into Western Civilization Research Paper Topics 4. Navigating Through the Labyrinth of Ancient History Topics 5. Stirring the Pot: Controversial Topics in History for Research Paper

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American History Argumentative Essay Topics

The argumentative essay is a type of composition that entails investigating a topic. You generate and collect, and assess evidence as well as establish a stand on the matter in a transparent manner. When it comes to discussing American history, you are looking at presenting an essay that helps to understand the diverse culture and how complicated history is. 

When tasked to write an essay about American history, you will need to conduct research, make arguments, and develop connections. When choosing a topic, do not limit yourself to the subjects that are popular and easy. It may be challenging to create great ideas on what to write about, attributed to the broad nature of the matter. Some factors to remember when choosing is: brainstorm on existing topics, research on the subject, come up with different thesis in advance, and find reliable sources. 

Choose a unique topic that is interesting and inspiring to you. Having an issue that you can relate to inspires you, and the same inspiration will be on your audience. Narrow down your topic to a specific and narrow point. These ensure that the subject for discussion is manageable. You can come up with your best argumentative American history essay topic ideas when you have a single focus and present your essay in a more detailed way.

The following American history theme proposal examples of argumentative American history essay topics can help you to brainstorm and settle with a topic that works for you. The list is not conclusive and should act as a guide for you.

American History Essay Topics

  • The reasons behind the creation of labor unions 
  • The necessity of the Korean War to the United States of America
  • What are the reasons behind the effectiveness of the civil rights movement in the United States of America? 
  • The reasons behind the killing of Martin Luther King
  • Why and How the American Revolution started
  • What was the reason behind the American Settlers used the Oregon Trail?
  • What were the reasons behind America entering the First World War?
  • Who were the pilgrims?
  • American revolutionary war and the results it had
  • The reasons North America went through British colonization
  • What were the differences between the southern and northern colonies?
  • The factors that led to the Vietnam war
  • What factors led to the Salem Witch trials 
  • In the constitution what purpose does the first amendment serve
  • What was the nature of the conflicts between the colonists and the native Americans?
  • What was the cold war?
  • The life of the early settlers in America 
  • What were the implications of the California gold rush? 
  • Would the United States of America enter the world war two if the Japanese had not attacked Pearl harbor?
  • What were the causes that led to the great depression?
  • Can the My Lai Massacre put in the category as a military crime
  • How significant is the contribution of women in the civil war?
  • What was the justification behind the bombing of Hiroshima?
  • What was the success of national prohibition?
  • Discovering the truth of the mystery of the colony of Roanoke
  • Colonies and the roles of women in them
  • The part that the United States of America played in the second world war
  • The mistake that was the Iraq War
  • How did slavery happen in America?
  • The mystery behind the death of John F Kennedy 
  • The discovery of the North American continent
  • Ways, the United States, benefitted from the Mexican War
  • United States: Rise to superpower
  • The influence that the puritans have on American society 
  • How the San Francisco earthquake affected the city

Ensure that you made a quality argument in your essay but also that you follow the right structure when writing the essay.

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439 History Argumentative Essay Topics to Get an A [Writing Tips Included]

Who hasn’t been puzzled when it comes to choosing historical argument topics?

It is hard to memorize all the information given in a class. Undoubtedly, all historical issues can be developed into excellent history essay topics. The question to resolve is how to discover your case.

You can find 300+ unique world history argumentative essay topics in our article, as well as some essay writing tips. If our topics are not enough for you, use our instant and completely free research title generator .

  • 🚧 History Essay Challenges
  • 📜 Top 15 Topics
  • ✊ Revolution Topics
  • 🗺️ Regional Topics
  • 🤴 Key Figures Topics
  • 🏳️‍🌈 Key Movements
  • 📿 Topics on Traditions
  • 👁️‍ Topics on Mysteries
  • 📝 Historical Topics – 2024

📢 History Persuasive Essay Topics

  • 👉 Choosing a Topic
  • ♟️ Writing Strategies

🚧 History Essay Topics Main Challenges

History shapes our present. To study the rules of our modern world and society, we need to research historical argument topics. They can show us which conflicts led to a better future and which destroyed our civilization.

History assignments for high school students contain many pitfalls. The five most critical of them are listed below.

  • Avoid thinking that any event was inevitable. First, we rarely dispose of a complete picture of a historical period. Second, some events are Force-Majeure and unpredictable. However, human choices matter. Focus on what could have been changed and which lessons we could learn from the alternative result.
  • Listing events is pointless. It can be read in any chronicle. Instead, your purpose is to analyze them. An untrivial perspective is what makes your essay a good one.
  • People often change their opinions. Historical figures also did. Try not to perceive their beliefs as a consistent and invariable set of ideas. Explore how they reached their wisdom or why they made errors.
  • Not all events are relevant to your history essay question . Make a list of the significant events and personalities that refer to your topic. Cross out all that can be omitted. Then add minor events related to those that left. It is what you should write about.
  • Avoid vague words. Great, prominent, positive, or negative are obscure words that make your writing limited and unilateral. Most personalities and events were multifaceted. Work in this direction.

List of do's and don'ts of history essay.

📜 Top 15 History Argumentative Essay Topics

History is full of mystery, riddles, and conflicting points. Writing a history paper will undoubtedly be fun if you choose an exciting history essay topic. Meet our list of the most provocative history questions.

  • How could The 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar last only 38 minutes?
  • Did Arab people invent the Arab numerals or Hindus?
  • Hitler as the man of the year in 1938, according to Time magazine.
  • The average life expectancy of peasants In the Middle Ages was about 25 years.
  • Why were Roman soldiers using baths as rehabilitation centers?
  • What was the importance of the Battle of Stalingrad?
  • The wars with the most considerable losses took place in China.
  • In 400 BC, Sparta had only 25,000 inhabitants but over 500,000 slaves.
  • Out of the last 3500 years, how many years were peaceful?
  • How important is tea time for British people?
  • In the middle of the 20th century, the whole British royal court got sick because of improperly cooked potatoes.
  • Compare the number of Soviet soldiers who died in World War II and the number of American ones.
  • Has any part of the Roman Empire existed 1000 years after the Fall of Rome?
  • Were the Egyptian pyramids actually constructed using slaves’ labor?
  • Did Leonardo Da Vinci have dyslexia?

⚔️ History Essay Topics on War

“There never was a good war or a bad peace,” — wrote Benjamin Franklin in one of his letters. Did we learn what peace is, after all? Discussion and analysis of armed conflicts that humanity has faced throughout its existence are still massive jobs researchers do. Below, you can find excellent topics on war and peace.

Detailed categorization to help you write a good essay about war!

  • How did the Second World War change family traditions? It lasted for six years, and families learned how to survive without a father. What were the psychological implications for mothers, children, and returning soldiers?
  • Food packages for long-term storage quickly developed during both World Wars . Explore which products changed the most. How did their modified form affect the cuisine and rations?
  • WWII spurred the creation of new professions . Find out which jobs appeared during this period. How were they linked to warfare? Did they change after the termination of the war?
  • Many scientific advances came to our understanding through dubious ways. The research and experiments of Nazi Germany on humans led to a breakthrough in medicine, anthropology, genetics, psychology, etc. Is it moral to use their findings for peaceful purposes?
  • Soldiers spread the Spanish Flu during WWI. It killed more people than died in military actions. Did it influence the outcome of the war? Analyze how the pandemic might have unfolded if it had happened in a time of peace.

1918 influenza pandemic killed 3% to 6% of the global population.

  • Explain how trench warfare slowed the military actions in WWI. What were the common diseases in trenches, and how did they affect the conflict? The Germans dug trenches not to lose any more ground.
  • American Women in History of World War II .
  • To which extent was Hitler not responsible for the Second World War? He was obviously the one to blame for the many atrocities of the Nazis. Still, which circumstances were out of his control and led to the war?
  • Japanese American Life During and after the World War II.
  • Compare the economic conditions in which Britain entered WWI and WWII.
  • The Treaty of Versailles in World War II History .
  • What was the military potential of Russia in WWI?
  • World War II People in “Hitler’s Army.”
  • Is it correct to say that the results of WWI caused WWII?
  • Minority Civil Rights in the US after the WWII .
  • Was Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria so influential that his death caused the outbreak of WWI?
  • What Was the Second World War Impact on the USSR?
  • The Russian population scarcely supported the Bolsheviks. What helped them to seize power during the October Revolution? The provisional government was occupied by the war. The Red Army followed the same interests, and Vladimir Lenin led the entire group.
  • Francisco Franco was the dictator of Spain from 1939 till 1975, when he died. How did the Spanish Civil War bring him to power? Why did Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy help him?
  • The monarchy in Uganda was abolished in 1967. Several years later, from 1971 to 1986, the country was torn apart by the Civil War . What were the causes of this dark period, and how did it end? Is Uganda peaceful now?
  • Describe the role of climate in the collision between the North and South in the US . Did long agricultural seasons make the South depend on fieldwork? Was the traditional use of slavery a way to get rich?
  • The polarized opinions of the left and right political forces caused the Greek Civil War. Based on the history of this conflict and the thematic in-country clashes of other countries, analyze the eternal and unending struggle between the left and right ideologies.
  • The American Civil War Outbreak and the Role of the Federal Government.
  • The English Civil War (1642 – 1651) was about ruling England, Scotland, and Ireland. What were the variants, and which one do you support?
  • Short- and Long-term Causes of the Civil War .
  • Describe the differences between the free Northern States and the slave Southern states during the American Civil War.
  • The Economics of the Civil War .
  • How did the Second Civil War in Sudan entail the creation of South Sudan through the referendum of 2011 ?
  • The Motives of Individual Soldiers Who Fought in the Civil War .
  • Why was Pugachev’s Rebellion (1773 – 1775) in Russia defeated?
  • Post-Civil War Political, Economic, Social Changes .
  • Austrian Civil War: The shortest possible conflict (12-16 February 1934).
  • Petersburg in the Civil War: History Issues .

Intercountry Wars

The image depicts the main reasons of international conflicts.

  • Analyze the possible reasons for an international conflict and how they can be regulated through warfare. List the ideas that motivated people to get into a war. This essay will illustrate the debatable history of wars.
  • Describe the relationship between the emergence of nuclear weapons and the Cold War. Why was America afraid of the Soviet Union and communism?
  • Why was the Spanish-American War one of the cheapest conflicts in history? It lasted for only several months and did not take many lives, as other military actions did. What secured its swift completion?
  • What Were the Major Diplomacy Steps of J.F. Kennedy in Cuba During the Cold War?
  • Why did Canada play a peacekeeper role at the beginning of the Cold War?
  • The Seven Years War and its Impact on the First British Empire .
  • How did the history of the Palestinians impact the Arab-Israeli conflict ?
  • Outline the reasons for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
  • The Vietnam War’s Impact on the United States .
  • Describe the collaboration between the American and Australian troops in the Vietnam War.
  • United States Role in the Korean War: History Analysis .
  • How did the Soviet Union and US intervention cause Afghanistan’s War on Terror ?

Religious Wars

  • Why did the Huguenots fail in the French Religious Wars (1562 – 1598)? They could not rely on settlements that supported them. Thus, they were less autonomous than the Catholics.
  • How did the Thirty Years’ War change the geopolitical image of Europe? Why was it transformed into a group of independent states with equal rights? The most important consequence of the war was the creation of the modern notion of national borders.
  • Describe the relationship between the Second Great Awakening and the abolishment of slavery in the US. It also entailed several philanthropic reforms and women’s emancipation. Why did the movement inspire a new vision on slavery and encourage questioning the British monarchy control?
  • Quackers: The religion of pacifism and non-violence . Did their peaceful worldview prevent their faith from popularization? Which controversy with other confessions did they face?
  • How did the English Civil War (1642 – 1651) lay the modern parliamentary monarchy’s foundation in the UK?
  • Islam and War: True Meaning of Jihad .
  • How did the Second Great Awakening participants expect to bring America to a Golden Age through religion?
  • Comparison of Jewish and Muslim Experiences .
  • Which role did religion play in the American Revolutionary War (1775 – 1783)?
  • Christian Europeans vs. Islamic Arabs: Why did the fight for Jerusalem affect the Jews who lived in Europe?
  • Judaism, Christianity, and Islam .
  • Why did the Catholics fight with Protestants during the Thirty Years’ War?
  • Religious Beliefs and Political Decisions .
  • How did the Protestant Reformation lead to the European Wars of Religion?

✊ History Essay Topics on Revolution

Pick a revolution, any famous and well-documented one, and be sure to find a bunch of yet unresolved questions. Numerous mysteries held by revolutionary events give us a lot of topics to debate. Now, here are themes to study about the world and local revolutions.

Political Revolutions

  • The European Revolutions (1848) affected almost 50 countries. Battles and executions took tens of thousands of lives. How did nationalism incentivize the political and economic struggle?
  • How did the French invasion of Spain (1807) entail the Spanish-American Wars? The Spanish side aimed for political independence from America. What was their motivation?
  • Fulgencio Batista, the Cuban President, was an elected president. He gradually seized power and became a dictator. Why did the US politically support him before Fidel Castro ousted and replaced him?
  • The Shah’s regime brought economic shortages and inflation. Some people thought he was the puppet of the non-Muslim West (i.e., the US). How did Shah’s oil policy lead to the Iranian Revolution ?
  • During the Storming of the Bastille , there were only seven political prisoners. Why did the revolutionaries attack this building and not the Versailles or some other royal building? Why was Bastille the symbol of monarchy and its abuse of power?
  • Various Propaganda Tools Shaped People’s Vision of the State and Themselves during the Cultural Revolution in China .

"When dictatorship is a fact, revolutions becomes a right" - Victor Hugo

  • The Events That Led to the American Revolution .
  • Describe and analyze the conflict between the Three Estates that led to the French Revolution .
  • Who won in the Spanish American War of Independence and why?
  • The Proclamation and the Stamp Act: Discriminatory laws that led to the American Revolution.
  • Economic Factors Contributing to the Cause of the American Revolution.
  • A political revolution does not change the property relations inside the country. Give examples of such events.
  • Cold War Role in the Iranian Revolution .
  • Haitian Revolution (1791–1804): The only successful revolt of self-liberated slaves.
  • The Effects of Social Media on Egyptian Revolution of 2011 .

Social Revolutions

  • Boston Tea Party (1773) was a protest of merchants against the British tax on tea. Why is it considered as the precursor of the American Revolution? How does it symbolize the birth of American patriotism?
  • The French nobility was not concerned with the problems of ordinary people. They dedicated themselves to leisure and intrigues. Do you agree with this statement? How does it fit with the idea that France had authoritarianism ?
  • What is the difference between a political and a socio-economic revolution? Which event takes more time and has more dramatic consequences? Give several examples of the experience in different countries.
  • The Neolithic Revolution was the first social revolution in the history of humanity. Describe the shift from nomadic life to permanent settlements. How did the transformation change people’s lives and their sources of food?
  • Could we consider the Enlightenment as a social revolution? Was this transformation a peaceful one? What were its causes, and what did people strive for?
  • Syrian Arab Spring: Why Was it Late? Conflict Evolution and Solutions.
  • How did the burning of Cinema Rex theatre trigger the Iranian Revolution?
  • The American Revolution as a Social Revolution .
  • How did hope and idealism fuel the French Revolution?
  • The Revolution of Women in Society .
  • What was achieved by the Civil War in the USA (1861-1865)?
  • Child Labor During Industrial Revolution .
  • Analyze the existing theories of what does and does not constitute a revolution.
  • Karl Marx’s Ideas on Society Alienation and Conflict Theory.
  • What were the precursors of the Age of Revolution in Europe and America?
  • The Revolution of Transportation Systems .

🗺️ World History Argumentative Essay Topics

Time to examine history from a local perspective! Below you can find multiple excellent topics on regional history. The US history, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and more. Make sure to look at all of them precisely – this will require some effort.

US History Essay Topics

  • American history before 1877: The New World before Christopher Columbus. Which sources of knowledge about the first settlements do historians draw from? Which civilizations existed there before the invasion of the Europeans?
  • Explore the role of women in Colonial America . What rights did they have? What was their standard daily routine? Why was their work sometimes more complicated than that of their male relatives?
  • How did slavery appear in British America? What were the circumstances that led to forced labor? Why was the trans-Atlantic slave trade so prosperous?
  • How did the Founding Fathers treat Indian history and tribes? Were their actions legitimate? Did these deeds favor the establishment of the New World? Can such or any other “ethnic cleansing” ever be justified?

8 Founding Fathers of the United States.

  • Were Jim Craw Laws necessary for a smooth transition from slavery to democracy? Or were they a big mistake that provided freedom to African-Americans without giving them any rights?
  • The Roles Played by Different Presidents on American Civil Rights Movement.
  • Comment on the inflow of immigrants pursuing the American Dream after the Civil war.
  • The Enslaved Blacks and Free Blacks During the American Civil War .
  • How did Prohibition in the US cause the proliferation of the Italian-American Mafia?
  • American Revolution: The “History” and “Memory”.
  • Franklin Roosevelt led the US into the Second World War as the biggest debtor but exited it as the most significant creditor.
  • In Search of the American Dream throughout the History.
  • Describe the main problems the first British settlements faced in America.
  • The Right to Vote in the USA Throughout the History .
  • What were the psychological consequences of the Great Depression on ordinary American citizens?

Latin America History Essay Topics

  • How did smallpox influence the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire ? How did the disease contribute to other advantages of the Spanish forces? Why did Cortez wish to defeat the Aztecs?
  • The Panama Canal made Panama the second-fastest growing economy in Latin America after Chile. It brings about $2 billion in yearly revenue. However, more than five thousand people died during its construction. Was it possible to avoid the deaths by postponing the construction?
  • How the history of Peru would be different if Francisco Pizarro did not initiate the homicide of the Aztecs. Would modern Peru benefit from its pre-colonial natives? Which historical monuments would have been preserved?
  • Gold or silver was never found in Uruguay. How did this fact influence the present-day prosperity and stability in the country? Why did it present almost no interest for the colonial conquest?
  • In 1848, General Santa Anna sold a big part of Mexico to the United States. Why did he do so? What would Latin America look like now had he not sold the land to feed the army?
  • Nationalism and Development in the Countries of Latin America .
  • Why did Latin America wish to declare independence from Spain (1810)?
  • Haitian Migration History, and the Role of Jamaica in This Process .
  • Explore the benefits of the Chilean victory in the War of the Pacific (1879 – 1883).
  • Brazil and the European Union: The Relations .
  • Why did America win the Mexican-American War?
  • Criminal Justice Systems of the US and Colombia .
  • Describe how the borders of modern Brazil were decided back in 1494 .
  • Which consequences of Gen Alfredo Stroessner’s dictatorship in Paraguay can you name?
  • Mexico’s Globalization and Democratization .

European History Essay Topics

  • Why did ordinary people believe in Fascist propaganda ? Analyze the psychological factors and the cultural precursors that made people susceptible to Nazism. Did the fear of being killed influence their willingness to obey the ruling party?
  • Find out the difference between the perception of gods in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Did both nations truly believe in gods? Was the Pantheon a cultural phenomenon? Why did they use the same gods with different names ?
  • Would Roman Empire have become so influential if it had never used slavery? Why was slavery an essential part of the economy of many countries? What changed then? Was the abolishment of slavery dictated only by humanism?
  • How did the relationships between lords and their vassals transform into modern government standards? Which positive and negative features were preserved throughout the ages? Compare the ancient tradition and the present-day government using historical and contemporary figures.
  • What is the difference between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment ?
  • Why Capitalism Started in Europe and Dominated the World ?
  • Analyze the evolution of peace-maintaining methods inside the country and around its borders throughout European history.
  • Building a Communist Society in East Germany .
  • What does the classical and vulgar language distinction in Ancient Rome tell us about the structure of its society?
  • Austria and France: Impacts and Causes of World War I and World War II .
  • Compare and contrast the role of Russia in WWI and the Napoleonic Wars .
  • Trace the development of European liberalism .
  • Germany at the End of the World War I .
  • List the six ancient civilizations and compare the causes that led to their fall .

Asian History Essay topics

  • What made the Mongol Empire the second-largest kingdom in human history? How did the empire use technology and production to ensure its prosperity? What helped Genghis Khan unite the nomadic tribes?
  • The Black Death is traditionally associated with Europe since it killed one-third of its population. Still, the bubonic plague started in Asia. Explore its outburst in 1330 – 1340 and its origins (presumably, in China).
  • Explore the consequences of numerous conflicts between nomads and settled people in Asia. How did this rivalry shape the history of the continent? Analyze the contribution of trading between nomads and towns.
  • A crossbow was invented in Asia. It revolutionized warfare. How did the weapon make archery a more democratic art? Which benefits did crossbow offer the army? Describe the history of the arm.

A crossbow was invented in Asia.

  • The word Aryan comes from Iran and India. It meant “a noble person.” How did it turn into the most abused words of anti-Semitism?
  • The Causes and Effects of Cultural Revolution in China (1966-1976).
  • What are the social effects of female infanticide in China, India, South Korea, and Nepal?
  • China’s New Silk Road for Trade and IGo to demoessays.commplications .
  • Compare and contrast the Indian castes and Feudal Japanese classes.
  • The Development of Tension Between South and North Korea.
  • How did the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC) open Asia to be invaded by Alexander the Great?
  • Japan’s Withdrawing From the International Whaling Commission .
  • Describe the weapons of Ancient Asian civilizations as the mirror of their culture.
  • How did some Asian countries (Japan, China, and Siam) escape European colonization ?
  • Nationalism in East Asia, Japan and China .

Russian History Essay Topics

  • Which tribes created modern Russia? Were they Slavic or Finno-Ugric? Why does this history argumentative essay topic cause debates among historians? What are the implications of either variant for the Russian national identity?
  • How did the Tsardom of Moscow transform into the Russian Empire in 1721? What did Peter I do for this reformation? How did it change Russian society’s standard of living?
  • Why did Boris Godunov come to power breaking the Rurik family dynasty? Before his ascension to the throne, he was a Tatar nobleman and served as an advisor to Tsar Fyodor I. Why did his rule start at the Time of Troubles (1598 – 1613)?
  • Is it appropriate to call Moscow the “Third Rome” ? Sophia Palaiologina, the daughter of the last emperor of Constantinople, married Ivan III. Analyze the reasons for the statement that Moscow is the successor of the Roman Empire
  • What were the causes and consequences of the existence of the four “False Dmitrys”? Explore the under-the-carpet battle that led to the killing of the dynasty’s successors. How did the four imposters entail the decay of the institution of Tsardom?
  • Long-Term Strategies to Address Threats to the US’ Interest From Russia .
  • Which personal traits helped Ivan the Terrible establish the Tsardom of Russia and make it a powerful state?
  • Why Is There a Strong Russian Influence in Syrian Crisis?
  • Debate the phenomenon of Peter the Great : Was he the result of the epoch or the random person who changed Russian history?
  • Crisis on European Borders and Russia’s Threats .
  • What were the merits and drawbacks of Catherine the Great ?
  • Communist Nations Divisions During the Cold War .
  • How did other countries react to the Russian version of communism?
  • The Cold War Between the U.S. and the Soviet Union .
  • Did the communist regime make Russia stronger, or did it throw it back in time?
  • The Collapse of the Soviet Union .

African History Essay Topics

  • Why did the imperial historiography propagate that Africa had no history? They wanted to create the image of Africa as the “dark continent.” How did the historians justify these statements and relate them to the absence of writing?
  • The Kingdom of Kush : The most powerful African kingdom. Describe the period of its existence and outline the possible reasons for its decay. Which historical monuments have been found of that era?
  • Do you support the idea that humanity originated in Africa? Why does this statement insult the Western World? Is there enough evidence that proves the idea?
  • We know about African history from the perspective of Western scholars. Even the locally educated people who study history have adopted the Western way of looking at the past. What can be done about that?
  • Before European colonization , there were about 10,000 states in Africa. Describe their ethnic similarities and shared customs that we know nowadays.
  • What do we know about prehistoric Africa, i.e., the one that existed before the Ancient Egypt civilization?
  • China in Africa: Aspects of Sino-African Relations.
  • Why is slavery often mentioned as the initial reference point in African history?
  • African Americans Fight for the Rights.
  • Which problems arose in some African societies as a result of decolonization ?
  • The History of African American Women’s Fights for Suffrage.
  • Describe how decolonized Africa tried to decolonize its history.
  • Colonialism, Ideology, Ethnicity, Religion, Social Class, and Legitimacy in Africa’s Politics .

Australian History Essay Topics

  • James Cook was not the first one to discover Australia. Who were his predecessors? Why didn’t they gain as much fame as Cook did?

Who came to Australia before Captain James Cook?

  • King O’Malley : The founder of the Australian capital. How did he favor the creation of the Commonwealth Bank? How did Prime Minister Fisher ensure trust in the bank among the population?
  • Why did the Ballarat Rebellion finish just in 30 minutes? What did the rebels struggle for? How did the event lead to the signing of the Electoral Act of 1856?
  • The first colonizers of Australia were prisoners. How does this fact impact the contemporary image of the country? What were the historical implications of such a demographical situation?
  • Why do Australians consider the battle of 25 April 1915 (during WWI) as “the birth of the nation?” Describe the reasons that made Australian Imperial Forces participate in the war and attack the Turkish coast?
  • Why were Afghan cameleers important in Australia, and what caused their disappearance?
  • Aboriginal and Chinese Australians: Cultural Diversity.
  • What were the causes of the Rum rebellion of 1808, and which role did William Bligh play in it?
  • How Have Australian Attitudes Towards ‘Asia’ Changed Since the 1890 ?
  • Describe the role of Merino sheep in the Australian economy since they were first brought there by Captain John Macarthur in 1797.
  • Is Australian Foreign Policy Now Independent?
  • Ned Kelly : A ruthless killer or a symbol of resistance to the colonial power?
  • Multiculturalism in Australian Society .
  • Describe the Brisbane Line and its role in the Japanese invasion.
  • China’s and Australia’s Management of International Disputes .

🤴 History Essay Topics on Key Figures

The significance of historical figures is something challenging to measure and compare. And there is indeed no need to do that; everyone has their place, time, and role. With these topics below, we offer you to dive into biographies of some fascinating people. Take a deep breath; we are almost there!

Central Figures of Ancient History

  • Plato vs. Aristotle : The abstract vs. the empirical. Both of them are the most influential figures in Western philosophy. Aristotle was Plato’s disciple. What made their ideas so different?
  • Why was Diogenes a controversial personality? How did he manage to criticize social conventions through his simple lifestyle? Is poverty a virtue, as Diogenes claimed?
  • Aeschylus: The father of Tragedy . What were his contributions to the image of Ancient Greek theater? Explore his influence beyond his own time.
  • Homer created the ancient Greek identity. Did he formulate the qualities already present in his compatriots ? Alternatively, did he idealize the past to make the Greeks aspire for more?
  • Cleisthenes : The father of the Athenian democracy. Explore his contribution to the governance of Athens. How different was it from the modern idea of democracy?
  • The Ancient City of Tikal: Mayan Cultural, Social, Astronomy and Political Influence .
  • Why did Mark Antony and Cleopatra trust one another so much?
  • Plutarch : Our window to the ancient times.
  • Cleopatra’s Life and Political Impact .
  • How did Alexander the Great and his conquest change the ancient world?
  • Ethical Life Issues in Works by Cicero and C.S. Lewis .
  • Why do we consider Hippocrates as the father of medicine ?
  • Aristotle and Relationships at Work .
  • Describe the difference between the historical and fictional accounts of the assassination of Julius Caesar.
  • Alaric I the Visigoth: The person responsible for the Sack of Rome in 410.
  • Jesus & Mohammed: Comparison and Contrast .
  • Why was Leonidas I encircled by a hero cult?
  • Moses in Christianity, Judaism and Islam .

Central Figures of Medieval Ages

  • Tomás de Torquemada was the first Grand Inquisitor of Spain. Why did his name become the synonym of religious fanaticism and cruelty? What made him the most notorious Inquisitor?
  • Charlemagne was the creator of modern Europe. He divided the Carolingian Empire between his sons. He also added more parts to Europe that had never been under Roman or Frankish control before. Explore his activity.
  • Avicenna (980 – 1037) was the most important polymath of the Islamic Golden Age. Analyze his contributions to modern science.
  • Constantine was the last Byzantine emperor . He was killed when protecting Constantinople from the Ottoman Turks. What makes him a legendary figure in Greek culture?
  • Thomas Aquinas was the first theologian that linked religion and science. He connected Christian principles with Aristotelian ideas. How did he influence our perception of God and faith?
  • Did Marco Polo travel to China, or was he a big liar?
  • Joan of Arc as a Military Heroine .
  • Why was Sir William Marshal called “the greatest knight” in human history?
  • St. Thomas Aquinas’ Cosmological Argument Analysis .
  • Describe the leadership qualities of Richard the Lionheart in his battle for Jerusalem with sultan Saladin.
  • Was Genghis Khan a great ruler? Analyze his leadership style.
  • British Culture – Tudors, Henry VIII and Anglican Church .
  • William the Conqueror and his Domesday Book : The most critical statistical document in European history.
  • Why was Peter the Hermit the critical figure in the First Crusade ?
  • Elizabeth I’s Leadership. English History .
  • What was the role of Joan of Arc in the Hundred Years’ War?
  • Pope Innocent III: The person who invented the Crusades.

Central Figures of Modern Period

  • How did Otto von Bismarck change the European map and reinforce Germany? He was the first chancellor of Germany for 20 years. This fact made him the mastermind of European affairs for two decades.
  • Alexander II and Nicolas II: The grandfather and the grandson. Fifty years separated prosperity from decay. The first abolished slavery, and the latter caused the collapse of the Russian Empire.
  • Stalin: From a collective leadership to dictatorship . He was the man that defined the epoch. Why was he the longest ruler of the USSR? How did his activity shape the international image of the Soviet Union?
  • Mahatma Gandhi liberated India from Britain . Yet, he invariably insisted on non-violent methods. Could the liberation have happened in more favorable conditions for India if he had used more aggressive measures?

Gandhi wrote a letter to Hitler, addressing him as "Dear Friend," and beseeched him to stop the war. Hitler never wrote back.

  • Churchill: The ideologist of the anti-Hitler coalition and the creator of the Entente. Why do we consider him the inspirer of the British movement against Nazi Germany? What were the main postulates of his ideology?
  • The Civil Rights Movement by Martin Luther King .
  • From the modern point of view, did Lenin fulfill his intentions by introducing communism?
  • Einstein and his Contribution to Science .
  • If we abstract from the issues of morality, was Hitler a positive figure for his country?
  • Hitler’s Interests: Nazi Germany and the Jews .
  • What was the role of Margaret Thatcher’s activity in the process of entailing deep divisions in British society?
  • Leadership Management: The Case of Mahatma Gandhi .
  • Analyze the life story of Sigmund Freud that brought him to become the father of psychoanalysis.
  • How did Anne Boleyn help to create the Church of England?
  • US Foreign Policies from Eisenhower to Kennedy .
  • How did Jane Austen’s stories about unremarkable situations turn into social satire?
  • George Washington: Life, Presidency, Challenges as a Commander .
  • How did El Greco transform icon painting by using ordinary people as models?

Central Figures of Contemporary History

  • Mao Zedong drew inspiration from the Soviet Communistic ideology. How did his principles differ from the USSR scenario? Analyze the policy of Mao Zedong from the modern Chinese point of view.
  • Albert Einstein changed our perception of reality through his theory of relativity . It explained how objects behave in space and time. The approach gave us a chance to predict the future.
  • Analyze the personality of Usama bin Ladin as the founder of Al-Qaeda and the most famous terroristic leader. Explore his ideology and motivation for killing civil citizens. Can we change this ideology through education?
  • Stanley N. Cohen was the first person who managed to cut DNA into pieces. But Paul Berg is considered the father of genetic engineering. Which personality did more for genetics?
  • Harry Truman was a Vice President only for several weeks. Truman, the 33rd US President, ordered the dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Why did he do so?
  • Queen Elizabeth’s II contributions to the UK we know now.
  • Truman Doctrine in the United States History .
  • Anne Frank: The girl whose diary united millions of human tragedies.
  • Barack Obama’s Political Doctrine and Its Elements .
  • Describe the role of Douglas MacArthur in Japan’s restoration after WWII .
  • Maria Curie : The woman who taught us to use X-rays.
  • Merkel’s Germany and Trump’s Us Stances on Migration Policies .

Both Pierre and Marie Curie had no idea of the dangers of radioactivity.

  • How did Grace Kelly contribute to the image of Monaco as a touristic paradise?
  • Why did Gorbachev win the Nobel Peace Prize?

🏳️‍🌈 Argumentative History Topics on Significant Movements

Each epoch has had some movements that perform the leading ideas and soul of the corresponding time. Political, social, religious, and other movements have left multiple traces in different spheres of life. The necessity to explore these traces is pretty obvious, right? Let’s do it together.

Political Movements

  • Why does extreme libertarianism reject the authority of the state?
  • Anarchy and Sovereignty in International Relations .
  • Is it correct to regard feminism as a political movement ?
  • Analyze the incorrect interpretation of Nietzsche’s philosophy by the German Nazi.
  • “Manifesto of the Communist Party” by Karl Marx .
  • How do eugenic policies entail the loss of genetic diversity?
  • Discussion of Capitalism and Socialism .
  • Why are there two major parties in US politics?
  • Explore the development of the Women’s Suffrage movement in your local area.
  • Why does any political movement require access to state power to be successful?
  • Islamism: Political Movement & Range of Ideologies .
  • Does lobbying influence the development of various political movements in power?
  • Democratic Regime and Liberation Movements .
  • Describe communism as a secular religion.
  • Is anti-capitalism a viable ideology?

Social Movements

  • What are the achievements of the animal rights movement?
  • White Society’s Reaction to Civil Rights Movement .
  • Which women’s rights movements do you know, and what are their goals?
  • Civil Rights and #BlackLivesMatter Social Movements .
  • Do you believe that some psychological problems make people participate in social movements?

Picture showing examples of different social movements.

  • What did the Black Power Movement (1960 – 1980s) achieve?
  • Women’s Rights Movement Impact on Education.
  • What are the psychological effects of volunteering in hospices?
  • The Strategy of the National Popular Vote Movement .
  • Analyze the success of the Black Lives Matter movement.
  • Greta Thunberg : The inspirer of the international movement against climate change.
  • Free Movement of Workers in the EU Single Market .
  • Why does the majority of the population negatively look at all sorts of social movements?
  • #MeToo movement and its results: The cancellation culture.

Art Movements

  • How did the return of the African culture to the natives after WWII give birth to a new art movement?
  • Why are modern art movements so numerous, and what does this fact characterize?
  • Futurism. Artistic and Social Movement.
  • Which art movement do you consider the most recognizable?
  • Do you think Cubism is an art or a protest against artistic tradition?
  • An artistic movement: Copying geniuses or drawing inspiration from them?
  • Andy Warhol’s Paintings .
  • How did the Hudson River School of Art shape American painting?
  • Why did art in late Medieval Europe face decay?
  • Art Movements in History: Baroque .
  • What is the difference between the Baroque and Rococo styles?
  • Which artistic movement initiated the use of perspective in painting, and why did it happen?

Religious and Spiritual Movements

  • Explore the influence of fundamentalism on evangelicalism in America.
  • Look for similar features between new religious movements and radical Islamic groups .
  • Describe the distinctive traits of new religious movements that differentiate them from older religions.
  • Which methods does the Religious Right movement use against the LGBT community?
  • Do religious movements favor or impede globalization ?
  • Which psychological reasons drive young people to Satanism?
  • Why do people create new cults , and are they detrimental to society?
  • Explore the difference between a spiritual and religious movement.
  • Relation Between God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit .
  • Is it correct to consider atheism as a religious movement?
  • Modern spiritual movements: business or altruism?

📿 Interesting History Essay Topics on Traditions

No matter the military history of a state or region, cultural heritage and traditions are something every society has. Now, the most exciting part is to explore these traditions and rituals. It can be a long journey!

  • Trace the difference between Vlad the Impaler as a historical and mythical figure.

Prince Charles of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, is the descendant of Vlad Dracula in the sixteenth generation.

  • Which events and traditions shaped the way we imagine a witch?
  • False and Folk Etymologies of Words .
  • Analyze Baba Yaga as the symbol of mother nature in Russian folklore.
  • How does German folklore reflect in the tales of the Brothers Grimm ?
  • The Thousand & One Nights: Folk Collection Overview .
  • Is there any scientific explanation for weather prediction by natural signs is present in many cultures’ folklore?
  • Witch-Hunt in Europe During the Middle Ages .
  • Half-human creatures of ancient times: Who were they, and which archetype did they represent?
  • Explore the folklore origins of the Swastika , which became the Nazi symbol.
  • The mythology of Achilles’ heel: What does it symbolize?
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh – A Classic Tale .
  • Describe the meaning of fireflies in Japanese culture.
  • “The Tale of Kieu” by Nguyen Du .
  • What is the link between zombies and voodoo?
  • Discover the origins of putting a pickle ornament on Christmas trees in Germany.
  • Why Saturnalia, Mithras, and Hanukkah were the precursors of modern-day Christmas?
  • What is the link between the Festival of Lanterns and Chinese New Year?
  • What are the origins of Imbolc in Celtic tradition?
  • Chinese Spring Festival .
  • Which African-American harvest celebrations were unified under the name of Kwanzaa?
  • What does Jewish Hannukah commemorate, and why does it last eight days?
  • Why does the US celebrate Veterans Day at the 11th hour on the 11th day and 11th month?
  • Why did the US presidents start racing Easter Eggs?
  • What is the relation between Daylight Savings time and WWI?
  • Analyze the geography and calendar of Christmas in different parts of the world.
  • Why are most rituals practiced in modern world religions?
  • Buddhism: History, Origins, and Rituals .
  • Describe human sacrifice rituals in Ancient Rome .
  • Why do civilized countries use rituals in politics, for example, during the presidential inauguration?
  • Crusades from a Christian Viewpoint .
  • Compare male and female initiation rituals in African countries.
  • How do funeral rituals help humans overcome the pain of loss?
  • Marriage rituals in Japan: History that is preserved to nowadays.
  • Explore pagan rituals that remained in the Christian culture.
  • Is Baptism a ritual of initiation?
  • What do the burial rituals of native Americans tell us about their culture?

👁️‍ Essay Topics on Historical Mysteries

Have you ever thought about how many things around us are still covered with layers of questions? Humanity has still not resolved some events, places, and people that took place throughout history. Let’s have a look at some breathtaking historical mysteries.

  • Think of the reasons for the Great Leap Forward . Why did people start painting caves and making jewelry?
  • During the Middle Ages, English speakers changed the way they pronounced vowels. What are the theories of the Great Vowel Shift ?
  • The Green Children of Woolpit: A scary folk tale or a historical event?
  • The Inca civilization: Highway and postal system, skull surgeries, and other signs of culture.
  • The Sea Peoples caused the Bronze Age Collapse. Who were they? Where did they come from?
  • What are the available explanations of the Phoenix Lights?
  • The Salem Witch Trials and Their Impact on Massachusetts .
  • Analyze the theories explaining the Baghdad batteries and select the most true-to-life version.
  • What do we know about the “ Nazi Bell. ” Why is there so little information about the secret weapon?
  • What do we know about the Philadelphia Experiment ? Discuss the major theories and opinions on that case.
  • The Tunguska event: Military experiments or a meteoroid impact?
  • The mystery of Yonaguni Island and its underwater structures: Who were their creators?
  • The Bermuda Triangle: Human error camouflaged as a mystery.
  • Was the uncanny nature of The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park created by Stephen King?
  • Delano Roosevelt’s bomb shelter : Why did the President order to construct the chamber in 1941?
  • What is known about the secret passageways and hiding rooms of the British Queen?
  • The chief designer of the “hall of records” in Mount Rushmore died before completing his work. Was it a conspiracy?
  • Why do the scientists believe that the secret of Stonehenge will be revealed in some decades?
  • Find out the facts that point to the existence of Atlantis.
  • The Lock Ness Lake and the monster: A non-extinct dinosaur?
  • Money Pit on the Oak Island : A geologic formation or a place to hide treasures?
  • What traits make Jack the Ripper so attractive to historians and fiction writers?
  • Italian Americans Portrayed as Mafia Members in Films .
  • Keth Arnold saw some “flying saucers” that traveled faster than jet airplanes. Was it a UFO or a flock of birds?
  • David Blair: The person who was guilty in the Titanic catastrophe.
  • Was Joan of Arc executed for heresy or for dressing in male clothes?
  • The mystery of Amelia Earhart: Dead or alive?
  • Was Grigori Rasputin really capable of predicting the future?
  • Did the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia die when the rest of the Romanov family was killed?
  • Explore the mystery of the Babushka Lady , who recorded the assassination of John F. Kennedy. What is known about her and the purposes of her filming?
  • The Man in the Iron Mask and his sentence in the Bastille: Who could he be?
  • Perseus in the Manhattan Project: How did he manage to hide from the US for so long?

📝 Historical Topics to Write About – 2024

  • Geopolitical consequences of the USSR collapse for the world.
  • The influence of Confucianism on modern society in China.
  • How did the formation of NATO impact the Cold War?
  • The significance of Napoleon Bonaparte in European history.
  • The development of democracy in ancient Athens.
  • Reagan’s tax reform and its impact on the modern economy.
  • What were the key consequences of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings?
  • The September 11th events and their impact on global security.
  • The Manhattan Project and the development of nuclear weapons.
  • The influence of slavery on African American families.
  • Mahatma Gandhi and his influence on the ideology of modern India.
  • What was the role of the first moon landing in astronomy?
  • The ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its value.
  • The true history of the Confederate flag.
  • How much regulation is necessary for capitalism to function?
  • The main causes of the Vietnam War.
  • Historical events should be reexamined through a contemporary ethical lens.
  • The debate over the role of the United States in the Middle East.
  • The controversy behind the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Operation “Barbarossa”: aggression or attack prevention?
  • The reasons for Martin Luther King’s assassination.
  • The efficiency of the United Nations.
  • Christopher Columbus: heroic explorer or the harbinger of genocide?
  • The disputes about the origins of Shakespeare.
  • Was Donald Trump an effective president?
  • The benefits of communism in Eastern Europe.
  • Is the world doing enough to prevent the destruction of historical sites?
  • The real motive behind the Watergate scandal.
  • South Korean provocations of the Korean War.
  • Should the United States have entered World War I?
  • Princess Diana’s death as the subject of a conspiracy theory.
  • The effect of the Cuban Missile Crisis on the Cold War.
  • Is the international community doing enough to commemorate the Holocaust?
  • The debate over the use of internment camps during WWII.
  • The factors contributing to the Nazi Party’s rise in Germany
  • Did the attack on Pearl Harbor push the USA into WWII?
  • The leading causes of the Roman Empire’s fall.
  • Mysteries of the disappearance of the Mayan civilization.
  • Disputes about the role of women in medieval society.
  • The corruption of the Catholic Church: myth or truth?
  • Capitalism is the best economic system.
  • The injustices experienced by Muslims after 9/11.
  • What would have happened without Hitler?

👉 History Essay Topics: How to Choose

Selecting the proper essay topic can sometimes be rather tricky. Especially after reading all these fascinating questions above😏

Jokes aside, perfect topic choice is crucial if you want to write a good essay or a research paper and get a high grade. Here are some useful tips that will help you make the right choice and write a great history essay.

♟️ Strategies for Historical Argument Topics

When it comes right to writing a historical essay, you should consider several scenarios of how to build your text. Depending on your topic and the point of view, you might need different strategies.

Now, let’s see the differences between descriptive and research argumentative essays on historical topics.

  • Historians debate my topic. I agree with some of them, and I’m going to prove that. I will use their arguments to show their correctness.
  • Historians disagree on my topic. I think they shall start their debate all over again, as they have reached a dead end.
  • Historians relatively agree on my topic. I have developed a better interpretation of the events in question.
  • Historians disregarded my topic. I will explain its topicality and list what should be researched.
  • Several historians have examined my topic, but their findings are inconsistent. I will present more constructive evidence to clarify things.
  • Many historians have studied my topic. However, I will take a fresh look at the subject matter from the perspective of new research or methodologies.

And we are done here.

Now, have a break if you’ve read all 396 topics. Though, wait, did you find something fitting you? In that case, you are free for a break 👼

In case if you are still not sure what to write about, we recommend you to read these topic compilations:

  • The Best Argumentative Essay Topics for 2024
  • Hot Problem-Solution Essay Topics
  • 250+ Interesting Topics to Research
  • Cause & Effect Essay Topics for Students
  • Top 138 Awesome Sociology Essay Topics & Questions for 2024

We are pretty sure there’s no hopeless situation. It’s just a matter of time and effort. And everyone needs a different amount of each. So, keep calm, and let’s rock this history essay!

Good luck, friends 🍀

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

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250+ American History Topics for Academic Writing

Table of Contents

Would you have to submit a history research paper? If yes, then you can consider American history topics for writing your academic paper. Basically, American history is one of the most valuable histories in the world that has a wide scope of discussion, plenty of controversies, and amazing facts. So, without any hesitation, choose any US history event and prepare a detailed academic paper for your historical studies assignment by sharing your viewpoints on that specific event.

In case, you have no idea about what US history topic to choose for your academic writing, check this blog post. Here, we have presented some captivating American history topic ideas and also have shared some key tips on how to select a good American history topic for writing your research paper or thesis.

American History Academic Paper Topic Selection

Basically, to write a top-notch American history research paper or essay, a perfect topic is necessary. However, selecting interesting US history research topics is not an easy task to complete. As said earlier, American history is wide and packed with an abundance of information and events. Therefore, it is really challenging to identify a single topic out of them all.

If you need to pick a great American history topic for preparing your academic paper, then first, note down your answers to the following questions.

  • What time period excites you the most?
  • What historical event appeals to you in that time period?
  • What historical figure impresses you?

By finding the answers to the above-mentioned questions, you can narrow down your search and get a clear idea of what to choose.

Also, remember the following tips when choosing a topic for an American History paper:

  • Pick a topic that piques your interest.
  • Select a particular verifiable occasion or issue from your favorite time period in US History.
  • Choose an idea that attracts your readers.
  • Take a look at a historical subject that allows you to conduct in-depth research.
  • Give importance to the US history topic that contains plenty of information for discussion.
  • Pick an idea that contains numerous solid references and legitimate proof.

American History Topics

Besides all these tips, before you finalize your topic, check whether your selected topic satisfies your instructor’s academic paper writing guidelines. Remember, you can score an A+ grade, only if you select the right history topic for academic writing. Hence, during the academic paper writing process, stay alert and give high significance to the research paper topic selection step.

List of American History Topics and Ideas

Are you confused about what topic to choose for your history research paper? Cool! To make your topic selection process easier, here, we have organized the American history topics according to various time periods. Navigate the entire list structured below and pick any US history topic that is comfortable for you to write about.

American History Topics

American History Topics Before 1865

  • The history of African American culture.
  • Discuss the legacy of joint-stock companies.
  • How did the American Revolution influence society?
  • Explore the origin of Thanksgiving.
  • How did Americans justify their belief in Manifest Destiny?
  • How did Texas become a sovereign republic?
  • Discuss the consequences of the Royal Proclamation of 1783.
  • Describe the changes the American Revolution brought to the states.
  • What events led to the War of 1812?
  • What problems arose with the Missouri Compromise?
  • The Declaration of Independence and its Legacy.
  • Why was the right to bear arms included in the Bill of Rights?
  • What are the consequences of the Mexican-American war?
  • How did Washington, DC become the national capital?
  • How did the French Revolution affect America?

Also read: Amazing World History Topics to Consider For Academic Writing

Unique American History Topics

  • Discuss the emergence of the “Old American West.”
  • Why did the settlers import slaves?
  • Trace the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Investigate the origins of the two-party system.
  • How did the mass immigration of Germans and Irish people affect the US?
  • How did the relations between the settlers and Native Americans develop over time?
  • What was the Compromise of 1850?
  • Abigail Adams and the fight for women’s rights in the new republic.
  • How did the South and the North respectively argue for and against slavery?
  • The revival of religion in the US after achieving independence.
  • Critical analysis of the connection existed between the ideas of the Enlightenment and the protest movement in the Colonies against British imperial policy
  • What rights, claimed by the Declaration of Independence to be the inalienable rights of all men, were denied to those held in slavery, and how was that justified?
  • How did scandals such as Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings, Alexander Hamilton and Maria Reynolds, Andrew Jackson, and Peggy Eaton impact the political environment of America?
  • Discuss the reasons that made the Federalists so successful in directing the formation of the U.S. government
  • Why were the members of government during the Antebellum period known as the “bungling generation” as related to the problem of slavery?

History Essay Topics on the Civil War

  • Compare and contrast the early English colonies of Jamestown, Massachusetts Bay, and Plymouth
  • Discuss the cooperation between early colonists and Native Americans between 1830 and 1865
  • Analyze the effects of European colonization of the North American continent
  • Describe the major accomplishments of Native Americans in America before 1865
  • Describe the reasons behind the Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln
  • Analysis and interpretation of the Constitution of the United States developed in 1789
  • How trade played an important role in foreign policy decisions from 1789 to 1815
  • Describe Manifest Destiny
  • Discuss the economic results of the War of 1812
  • What are the political reasons for the Civil War?
  • Which of the innovations of Eli Whitney had a greater impact on American history, the cotton gin or interchangeable parts?
  • Describe the way the Federalist Papers, the Anti-federalists, and the compromise on the Bill of Rights impacted the ratification of the Constitution of the United States
  • Has there been a guiding architectural philosophy in the government buildings and monuments in Washington, D.C.? If so, what has it been?
  • Compare and contrast the personal qualities of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington which made them the two most valuable and powerful presidents of the United States
  • Describe the extent to the “early part of the 19th century marked by strong pressures to force Native Americans from their lands”

Civil War Research Topics

  • Was the Civil War unavoidable?
  • Foreign US policy during the 1860s.
  • Compare the economic situation of the South and North on the eve of the Civil War.
  • Discuss the general public’s position on the Civil War.
  • The impact of industrialization on the battlefield.
  • Analyze the contribution of Clara Barton in the War.
  • How did the Civil War affect the immigrants who entered the United States?
  • Describe the consequences of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
  • How did the Civil War impact the American social sphere?
  • Discuss European reactions to the American Civil War.
  • Investigate the events that led to the Union victory in 1864-65.
  • Discuss the societal effects of war photography.
  • Art and theater in 1860s America.
  • How did the Border States perceive the battles of the Civil War?
  • The importance of the US Navy in leading the Union to victory.

US History Topics on Industrialization

  • Newspaper coverage of the Civil War in the South versus the North.
  • Did the American Civil War impact the rest of the globe?
  • How did the war affect life in the South vs. the North?
  • How did the Native American religion influence the environment?
  • What is the probable cause for the Salem Witch Trials?
  • Why did Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation?
  • What were the key issues that caused conflict between North and South?
  • What were the causes of the New York draft Riots during the Civil War?
  • Describe the role played by women and African Americans in the Civil War
  • Evaluation of the Gettysburg Address and Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
  • Compare the phases of Reconstruction.
  • How did industrialization affect African Americans?
  • Explore the invention of electricity.
  • How did urbanization affect American life?
  • What was the primary goal of Reconstruction?

US History Topics on Reconstruction

  • Discuss the working of an assembly line.
  • The combined rise of populism and imperialism in the 1800s.
  • What was the Panic of 1873?
  • Discuss what consequences the Compromise of 1877 had.
  • The Effects of the Print Revolution on American Society.
  • Shifting gender roles in times of urbanization.
  • Discuss the change in the American landscape during industrialization.
  • The role of transportation during industrialization.
  • What caused the formation of Radical Republicans?
  • Discuss the significance of regional differences during industrialization.
  • The Role of Oil in Industrializing America.
  • The impact of sensationalism on the American public.
  • Examine the significance of the Slaughterhouse Cases.
  • The impact of labor unions on the American work environment.
  • Discuss the end of the Reconstruction Era.

20th-Century American History Topics

  • Discuss significant natural disasters in the course of US history
  • The Origins of a Nation 1300-1776
  • What were the reasons for the Eighteenth Amendment—Prohibition?
  • Despite the challenges, how did the Jamestown colony survive?
  • What were the goals of Reconstruction, how were they implemented, and why was it given up in 1877?
  • What caused the Great Depression?
  • How did the eugenics movement affect American society?
  • Consequences of the Spanish-American War.
  • The impact of the Cold War on the American economy.
  • The transformation of the American school system in the 1920s.
  • Analyze the role of John Dewey in advancing education.
  • Discuss the significance of the Berlin Airlift.
  • Compare McCarthyism and the Salem Witch Trials.
  • Discuss the main concepts of pop art.
  • The Origins of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Also read: Interesting History Research Topics You Might Consider

 Captivating American History Research Topics

  • How did MTV revolutionize the music industry?
  • How did President Woodrow Wilson reform businesses?
  • Explore the funding of the UN.
  • Analyze the political consequences of the Watergate scandal.
  • How did the sexual revolution redefine American social life?
  • The development of Hippie culture in the 1960s.
  • What caused the US to slide into inflation in the 1970s?
  • Discuss American environmental reform policies from 1960 to 1980.
  • Explore the rise of American feminism in the late 20th century.
  • The aftermath of the Vietnam War.
  • American society and the impact of the American Civil War.
  • Analyze the aftershock of the Cold War.
  • American and Russian outcomes- Analyze the conquering of space.
  • The Declaration of Independence- United States.
  • How did the early Americans justify slavery?

Essay Topics about America in World War I and II

  • The impact of WWI on domestic American politics.
  • How did WWII affect the American economy?
  • How did American civilians contribute to World War?
  • Analyze the American army recruitment in WWII.
  • The Manhattan Project: Trace the making of the atomic bomb.
  • The role of women in the US military.
  • Discuss Joseph Heller’s depiction of World War II in the novel Catch-22.
  • The role of submarines in WWI.
  • How did the world war affect employment in the US?
  • Discuss the significance of D-Day.
  • The effects of National Socialism in America.
  • Why did the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor?
  • What happened to prisoner-of-war camps in the US after the fighting was over?
  • Was the dropping of the atomic bomb necessary?
  • Canadian-American relations during WWII.

History Topics about the Civil Rights Movement

  • What did the Civil Rights Act of 1957 change?
  • Consequences of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
  • Compare the effects of various marches for freedom.
  • Compare and contrast Gandhi’s methods and those of Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Examine the creation of the Kerner Commission.
  • What rights did black Americans gain through the Civil Rights Movement?
  • The importance of the church for the Civil Rights Movement.
  • How did the press support or hinder the Civil Rights Movement?
  • The role of students in advancing civil rights for African Americans.
  • Describe the goals and achievements of Operation Breadbasket.
  • Discuss the success of the Baton Rouge bus boycott.
  • How did John F. Kennedy’s death impact the Civil Rights Movement?
  • What made Martin Luther King Jr. a great leader of the movement?
  • Compare the modern Black Lives Matter movement with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
  • Is studying the Civil Rights Movement still relevant today?

US History Research Topics

  • During World War I, manliness, femininity, and body ideas/representation were all prevalent.
  • What is the relationship between World War 1 and World War 2?
  • World War 1 and Political World Domination
  • The outbreak of World War 1
  • World War 1: Nationalism and US Impact
  • The legacy of the Centralia massacre in 1919.
  • What did the US gain from the Iraq War?
  • Trace the history of LGBT rights.
  • Was the government’s response to 9/11 justified?
  • The history of prostitution laws in the US.
  • The Role of Faith in American History Before and After 1877.
  • HIV/AIDS in America in the 1990s.
  • Has technological innovation always been beneficial for the American public?
  • Psychiatric methods in early 1900s America.
  • Did American feminism become too radical by the late 19th century?

Black History Topics

  • Black Lives Matter Trap
  • #Me_Too Movement
  • ObamaCare: Best Intention, Worst Execution
  • Why does Racism Still Exist?
  • Is Class War Over in the USA?
  • What caused the Red Summer of 1919?
  • Key activists of the abolitionist movement.
  • How did sports help promote equality for African Americans in the 1900s?
  • How did the GI Bill affect African American veterans?
  • How did the Watts Riots affect African American communities in California?
  • How did white capping inhibit the development of black communities?
  • African American women in the beauty business.
  • Black Americans in education.
  • Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
  • Explore the origins of Kwanzaa.

Native American History Topics

  • What motivated many black Americans to fight in WWI voluntarily?
  • What were the goals of the Che Lumumba Club?
  • Explore the connection between black history in the US and cotton.
  • The Effect of New Deals on African Americans.
  • How did African Americans contribute to NASA’s success?
  • Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy
  • Discuss the history of Native Americans in law and politics.
  • Native American participation in American wars.
  • What happened at the Battle of the Little Bighorn?
  • Explore the naming customs of various Native American tribals.
  • What did the American-Indian Movement achieve?
  • Ancient Indian burial rituals and modern myths.
  • Native Americans and religion.
  • Analyze the life of Native Americans after the Proclamation of 1763.
  • The development of Native American music.

Unique History Topics on Native Americans

  • Analyze the economic development of Native American tribals in the 20th century.
  • America’s first native newspaper.
  • What events led to the breakout of King Philip’s War?
  • How did native spiritualism relate to the environment?
  • Traditional Cherokee farming tools and techniques.
  • Discuss the myths and speculations on the ancient origins of Indigenous Americans.
  • Will America Trigger WW3?
  • American-Iranian Tough Relations
  • Afghanistan War and the US
  • America before Columbus.
  • Puritans in Great Britain.
  • History of American Transcendentalism.
  • The impact of railroads in America.
  • Was the American Revolution really revolutionary?
  • The influence of European Colonization on the Native American population.

Also read: Best Art History Thesis Topics for Students updated

Interesting American History Topics

  • Describe the role of cotton in the American economy.
  • Social reforms during the Progressive Era.
  • What was discussed at the Constitutional Convention?
  • Japanese Americans Immigration in the 19th Century.
  • The History of the Fifth Amendment
  • Discuss the Presidential assassinations in the United States.
  • The rise of capitalism.
  • The history of the Statue of Liberty.
  • The War on Drugs in US History.
  • The history of gangs in the US.
  • Write about the Immigrants who do not have proper papers in the USA.
  • Women’s suffrage movement in America.
  • The history of the Fifth Amendment.
  • The Influence of Cold War on American Society.
  • Improvement in Immigrants in the US

Outstanding US History Topics

  • History of the American Constitution.
  • The Relationships between Federal and State Governments.
  • The Turning Points of the American Revolution.
  • Discuss the executive Orders and Presidential Power in the United States.
  • The Causes of the Vietnam War
  • The History of American Flag.
  • American Moon Landing.
  • African American Religion and Spirituality in the United States.
  • History of Sports in the United States.
  • Has Obama’s Presidency changed America?
  • The Significance of the Harlem Renaissance.
  • Slavery and racism in the United States.
  • What were the blood quantum laws?
  • Discuss the end of Liberalism.
  • What are the effects of Nixon’s administration?

Best American History Research Ideas

  • The impact of the National Labor Relations Board.
  • The Hams and Eggs movement.
  • The US census of 1930.
  • The recession of 1937-1938.
  • What are the consequences of the Hoover policy?
  • The impact of the stock market crash during the great depression era.
  • Explain the Pacific War.
  • Explain the Quasi-war with France.
  • The aftermath of the Battle of Chattanooga.
  • The Whiskey Rebellion.
  • The Jay treaty.
  • Describe the rise of political parties during the federal era.
  • The enactment of Black Codes.
  • Analyze the Quarantine Speech of 1937.
  • Explore the Battle of Chancellorsville.
  • Did the founders want the United States to follow international law?
  • Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution
  • Grass-Roots Constitutionalism: The Fourteenth Amendment and the Campaign for Woman Suffrage
  • James Madison and the Constitution of the United States: Is it a case of reluctant paternity? Justify your answer
  • Polygamy at the Supreme Court: Analyze the legal history of the case of Reynolds v. United States

Informative American History Topics for Essay Writing

  • Explain the role of the abolition movement in shaping American values.
  • Discuss the impact of the Great Awakening on American Religious Practices.
  • Analyze the impact of the Populist Movement on American Politics.
  • Discuss the implications of the Monroe Doctrine on American Foreign Policy.
  • Examine the impact of the GI Bill on Post-War America.
  • Discuss the role of New Deal Programs in America’s Economic Recovery.
  • Investigate the Rise of American Suburbia in the Post-WWII Era.
  • Explain the influence of the Watergate Scandal on American Politics.
  • Discuss the Rise and Fall of the American Temperance Movement.
  • Discuss the impact of the Dred Scott Case on African Americans’ Rights.

Latest American History Research Paper Topics

  • Write about the Lend-Lease Act of 1941.
  • Why did the Crittenden Compromise fail?
  • How did migration shape American society in the 1930s and ‘40s?
  • What was unique about the Higgins boats?
  • How do US historians influence public opinion?
  • What was the influence of the French Revolution on America?
  • Describe the modifications that the American Revolution made to the states.
  • Examine the impact of cotton on the economy of the South in the 1800s.
  • How did settlers’ and Native Americans’ interactions change throughout time?
  • The abolitionist movement was founded by whom and why?
  • How did Kansas come to be a site of conflict between those who supported and opposed slavery?
  • In the 18th century, what did the term “American” mean?
  • The Sons and Daughters of Liberty’s function in establishing unity.
  • Why did the Bill of Rights include the right to keep and bear arms?
  • the country’s very first head of state.
  • Explore African American history and its impact on the current relationships between Africa and America
  • Shutting the Gates on an Open World: The Very Modern History of Immigration Restriction
  • Explore the relationship between slavery, freedom, and the American Constitution
  • Civil Rights Activist: Fred W. Phelps Sr. and Race Relations in Topeka, 1964-1989
  • “Brown is a Black Cultural Product”: Describe the history and legacy of Brown v. Board

Wrapping Up

Out of the numerous American history topics suggested above, choose any topic of your preference and compose your academic paper. In case, you are still confused about what American History topic to choose for your academic writing or if you are unsure how to write an American History research paper, contact us immediately. On our platform, we have numerous talented academic writers to offer history research paper writing help for all American history research topics and dissertation ideas.

To take our budget-friendly history assignment writing help online, all you need to do is simply share your requirements with us through the order form available on our website. Especially, based on your needs, our subject professionals will prepare and deliver outstanding academic papers worthy of top-grades. Most importantly, with the assistance of our team of experts, you can also submit high-quality and plagiarism-free history papers in advance of your deadline.

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135 US History Essay Topics

One of the most time-consuming essay writing assignments can be a US history essay. Assigned for a variety of reasons, including testing students’ knowledge, encouraging research skills, and determining how well students can comprehend different types of texts, a US history essay assignment provides many challenges to the student.

Another hardship of writing a US history essay is that there isn’t always an abundant or easily accessible source of new information on something that has already happened. This means that students need to work extra hard to craft a US History essay that is original, unique, and doesn’t sound like the many other essays that have already been written on the topic.

However, all of the hardships students face when attempting to write a US history essay can be eased with the help of this guide. We’ll cover the essential aspects of writing a US History essay and provide 135 US History essay topics that are ideal for any level of education.

How To Write a US History Essay?

When it comes to writing a US History essay, the first thing students will need to do is pick a topic. The topic should be relevant to the course and allow for enough credible research to back up any arguments or examples made in the essay’s body.

For example, a topic on the creation of the Declaration of Independence would offer much more opportunity for analysis and research than a topic on something less significant such as the color of George Washington’s horse.

Once students have selected their topic, they will need to start thinking about the essay’s thesis. The thesis is often referred to as the “point” of an essay and should be reflected in the introduction and conclusion. This means that students will need to think critically about their topic choice and determine what points they want to make.

Students can choose a thesis by listing the most important aspects of their topic and choosing one aspect as the main point of their essay. For example, if a student were assigned a paper on the Civil Rights movement, they might want to argue that violence was necessary or that nonviolence was more effective in the movement for equality.

Students will also need to consider what information they are expected to include in their essay. Common types of US History essays include:

  • argumentative
  • comparison/contrast
  • cause and effect
  • introspective
  • problem /solution

Each of these essay types requires a unique set of points, arguments, and examples to ensure they meet the criteria for the writing. For example, if you are writing a compare and contrast essay on US History, you’ll need to research several different aspects of your topic and compare them to each other.

If you are writing an argumentative US History essay, you’ll need to provide sufficient evidence to prove your point before explaining why the opposing side’s argument is incorrect.

Once the topic has been selected and enough information has been researched to create a thesis and provide supporting evidence, the next step of writing a US History essay is to outline your argument. An outline can help students organize their thoughts and ensure they include everything necessary to write a well-rounded paper.

Make sure your outline includes a thesis statement followed by a clear description of each point you plan to make in the body of your essay.

How To Structure a US History Essay?

Once you have completed the necessary steps to develop a thesis and outline your argument, you can move on to structuring your essay with the intro, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should start with a hook that captures the reader’s attention and provides enough information to encourage them to continue reading. After the hook, you can include your thesis statement, followed by explaining why it is important for readers to know about this topic.

For example, if you are writing an argumentative essay about the role of violence in the Civil Rights movement, you might start your introduction with a hook that asks readers to consider what they would do if they were faced with violence every day of their lives.

You then might include your thesis statement and explain that learning about civil rights activists who confronted police with violence is important to understand because it can help guide future generations about what they might need to do to achieve equality.

The body of your essay should include multiple points, each made with clear evidence and relevant examples. For example, if you were writing a thesis that argued that nonviolence was more effective than violence in the US Civil Rights movement, you might include a paragraph about how nonviolence was proven to be more effective when Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott were compared.

This may lead into a paragraph describing how Martin Luther King Jr. tried to reduce violence in the movement by promoting peaceful methods of protest such as sit-ins, boycotts, marches, etc.

The conclusion should contain a rephrase of the thesis statement and explain why it is vital for readers to understand. For example, if you wrote an argumentative essay about violence in the US Civil Rights movement, your conclusion might include your thesis statement along with the reasons why understanding whether violence is effective or not helps us understand how future generations should respond to injustice.

If you are struggling to begin writing your US History-themed essay, why not choose from any of these 135 US History essay topics to help start your writing process.

US History Essay Topics About the Civil War

  • Why were slaves treated poorly during the Civil War era?
  • Should Confederate generals have been tried for treason after the US Civil War?
  • What was daily life like for formerly enslaved Black people following the US Civil War?
  • How has Lincoln’s influence on Presidential power impacted American society today?
  • Did Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation have a negative impact on Reconstruction?
  • Why is it important to understand the social, political, and economic impacts of slavery during America’s history?
  • Describe how trade was impacted with foreign nations during the Civil War?
  • What forms of civil disobedience became commonplace during the Civil War?
  • Compare and contrast the roles of women during the Civil War and WW2.
  • What were the causes of the US Civil War?
  • Why did people support both sides of the US Civil War?
  • Why was it hard for formerly enslaved people to find employment following the Civil War?
  • Explain how racial violence increased following Reconstruction.
  • Discuss what you believe caused Confederate Generals to order their men to wear gray uniforms at the Battle of Bull Run.
  • How did the Emancipation Proclamation impact foreign relations in the 1860s?
  • What were some causes for fighting during the Reconstruction Era?
  • How was President Lincoln able to pass legislation that helped win the US Civil War?
  • Discuss the most significant battle during the Civil War.
  • Compare and contrast modern-day war strategies to those used during the Civil War.
  • Explain how technological advancements were made during the Civil War.
  • What was the role of Native Americans during the Civil War?
  • How has history made a lot of the same mistakes as it did during the Civil War?

US History Essay Topics About the Native Americans

  • What was life like for Native Americans following their defeat in the US-Indian War?
  • What factors led to violence between whites and indigenous peoples after the Indian Removal Act of 1830?
  • What were some effects of Manifest Destiny on Native Americans?
  • How has the Dawes Act impacted modern-day Native American communities?
  • Why is it important to learn about the Trail of Tears during US history?
  • What were some causes for violence between Indians and settlers in the 1800s?
  • How does modern-day Native American culture resemble indigenous communities during the 1800s?
  • How were treaties formed and broken between whites and Native Americans in North America?
  • What was life like for Natives after they were forced onto reservations?
  • How did President Jackson impact relations between Indigenous peoples and white settlers in the 1800s?
  • Discuss what occurred when European immigrants settled on Native American land.
  • What were some causes for Native American uprisings during the 1800s?
  • Why are there not more Native Americans today compared to during the early years of North America?
  • Discuss the ideologies of Native Americans and how they may have impacted Indian-European relationships.
  • Why was the Battle of Wounded Knee significant?
  • What factors led to corruption within tribal governments following US-Indian wars?
  • What historical stereotypes are still represented in modern day depictions of Native Americans?
  • How can Native Americans use history to correct the ideologies of those who harbor America First sentiments?

US History Essay Topics About the Great Depression

  • Explain how life changed for African Americans during the Great Depression.
  • What factors led to the Great Depression?
  • How was President Roosevelt able to influence Congress to act in favor of his New Deal programs?
  • How did WWII impact Americans following the Great Depression?
  • What were significant turning points that allowed the US to improve its economy during the Great Depression?
  • What were some effects of the Great Depression on race relations in the US?
  • What attitudes about free trade capitalism led to the Great Depression?
  • How did the Great Depression influence art, music, and culture?
  • What other economic solutions could have been implemented to end the Great Depression sooner?
  • How did the Great Depression influence the size and scope of the federal government in the US?
  • How did African Americans help lessen America’s dependency on foreign goods during the Great Depression?
  • What were some causes for poverty during the Great Depression?
  • Discuss things that became illegal during the Great Depression.
  • Explain how the Great Depression led to increased or reduced population growth.
  • Why do historians consider the Great Depression a critical moment in US history?

US History Essay Topics About WW1 & WW2

  • What caused the eruption of violence during WW1?
  • How did President Wilson’s Fourteen Points impact WW2?
  • What was life like for African Americans and Native Americans during WWII?
  • How have civil liberties changed since WWII?
  • What are some parallels between WWII propaganda posters and modern-day media advertisements?
  • What were some positive and negative factors during US involvement in WWII?
  • How did the US economy change as a result of WWII?
  • What events led to the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
  • In what ways has European history been heavily impacted by WW1 and WW2?
  • What were some causes for the US entering WW2?
  • How has US foreign policy changed as a result of WWII?
  • In what ways has WWII impacted modern-day conflicts?
  • Who was President Truman, and why is he important to remember during US history?
  • Why is it important to study both World Wars in detail?
  • Who was Joseph Stalin, and what was his role during WW2?
  • How have wars led to the formation of the UN and NATO?
  • How did military alliances impact WWII?
  • What was President Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms, and how did it influence US soldiers’ morale overseas?
  • What economic impacts of WW2 still be seen in today’s modern economy?
  • How did technological advancements made during WW1 assist with battle strategies during WW2?
  • What is the significance of D-Day?
  • How did the US become involved in WW1 after the sinking of the Lusitania?
  • Why were women viewed as socially disadvantaged during WW1?
  • What are some positive outcomes of WW1 and WWII on American society today?

US History Essay Topics About Women’s Rights

  • What significant roles have women played in US history and not received credit for?
  • What were some causes of the first and second waves for women’s rights?
  • How did each wave of feminism impact US history differently?
  • How have women influenced US history through their actions in non-traditional fields?
  • What are some positive impacts of women becoming involved with social reform efforts such as abolition, temperance, and labor movements?
  • What were some negative impacts of women gaining more legal rights?
  • Who was Susan B. Anthony, and why is she important to remember during US history?
  • How has popular culture influenced how society views feminism today compared to the past?
  • How did government restrictions such as coverture laws impact women’s daily lives in America?
  • What were some positive and negative impacts of the Lowell Mill Girls?
  • Who was Sojourner Truth, and what did she accomplish for women’s rights?
  • How did Susan B. Anthony influence how society treats women today?
  • How has Western Expansion impacted the lives of American women?
  • Who was Victoria Woodhull, and what were some of her goals in the early feminist movement?
  • What historical issues still affect women’s rights in society today?
  • Why does it matter to study US history and women’s rights?
  • Would the USA have been as successful during WW2 without contributions made by women?
  • Is life for women easier or harder now than it was at other points in US history?
  • How can women obtain better equality by examining the past?

US History Essay Topics About Immigration

  • What is the history of immigration in America?
  • Who were some influential immigrants who have changed society through their actions and contributions?
  • How have immigrants influenced art, architecture, government policy, and popular culture in America?
  • How did nativism influence how Americans viewed immigration during different time periods throughout US history?
  • How have immigrants been treated by US law and society during different time periods throughout American history?
  • Why was the Chinese Exclusion Act significant for immigration policy in America?
  • In what ways have recent immigration movements changed the nation’s identity, economy, and workforce today compared to the past?
  • What causes of the Great Depression led to more immigrants moving to America?
  • What are some positive impacts of immigration on American society today?
  • Who was Giovanni da Verrazano and why is he important to remember during US history?
  • What role did African Americans play in immigration during slavery?
  • What were some differences in the immigrant experiences of different races?
  • How has immigration changed American society today compared to the past?
  • What are some adverse effects of immigration on American society today?
  • What are some positive impacts of immigration on US history and national identity today?
  • How is the process for immigration in modern times different from previous periods in US history?
  • How can the USA learn from their past immigration reform mistakes to correct current issues surrounding immigration reform?

US History Essay Topics About Labor and Strikes

  • What were some causes of the early labor movement in America?
  • In what ways have unions been influential for Americans today?
  • Who was Eugene V. Debs, and how has he influenced the labor movement?
  • What impact did strikes have during different time periods throughout US history?
  • What were some negative consequences of child labor in America, and how did reform movements attempt to change it?
  • How has technology impacted the American workforce today compared to the past?
  • Who was Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and what impact did she have on the labor movement?
  • What were some differences between strikes in the past and today?
  • What were some positive effects of the labor movement on American society today?
  • Why is it essential to study US history about labor unions and strikes?
  • Who was Mother Jones, and how has she influenced the labor movement in America?
  • How did the Great Depression and New Deal change labor in America?
  • What were some causes of the Haymarket Affair, and how did it influence labor policy?
  • How has technology shaped labor unions today compared to when they first began?
  • Why is it essential to understand labor unions in America?
  • What are some differences between strikes today compared to the past?
  • Who was John L. Lewis, and what is his legacy on unionization in America?
  • How did Franklin D. Roosevelt’s policies impact labor unions in America during the Great Depression?
  • What were some causes of the 1934 West Coast waterfront strike?
  • What are some causes of the Grand Bargain, and how has it influenced unions today?

With these 135 US History essay topics, students of all grade levels can find an interesting topic to write about that will have plenty of research to back it up.

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120 History Essay Topics

History essay topics: how to choose the perfect one, history argumentative essay topics:.

  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the working class
  • The causes and consequences of the American Civil War
  • The role of women in the suffrage movement and their impact on society
  • The significance of the French Revolution in shaping modern political ideologies
  • The debate over the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II
  • The influence of the Renaissance on European art, culture, and intellectual thought
  • The reasons behind the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
  • The impact of colonization on indigenous populations in Africa and the Americas
  • The role of nationalism in the outbreak of World War I
  • The effects of the Cold War on global politics and the division of the world into two superpowers
  • The causes and consequences of the Great Depression in the United States
  • The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War II
  • The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on racial equality in the United States
  • The reasons behind the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany
  • The debate over the historical accuracy of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America

History Persuasive Essay Topics:

  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the economy
  • The significance of the American Revolution in shaping the modern world
  • The causes and consequences of World War I
  • The influence of the Renaissance on art, science, and culture
  • The reasons behind the fall of the Roman Empire
  • The impact of the French Revolution on political ideologies
  • The consequences of the Cold War on global politics and the balance of power
  • The significance of the Civil Rights Movement in achieving racial equality
  • The causes and effects of the Great Depression on the global economy
  • The role of imperialism in shaping the modern world
  • The impact of the Enlightenment on political and social thought
  • The reasons behind the rise and fall of ancient civilizations
  • The influence of the Scientific Revolution on the development of modern science

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics:

  • Ancient Greece vs Ancient Rome: Comparing political systems
  • The French Revolution vs the American Revolution: Analyzing causes and outcomes
  • World War I vs World War II: Examining the impact on global politics
  • The Renaissance vs the Enlightenment: Contrasting cultural and intellectual movements
  • The Industrial Revolution in Britain vs the Industrial Revolution in the United States: Comparing economic and social changes
  • The Cold War vs the Space Race: Analyzing the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union
  • The Civil Rights Movement vs the Women’s Suffrage Movement: Comparing struggles for equality
  • The Mongol Empire vs the Ottoman Empire: Contrasting imperial expansion and governance
  • The Protestant Reformation vs the Catholic Counter-Reformation: Examining religious conflicts in Europe
  • The Russian Revolution vs the Chinese Revolution: Analyzing communist uprisings
  • The Atlantic Slave Trade vs the Transatlantic Slave Trade: Comparing the impact on African societies
  • The American Civil War vs the Spanish Civil War: Contrasting causes and consequences of internal conflicts
  • The Great Depression vs the Global Financial Crisis of 2008: Examining economic downturns
  • The Age of Exploration vs the Age of Imperialism: Comparing European expansion and colonization
  • The Holocaust vs the Rwandan Genocide: Contrasting genocides in different historical contexts

History Informative Essay Topics:

  • The rise and fall of the Roman Empire
  • The significance of the American Civil Rights Movement
  • The origins and consequences of the French Revolution
  • The role of women in ancient civilizations
  • The impact of the Renaissance on art and culture
  • The causes and effects of the Great Depression
  • The colonization of Africa and its long-term effects
  • The role of propaganda in World War II
  • The history and impact of the Cold War
  • The rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire
  • The influence of ancient Greek philosophy on modern thought
  • The history and significance of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
  • The causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution

History Cause Effect Essay Topics:

  • The Causes and Effects of the French Revolution
  • The Impact of World War I on the Rise of Totalitarianism
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Industrial Revolution
  • The Effects of the American Civil War on the Abolition of Slavery
  • The Causes and Effects of the Great Depression
  • The Impact of the Renaissance on European Exploration
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Protestant Reformation
  • The Effects of the Cold War on the Space Race
  • The Causes and Effects of the Russian Revolution
  • The Impact of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Spanish Inquisition
  • The Effects of Imperialism on African Colonization
  • The Causes and Effects of the Mexican Revolution
  • The Impact of the Scientific Revolution on the Age of Enlightenment
  • The Causes and Consequences of the Vietnam War

History Narrative Essay Topics:

  • The Battle of Gettysburg: A Turning Point in the American Civil War
  • The Life and Legacy of Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh of Egypt
  • The Great Depression: A Nation’s Struggle for Survival
  • The Fall of the Roman Empire: Causes and Consequences
  • The Trail of Tears: The Forced Removal of Native Americans
  • The Industrial Revolution: Transforming Society and Economy
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Tense Standoff between the United States and Soviet Union
  • The Holocaust: A Dark Chapter in Human History
  • The Civil Rights Movement: Fighting for Equality and Justice
  • The French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic
  • The Apollo 11 Moon Landing: A Giant Leap for Mankind
  • The Salem Witch Trials: Hysteria and Injustice in Colonial America
  • The Renaissance: A Cultural Rebirth in Europe
  • The Partition of India: The Birth of Two Nations
  • The Vietnam War: America’s Longest and Most Controversial Conflict

History Opinion Essay Topics:

  • The impact of colonization on indigenous cultures
  • The role of women in the American Civil Rights Movement
  • The significance of the Industrial Revolution in shaping modern society
  • The influence of religion on the Crusades
  • The consequences of the Treaty of Versailles on World War II
  • The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War I
  • The impact of the French Revolution on the rise of nationalism
  • The reasons behind the Salem Witch Trials
  • The significance of the Renaissance in European history
  • The consequences of the Cold War on global politics
  • The role of technology in shaping the outcome of World War II
  • The impact of the Great Depression on the rise of totalitarian regimes
  • The reasons behind the abolition of slavery in the United States
  • The influence of the Enlightenment on the American Revolution

History Evaluation Essay Topics:

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the Civil Rights Movement in achieving racial equality
  • Assessing the role of women in World War II and their contribution to the war effort
  • Evaluating the success of the New Deal in addressing the Great Depression
  • The impact of the French Revolution on the rise of nationalism in Europe
  • Assessing the significance of the Treaty of Versailles in causing World War II
  • Evaluating the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War I
  • The impact of the Cold War on the global balance of power
  • Assessing the effectiveness of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security
  • Evaluating the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis on the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union
  • The role of technology in shaping the outcome of World War I
  • Assessing the impact of the Renaissance on the development of modern art and culture
  • Evaluating the significance of the American Revolution in inspiring other independence movements around the world
  • The impact of the Enlightenment on the development of democratic ideals
  • Assessing the role of imperialism in shaping the modern world order

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

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Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

  • Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
  • Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
  • Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
  • Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
  • Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

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List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

  • Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
  • Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
  • With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
  • Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
  • Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
  • What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
  • Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
  • Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
  • Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
  • Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
  • Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
  • Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
  • Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
  • Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
  • Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
  • Should students learn cursive writing in school?
  • Which is more important: PE class or music class?
  • Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
  • Should class rank be abolished in schools?
  • Should students be taught sex education in school?
  • Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
  • What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
  • Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
  • Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
  • Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
  • Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
  • Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
  • Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
  • What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
  • Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
  • Should there be limits to free speech?
  • Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
  • Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
  • Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
  • Should recycling be made mandatory?
  • Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
  • Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
  • Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
  • Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
  • Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
  • Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
  • Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
  • Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

  • Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
  • Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
  • Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
  • Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
  • Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
  • Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
  • Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
  • Is national security more important than individual privacy?
  • What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?
  • Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
  • Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
  • Who was the most/least effective US president?
  • Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

body-sparkler-us-flag

  • What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
  • Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
  • Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
  • Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
  • Is eating genetically modified food safe?
  • What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
  • What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
  • Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
  • Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
  • Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
  • Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
  • Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
  • Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
  • Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
  • What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
  • What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
  • Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
  • What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
  • Should nuclear power be banned?
  • Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
  • Do zoos help or harm animals?
  • Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
  • Should animals in circuses be banned?
  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
  • What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
  • What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
  • Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
  • Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
  • Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
  • Is solar energy worth the cost?
  • Should stem cells be used in medicine?
  • Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
  • Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
  • Should college athletes receive a salary?
  • Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
  • Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
  • Should horse racing be banned?
  • Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
  • Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
  • Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
  • Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
  • Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
  • Should facial recognition technology be banned?
  • Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
  • Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
  • Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
  • Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
  • Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
  • Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
  • Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
  • Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

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Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

  • Do your research
  • Make your thesis perfect
  • Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well?   Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you. 

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

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100 Persuasive Essay Topics

  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays and persuasive speeches , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and to attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays are attempts to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.

A Persuasive Essay Has 3 Components

  • Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook, which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis, or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
  • Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
  • Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a last appeal to the audience.

Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill that people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You're sure to find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Kids should get paid for good grades.
  • Students should have less homework.
  • Snow days are great for family time.
  • Penmanship is important.
  • Short hair is better than long hair.
  • We should all grow our own vegetables.
  • We need more holidays.
  • Aliens probably exist.
  • Gym class is more important than music class.
  • Kids should be able to vote.
  • Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
  • School should take place in the evenings.
  • Country life is better than city life.
  • City life is better than country life.
  • We can change the world.
  • Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
  • We should provide food for the poor.
  • Children should be paid for doing chores.
  • We should populate the moon .
  • Dogs make better pets than cats.

Intermediate

  • The government should impose household trash limits.
  • Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
  • Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
  • We should teach etiquette in schools.
  • School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
  • All students should wear uniforms.
  • Too much money is a bad thing.
  • High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
  • Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
  • Robocalling should be outlawed.
  • Age 12 is too young to babysit.
  • Children should be required to read more.
  • All students should be given the opportunity to study abroad.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
  • Cell phones should never be used while driving.
  • All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
  • Bullies should be kicked out of school.
  • Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
  • The school year should be longer.
  • School days should start later.
  • Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
  • There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
  • Public transit should be privatized.
  • We should allow pets in school.
  • The voting age should be lowered to 16.
  • Beauty contests are bad for body image.
  • Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
  • Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
  • Video games can be educational.
  • College athletes should be paid for their services.
  • We need a military draft .
  • Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
  • Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
  • Year-round school is a bad idea.
  • High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
  • The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
  • Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
  • Standardized testing should be eliminated.
  • Teachers should be paid more.
  • There should be one world currency.
  • Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
  • Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
  • Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
  • Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
  • Racial slurs should be illegal.
  • Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
  • Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
  • People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
  • Free speech should have limitations.
  • Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
  • Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
  • High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
  • Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
  • Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
  • Child support dodgers should go to jail.
  • Students should be allowed to pray in school.
  • All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
  • Internet access should be free for everyone.
  • Social Security should be privatized.
  • Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
  • We shouldn't use products made from animals.
  • Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
  • Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
  • We need better sex education in schools.
  • School testing is not effective.
  • The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and with Canada.
  • Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
  • Eating meat is unethical.
  • A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
  • Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
  • The Electoral College is outdated.
  • Medical testing on animals is necessary.
  • Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
  • Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
  • Books should never be banned.
  • Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
  • Freedom of religion has limitations.
  • Nuclear power should be illegal.
  • Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.
  • Arizona State University Writing Center staff. " Persuasive Essay Structure ." ASU.edu, June 2012.
  • Collins, Jen, and Polak, Adam. " Persuasive Essays ." Hamilton.edu.
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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — Thesis Topics in History: The List of 93 Perfect Ideas

Thesis Topics in History: The List of 93 Perfect Ideas

history thesis examples

When choosing a thesis topic in history, several essential factors come into play. Firstly, consider your passion and interest in the subject matter. Opt for a topic that genuinely intrigues you, as this will motivate and drive your research efforts. Secondly, strive for originality and significance. Look for gaps in the existing historical literature and propose a fresh perspective or a novel approach to a well-studied topic. Your goal should be to contribute new insights and knowledge to the field. If your ideas are recognized, then perhaps in the future some history thesis examples will be written based on them.

Moreover, feasibility is crucial in selecting a thesis topic. Ensure that you have access to the necessary primary and secondary sources, archives, or data required to support your research. Additionally, consider the relevance of your chosen topic to current historical debates or contemporary issues. Demonstrating the significance of your research in the broader context adds depth and impact to your work.

Ultimately, the result you should strive for is a well-crafted thesis topic that not only showcases your academic prowess but also excites and captivates your readers or academic committee. Your chosen topic should be engaging, thought-provoking, and capable of advancing the collective understanding of historical events or phenomena. By meticulously selecting a compelling thesis topic and conducting thorough research, you can embark on a rewarding journey of scholarly exploration and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving field of history.

✨ Top-15 History Thesis Ideas

  • The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception during the Cold War
  • The Great Depression: Economic and Social Impacts on American Society
  • The Age of Exploration: Cultural Exchanges and Global Interactions
  • Women's Suffrage Movement: Analyzing Strategies and Achievements
  • The French Revolution: Causes, Consequences, and Historical Interpretations
  • The African-American Civil Rights Movement Essay : Leaders, Strategies, and Legacies
  • The Rise and Fall of Ancient Empires: Lessons from Mesopotamia and Egypt
  • World War II: Examining the Global Impact and Lessons Learned
  • The Scientific Revolution: Advancements in Science and their Societal Impact
  • Slavery and Abolition: A Comparative Study of Different Regions
  • The Cultural Exchange along the Silk Road: Connecting East and West
  • The Age of Imperialism: Colonialism, Resistance, and Global Consequences
  • The Renaissance and Its Influence on Art, Literature, and Politics
  • The Native American Experience: Examining Histories and Perspectives
  • The Impact of the Protestant Reformation on European Society and Religion

✍️ History Thesis Topics for Bachelor's Degree: Tips and Tricks

Writing a diploma thesis in history is a significant milestone for university graduates. It allows students to showcase their research skills, critical thinking, and expertise in the subject. Crafting a compelling and well-structured thesis requires careful planning and adherence to specific guidelines. Here are some recommendations and criteria to consider when undertaking a history dissertation:

  • Topic Selection: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with your academic passions. A well-chosen topic will keep you motivated throughout the research process.
  • Originality: Strive for originality in your research. Identify gaps in existing historical literature and propose a unique perspective or fresh analysis.
  • Research Depth: Conduct thorough research using a variety of primary and secondary sources. Academic journals, historical documents, and reputable books are essential resources.
  • Structure and Format: Follow the prescribed structure and format provided by your university or department. Adhere to proper citation and referencing guidelines.
  • Word Count: Depending on your university's requirements, diploma theses in history typically range from 60 to 100 pages. However, check the specific word count guidelines for your institution.
  • Abstract: Include a clear and concise abstract that summarizes the key objectives, research methods, and findings of your thesis.
  • Introduction: Introduce your topic, provide background information, and state your research question or thesis statement.
  • Literature Review: Review relevant literature to demonstrate your understanding of existing research on the topic.
  • Methodology: Explain the research methods and approaches you used to collect and analyze data.
  • Analysis and Findings: Present your research findings and analyze them in the context of your research question.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your main arguments, discuss the implications of your findings, and suggest avenues for future research.
  • References: Provide a comprehensive list of all the sources you cited in your thesis.

When starting your dissertation, begin with extensive reading and research to gain a solid understanding of the topic. Take notes and organize your sources efficiently. Create a detailed outline that will serve as a roadmap for your writing process. Seek guidance from your advisor or professors throughout your research journey, as their insights and feedback will be invaluable.

As you write, maintain a clear and coherent writing style, and avoid excessive jargon. Use headings and subheadings to structure your thesis logically. Remember to proofread and edit your work carefully to ensure accuracy and clarity.

In conclusion, writing a diploma thesis in history requires dedication, critical thinking, and meticulous research. By following these recommendations and adhering to the given criteria, you can create a compelling and well-argued thesis that contributes meaningfully to the field of history. Embrace this opportunity to delve into the past, unearth new insights, and leave a lasting academic legacy as you embark on this exciting academic journey.

If you still have not found suitable historical theses, then we continued the list with examples, one of which is right for you

🌆American History Thesis Topics

  • The American Revolution : Causes, Consequences, and Legacies
  • The Civil Rights Movement: Struggles for Equality and Social Change
  • Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion: Impact on Indigenous Peoples
  • Slavery in America: Examining the Peculiar Institution and Its Abolition
  • The Roaring Twenties: Cultural Shifts and the Jazz Age
  • The Great Depression: Economic Hardship and Government Responses
  • The Civil War: Analyzing the Factors Leading to Divisions and Conflict
  • The Founding Fathers and the Creation of the United States Constitution
  • Women's Suffrage Movement: Gaining Political Rights and Empowerment
  • The Cold War: Superpower Rivalries and the Global Impact
  • The Space Race: Exploring Achievements and Technological Advancements
  • The Vietnam War: Controversies, Protests, and Aftermath
  • The Gilded Age: Wealth Disparities and Industrialization
  • Native American History: Resilience, Land Rights, and Cultural Preservation
  • The Progressive Era: Reform Movements and Social Change
  • Reconstruction: Challenges and Attempts to Rebuild Post-Civil War America
  • The Salem Witch Trials: Understanding Mass Hysteria and Religious Tensions
  • The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Flourishing and African-American Artistic Achievements
  • The Watergate Scandal: Investigating Political Corruption and Accountability
  • The Industrial Revolution in America: Technological Advancements and Labor Struggles

🗺️ Ideas for thesis topics in European history

  • The French Revolution: Causes, Events, and Impacts on Europe
  • The Renaissance: Cultural Revival and Artistic Achievements in Europe
  • The Rise and Fall of Ancient European Empires: Lessons from Rome and Greece
  • The Protestant Reformation: Religious Changes and Societal Transformations
  • The Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Developments and Their Influence on European Society
  • World War I: The Great War and Its Effects on Europe's Political Landscape
  • The Industrial Revolution in Europe: Technological Advancements and Social Changes
  • The Cold War in Europe: Superpower Rivalries and the Division of the Continent
  • The Age of Exploration: European Voyages and Global Encounters
  • The Black Death: Understanding the Plague's Impact on European Civilization
  • The Russian Revolution : Revolution and the Formation of the Soviet Union
  • The Crusades: Religious Wars and Their Influence on Europe and the Middle East
  • The Treaty of Versailles: Evaluating Its Role in Shaping Post-World War I Europe
  • The Spanish Inquisition: Investigating Religious Persecution and Its Consequences
  • The Age of Imperialism: European Colonization and Its Global Consequences
  • The Holocaust : Examining the Holocaust and the Dark Chapters of European History
  • The Berlin Wall: The Divided City and Its Symbolism during the Cold War
  • The Byzantine Empire: A Comprehensive Study of Its Contributions and Decline
  • The Napoleonic Era: Napoleon Bonaparte's Impact on European Politics and Warfare
  • The Reformation and Counter-Reformation: Religious Conflicts and Their Resolutions in Europe

🎭 Ideas for Art History Thesis Topics

  • The Renaissance Masters : Analyzing the Artistic Achievements of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael
  • Impressionism and Its Influence on Modern Art: A Study of Monet, Renoir, and Degas
  • The Evolution of Abstract Art: From Kandinsky to Pollock
  • Women in Art: Celebrating Female Artists and Their Impact on Art History
  • The Golden Age of Dutch Painting: Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Dutch Masters
  • Iconography and Symbolism in Religious Art: Unraveling Hidden Meanings in Medieval and Renaissance Works
  • African Art and Cultural Identity: Examining the Diverse Traditions and Expressions
  • Surrealism: Exploring Dreams and the Subconscious in Art
  • The Art of Ancient Civilizations: Uncovering the Aesthetics of Egypt, Greece, and Rome
  • The Birth of Modern Photography: Pioneering Photographers and Their Contributions to Art
  • Art and Politics: Investigating the Relationship between Artistic Expression and Sociopolitical Movements
  • Architectural Marvels: Analyzing Iconic Structures and Their Cultural Significance
  • Postmodernism in Art: Deconstructing Boundaries and Challenging Tradition
  • The Harlem Renaissance: African-American Art and Culture in the 1920s
  • Pop Art: Examining the Pop Culture Movement and Its Influence on Contemporary Art
  • Islamic Art and Architecture: Tracing Aesthetics across Different Eras and Regions
  • Asian Art and Cultural Heritage: A Comparative Study of China, Japan, and India
  • Art Conservation and Preservation: Ensuring the Survival of Cultural Treasures
  • Art and Technology: Exploring the Intersection of Digital Media and Creative Expression
  • The Role of Museums in Shaping Art History: Curatorial Practices and Exhibition Impact

📒 History Thesis Topics for Master’s Degree

Choosing an appropriate history dissertation topic for your master's degree is a key step. It is important to choose a subject that matches academic interests and hobbies. The theme should also offer room for originality and contribution to the existing body of historical knowledge. A master's thesis in history is a comprehensive academic work, often 80 to 100 pages or more. This requires careful research, analysis of primary and secondary sources, and critical evaluation of historical arguments. In addition, the dissertation must comply with the guidelines and formatting requirements set by the academic institution. Seeking advice from faculty advisors and professors is invaluable in the dissertation writing process. Their experience and feedback can determine the direction of the research and ensure its scientific rigor. Here are some examples of possible History Thesis Topics for Master's Degree that can serve as a basis for you:

  • Reevaluating the Causes and Impacts of the American Revolution
  • Analyzing Cultural Exchange along the Ancient Silk Road
  • Medieval Queens: Agents of Power and Diplomacy
  • Propaganda in World War II: Shaping Public Perception
  • The Industrial Revolution in Britain: Economic and Social Transformations
  • Decoding Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs: Uncovering Hidden Messages
  • Ottoman Empire: Socio-Political Changes and Legacy
  • Indigenous Resistance and Colonialism in Latin America
  • The Impact of the Russian Revolution: Political Ideologies and Social Shifts
  • Ancient Maya Civilization: Unveiling Mysteries and Achievements
  • Economic Crisis and Social Responses during the Great Depression
  • The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Africa's Role and Impact on the America
  • The Fall of Ancient Civilizations: Lessons from Rome and Greece
  • Socio-Political Transformations in Postcolonial Latin America
  • Ancient Chinese Civilization: Dynasties, Culture, and Traditions
  • The Impact of Napoleonic Wars on Europe's Political Landscape
  • The Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Transformations and Legacy

In conclusion, theses and dissertations serve different purposes and have different requirements depending on the academic level. Each represents a milestone in the student's academic journey, and mastering the arts of research, analysis, and critical thinking is essential to success at every level. Whether you are writing a short abstract or a comprehensive dissertation, the pursuit of knowledge and scientific contributions remains at the center of all academic research. And of course, to prepare a quality thesis, you will have to start choosing your topic among the many history thesis examples. We hope that we have helped you with finding an idea to start. And in the following articles we will try to develop this topic so that you can write an interesting and individual thesis.

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278 Interesting History Essay Topics and Events to Write about

A history class can become a jumble of years, dates, odd moments, and names of people who have been dead for centuries. Despite this, you’ll still need to find history topics to write about. You may have no choice!

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But once in a while, your instructor may let you pick a history essay topic. Are you clueless about where to start? If you are, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll see 278 cool historical events to write about. You’ll also discover some sources for good research on our ideas.

Before you read further:

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Top 10 History Essay Topics

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

How to Pick the Best History Essay Topic

Most of this article is devoted to listing history topics that are ideal for essays, but first, it’s important to have a simple process for using a list of possible essay topics like this.

  • Before you start writing, brainstorm. Read this list. Scan lists of history essay prompts. Maybe even skim a history essay example or 2 (or 10, or 25). When you find a topic you like even a bit, write it down in your personal list. Add any other topics that come to your mind.
  • Pick a topic that will satisfy your instructor and you can write well about. After you have a long list, review the assignment instructions. Then, eliminate the most inappropriate topics from your list. Lastly, reread the remaining topics. At this point, decide the topics you know enough about to write about wisely.

This 2-step process will make sure you get started on the right foot, but don’t forget the basics of sound writing. Remember these two rules. First, always plan your essay by using an outline. Second, stick to a well-structured essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion (use a 5-paragraph essay if it’s suitable).

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Here’s one further tip that is notably helpful for history essays. Use Wikipedia to explore historical events that you don’t understand well. (But of course use primary sources if you are writing a true research paper.) Alternatively, if you have some keywords in mind, you can find a random topic generator for writing and see what it can offer you.

Here’s the list of history essay prompts that you’ve been waiting for.

The Ultimate List of Historical Events to Write about

  • An Industrial Revolution in England essay is an excellent Industrial Revolution essay. Use this essay to explain some Industrial Revolution effects. Or perhaps give a brief but analytical overview of the Industrial Revolution timeline.
  • Alternatively, you could write an Industrial Revolution in Europe essay . England was the first nation to industrialize. But it wasn’t the last. In this Industrial Revolution essay, perhaps discuss differences among European nations in industrialization. (This kind of comparative approach yields an especially fine Industrial Revolution research paper as well.)
  • Or use a markedly different topic by writing a Martin Luther King essay . This key historical figure still shapes how we think about race, social justice, and the power of nonviolent protest. His death was tragic.
  • One way to avoid making your essay a Martin Luther King biography is to focus on a specific event or impact of this man’s life. For example, your Martin Luther King essay could be about a specific Martin Luther King speech or quote . (But if you’re going to write about King’s famous “ I Have a Dream ” speech, make sure you have something unique to say!)
  • Instead, you could write a broader Civil Rights Movement essay . In this, you must go beyond a basic Civil Rights Movement summary and focus on the meaning of this period over time or some specific change caused by it. (Again, don’t let your Civil Rights Movement essay become a Civil Rights Movement research paper.)
  • You could write about another period of dramatic change in a French Revolution essay . This violent revolution filled with imprisonments, trials, and beheadings was caused by immense suffering by the poorest people in France. As such, when writing this essay, provide only a brief French Revolution summary, and focus on the impact and triggers of specific events.

Fact for History essay: Last 3500 years the civilizated world has lived in peace for only 230 years.

  • Similarly, you could write an American Revolution essay . Both events involved overthrowing a monarch, but unlike a French Revolution essay, an American Revolution essay is effectively about a war, the build up to war, and the recovery from a war.
  • Perhaps your historical essay could focus on a person who was instrumental to the American Revolution . For example, consider Ben Franklin , a famous early American statesman, diplomat, scientist, and inventor.
  • The War of 1812 was the conflict between America and Britain directly following the American Revolutionary War . It’s a fine essay topic for those seeking to understand early American history.
  • Wars make notable topics for historical essay, but the aftermath can be even more interesting. The Weimar Republic was the terribly failed German government created after World War I . A critique of this government could be a superb essay subject.
  • In contrast, post-war Vietnam has been a relative success story. The nation reunified following the defeat of South Vietnam. The modern Vietnamese people possess a higher quality of life than citizens of many nearby nations.
  • You could also write about the Post-World War II 1950s . During this time, America exhibited surprising growth and prosperity. However, the United States began to wage a deadly Cold War with the USSR.
  • Another quite related topic is the messy late 21 st century American foreign policy . You could focus on the rise of terrorism after America’s invasion of Iraq , the worldwide US military bases, or any number of military dictators that the US has supported. These are all very provocative topics.
  • Or you could focus on a more specific military event, such as the Battle of Hastings . This battle shaped the whole history of England, as kings from continental Europe invaded English.

History essay fact about Genghis Ghan.

  • The time of the Battle of Hastings was also characterized by the heavy influence of knights and feudal law in daily life. Knights were more than heavily armed warriors. They were also lords that controlled the land and subjugated peasants. This was a major cause of uprisings such as the French Revolution.
  • Many medieval knights were also involved in the Crusades . This invasion of the Holy Land by European kingdoms represented a violent period. During these conquests, European nobility pillaged sacred sites and artifacts; with the goal of controlling the birthplace of their Christian faith.
  • Following this time, Europe entered a period of Renaissance Humanism . Humans began to think about their humanity a bit more deeply. In doing so, many works of fine art, such as the first realistic paintings and sculptures, were produced.
  • Your essay could focus on slightly later events, such as the fall of great empires . At various times in the past, nations such as Rome, China, Portugal, England, and the Holy Roman Empire controlled huge areas of our globe. Your essay could survey the implosion of these once great powers.
  • The abolition of slavery is a fascinating and important historical essay topic. You may focus on this process within a single country, or you can write a comparative essay in which you compare and contrast the process of abolition across the globe or between two societies.
  • Another highly relevant topic is the impact of Karl Marx . Few historical figures have had as huge an impact on society as Marx. Accordingly, you can consider how his writings were used (or abused) in a variety of nominally communist parties, movements, uprisings, and nations.
  • Of course, you should always consider writing an integrative history essay . You can’t pick just one topic? Why not pick two or more! This is a nice approach for selecting compare and contrast essay topics . In this type of essay, you compare or contrast, people, events, or countries. In choosing this path, you make it possible to write a totally unique essay. The sky is the limit!
  • A more human-focused approach could be an interesting hook for the paper. A paper based on the writing of the soldiers in World War I could outline what war was like at the beginning of the 20th century.

Old photos and letter.

  • A personal look at World War II could be just as interesting and with more available documents.
  • One of the possible hooks for such papers may be the plight of the African American soldiers who fought in World War I and II .
  • Another topic may be dedicated to soldiers from India who fought for the British in World War I .
  • The economics of Europe after World War I may show the causes and effects that led to further conflict.
  • You may dedicate your project may to the changes in fashion in the 20th century .
  • More obscure topics like the Canadian history of film can make for an interesting thesis.
  • American art of the 20th century is a big topic that has many interesting examples.
  • History of math can show the timeline of math’s evolution.
  • The conclusion of the British rule in India caused many positive and negative effects on the country which can make for an interesting project.
  • The history of Roman sport provides fascinating examples of contests through the ages.
  • History of architecture during renaissance can show the differences between the eras.
  • Life before the invention of photography could be a topic that outlines how people preserved images back in the day.
  • You can compare and contrast the history of Roman and British empires .
  • Examples of music created for political causes could be an interesting hook for a music history essay.
  • T he history of medicine can provide some striking facts about the bizarre antique cures.
  • “What are the events that led to the fall of Roman Empire ?” is one of the more common history essay questions.
  • Summary of the achievements of the American civil rights movement can provide an impression of what a dream of one man could do.
  • An argumentative essay topic about the value of public communication can be chosen and created by using examples from the world history.
  • A paper on the music of ancient civilizations can shine a light on prehistoric cultures.
  • Your project can be about the anti-fascist activists in the US before WW II .
  • It is possible for high school students to write about the events of the year when they were born .
  • A thematic paper answering the question “ what started the worst wars in world history? ” could compare and contrast different wars to find similar causes and effects.
  • The hippie culture of the 1960s can be presented as a response to the events of the era.
  • Also, the fashion of hippies can be explored in your project with examples of real clothing.
  • The New Wave movement in cinema was revolutionary for its time and can be an interesting essay topic.
  • The same could be said about the New Wave genre of music that became popular in the 1980s.

Audience on a concert.

  • Another music genre that captured the imagination of the public can be explored in an essay on the history of rock music .
  • History of propaganda in films can help explore some pivotal moments in world history.
  • Canadian history of sport is an interesting topic to explain why hockey is so popular in the Great White North.
  • Economics of sport throughout history may also interest the reader due to the massive commercial expansion of sport in recent decades.
  • Education during the renaissance was booming and could serve as a great topic for an essay.
  • Education during the middle ages was rare and could contrast the previous topic.
  • The justifications that the US used for the drop of the nuclear bombs during World War II is a controversial topic but an interesting one.
  • American involvement in the Korean War is an often overlooked topic, but it deserves attention.
  • To show how turbulent history of a single country may be, the causes and effects of the military coups in Nigeria could be fascinating.
  • The war between Iran and Iraq could be seen as one of the most critical proxy wars of the modern history.
  • The space race was an iconic element of the Cold War, and it is related to many history essay topics.
  • Events that led to the rise of the Saudi Arabia can show how fast a country can develop when money is not an issue.
  • The British music invasion into the US market has had a significant effect on American music and can be an interesting topic.
  • History of American worker unions could serve as a topical essay in today’s political climate.
  • The process of reparations for the Maori people in New Zealand in a rare success story of an ex-British colonial country making up for the discrimination its natives endured.
  • Roman graffiti is a lighthearted topic that describes a less discussed aspect of Roman culture.
  • The gender roles of Roman society can be compared and contrasted with the gender roles of the people of Gaul that often fought each other.
  • The prominent figures of the American Revolution include a great variety of people who would later compose the most important documents of the US.
  • A compare and contrast essay about the similarities of American and Bolshevik revolutions can show how the most prominent opponents of the Cold War had similar beginnings.
  • The history of Japanese isolationism could be interesting to explore as a unique moment in world history.
  • The Millerites believed that the world would end on a specific date, but it only led to the events known as “The Great Disappointment” which could make for a great history topic.
  • The Carnation Revolution of 1974 was an almost bloodless coup and represents one of the few examples of peaceful transitions to democracy.
  • The golden age of piracy is an interesting topic about an era that is often glamorized in fiction.
  • The Copper Country Strike was one of the most tragic cases of death due to anti-strike action, and its events are still discussed today.
  • The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre was a gruesome murder committed in broad daylight and emblematic of the gangster activity of the era.
  • The Yalta Conference was one of the most important events of World War II with British, Soviet, and American leaders discussing post-war plans.
  • British colonization of Africa was one of the most tragic; the causes and effects of it could be interesting to examine.

Old plane fly above hills.

  • A paper on the evolution of flight could provide a timeline of marvelous engineering throughout history.
  • Operation Paperclip was a secret plan to integrate scientists of Nazi Germany after the end of World War II which events lead to the beginning of the space race.
  • Historical events that were predicted in fiction can be one of the more exciting history essay topics.
  • African-American music history can be explored to show how oppression influenced culture.
  • Biography of Julius Caesar is filled with dramatic events and is one of the most exciting history essay topics.
  • Aztec life before the arrival of the colonists was filled with horrible sacrifices and deserves examination.
  • The causes and effects of Manifest Destiny are bizarre and tragic by modern standards but were considered righteous in their day.
  • You could compare and contrast the life of the Roman leader Julius Caesar and Nicholas II of Russia because they were almost mirrored images of each other.
  • The actions of Churchill led to some of the worst defeats for the British forces during World War I , but are overshadowed by his later leadership.
  • The transition from the 50s to 60s fashion can be explored to show the drastic change in the culture of those years.
  • The events that led to the emergence of teenage culture after World War II can be outlined.
  • The economics of international trade during the Renaissance period can be described to show the complex relationships of Europe.
  • American Revolution in film rarely receives accurate portrayals. A look at its depictions can be interesting.
  • A paper on the causes and effects of Cold War paranoia could show how quickly people can be overwhelmed by fear.
  • Ronald Reagan’ s policy of a winnable nuclear war launched a chain of events that could end the world.
  • The diversity of the Roman Empire is a rarely explored topic and could lead to an interesting paper.
  • Medieval medicine is a fascinating topic. It combines the ideas from Ancient Greece and Rome, pagan medicine, and many religious superstitions.
  • Another interesting history topic is the history of dystopian art . In turbulent times, it may be especially fascinating to trace the development of dystopian art and see what shaped the ideas of dystopian worlds in different eras. Moreover, you may find it interesting to see the predictions about the modern era in dystopian literature and cinema.
  • Medicine in the early XX century is an excellent topic for an essay. At the turn of the century, there was a major change in the way people treated medical technology , hygiene, and chemistry. Groundbreaking achievements, such as the discovery of X-rays and penicillin , shaped modern medicine as we know it.
  • The history of video games is an exciting essay topic. See how video games developed from the most primitive forms into the glorious, hyper-realistic works of art that we enjoy now.
  • The history of quantum mechanics is a history topic that can teach us a lot about the world around us. You can write about the groundbreaking experiments that changed the way we think about nature, and learn about great minds who were not afraid to question even the most fundamental laws of physics.
  • Alternatively, you can write about the development of astronomy . Another fascinating scientific field that can show us how people in different eras were discovering the beauty and complexity of the Universe .
  • Similarly, you can write about the history of evolutionary theory . All ancient cultures had their ideas about the origin of life. See how Darwin’s idea of natural selection revolutionized not just science, but human thought in general.
  • Another outstanding example of a revolution of human thought is the history of psychology. From the ancient idea of spirits and possession to the groundbreaking ideas of Freud and the discovery of conditioning – see how the cultural perception of the human psyche changed over time.
  • A topic closely related to the current issues, pandemics that changed history can be explored to see the effects of epidemics on nature, science, and society as a whole. It may also be interesting to write about how viral infections spread around the world.
  • The history of transport is a fascinating topic. Starting from the earliest of times, humans are continually developing new ways of traveling as far and safe as possible. See how technology evolved from the discovery of a wheel to rocket science, and how it changed history and the world around us.
  • The history of the punk subculture is an excellent topic for presentation. Show how punk philosophy, fashion, and music changed the culture in the U.K. and around the world.
  • Another interesting research topic for high school students is the Great Depression . Learn what caused the severe economic crisis, and what socio-economic effects it had on countries all around the world.
  • From the first settlements built by ex-convicts to the outbreaks of smallpox and aboriginal resistance – the history of Australia is full of dramatic events and stories that we can learn a lot from.
  • Or you can choose the exploration of Africa as the subject of your history essay. The story of two extraordinary individuals in search of a path into the heart of the continent inspired the novel Heart of Darkness .
  • Historical figures in Shakespeare’s plays is a great history research paper topic. You could compare the lives of real historical figures, such as Julius Caesar and Henry V , to those of their fictional counterparts.
  • Voyages of Christopher Columbus is one of the most critical events in history before 1500. While the discovery of the New World had an enormous influence on the colonization era, Columbus’s legacy remains controversial.
  • Or you can write an essay on Hernán Cortés , a pivotal figure in the colonization of South America. His actions against native civilizations are highly controversial, and his life story is full of myths and mysteries.
  • The Civil War was the defining event in the U.S. history before 1877. It had an enormous impact on American society and led to major changes in the Constitution.
  • One of the world history topics that everyone needs to know about is the culture and society of ancient Greece . Incredible art, philosophy, politics, and scientific ideas of the ancient Greeks continue to inspire us today.
  • Similarly, an essay on the Greek Dark Ages can shine a light on the fall of the great civilization. It is also the period during which Homer’s famous poems Odyssey and Iliad were composed.
  • Chivalry in the Middle Ages is an interesting history topic, and it is often romanticized. Learn about the chivalric code, tournaments, and epic legends about famous Medieval knights.
  • Also, it may be interesting to write a world history essay on King Arthur . Explore the real events that inspired stories about the legendary British leader and the Knights of the Round Table.
  • The history of Easter Island is a very intriguing history topic. You can talk about the mysteries surrounding the culture, language, and the eventual demise of the inhabitants of one of the world’s most isolated islands.
  • The history of nuclear weapons is an excellent controversial topic for an essay and a discussion. The stories of research, development, and the use of atomic bombs can be used as cautionary tales for people today.
  • From cave paintings and letters to telephone and the Internet – the history of communication is one of the best topics for a research paper. See how the means of communication evolved throughout human history.
  • Also, the history of the Internet can be explored in your research paper. What was initially created for research and military use became one of the defining elements of modern life.
  • The history of animation is an interesting topic for high school students. Learn about the evolution of animation – from the ancient Egyptian murals depicting motion to the first CGI cartoons and everything in-between.
  • The history of museums has many exciting twists and turns. Discover how people of different eras were preserving art and other extraordinary objects. Also, it may be interesting to learn about the most significant art thefts in history.
  • The history of cosmetics is an excellent topic for a research paper with a presentation. See how makeup was used in different eras, what it was made of, and how historical figures influenced makeup trends of the past epochs.
  • Amelia Earhart is a wonderful role model whose life you can research in your history essay. She was an aviator pioneer and a best-selling author. Her disappearance in 1937 remains a mystery.
  • History of Eurovision song contest is a lighthearted topic with serious political undertones. It was originally intended to unite all countries of post-war Europe in one song contest, broadcast live on television.
  • The history of theater is a fascinating subject for a research paper. Theater first appeared in Ancient Greece, went through significant changes during the Renaissance, and it remains a popular art form that covers many genres.
  • The history of the death penalty is an interesting topic for an essay that you can have a discussion about. The death penalty has a fascinating and gruesome history and remains a controversial subject even today.
  • You can write an outstanding research paper on the history of whaling . People have been hunting whales since prehistoric times for various reasons, including perfume and candle manufacturing.
  • Another exciting world history topic is Gold Rush . While the California Gold Rush is by far the most famous, there were many other cases throughout history, dating as far back as ancient Egypt.
  • One of the more mysterious history topics that you can write about is Stonehenge . This majestic stone structure has been for a long time associated with druids. The latest discoveries suggest that it was used as an observatory.
  • Maybe an even more mysterious history research paper topic is the Pyramids of Egypt . The only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, they are some of the largest structures ever built, and their history remains intriguing.
  • Or you can choose to write about all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ! They are remarkable buildings and constructions, all but one of which are entirely destroyed, and some are speculated to have never existed.
  • Similarly, you can write a paper on other beautiful buildings, such as the picturesque Machu Picchu. An iconic citadel of the Inca civilization, it is now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • A paper on Joan of Arc can show how one extraordinary individual is capable of changing the course of history. Her life is surrounded by many legends, and she remains a popular subject in art.
  • Similarly, you can write about Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and what impact it had on the entire American nation. Delivered during the Civil War, it is considered to be the greatest speech ever.
  • A history research paper on feminism could provide a timeline of the fight for equality. Closely connected to the current issues, this topic covers everything from the women’s suffrage movement to the modern Women’s Marches .
  • One of the most exciting history topics that everyone needs to know about is the Minoan Civilization – the first highly advanced society in Europe. You can talk about its discovery in the late XIX, the incredible art of Knossos, and its numerous legends, including the famous Labyrinth.
  • You can choose to write an essay on history of Indigenous Australians . The timeline of first humans populating Australia is full of mysteries, and their culture remains fascinating.
  • An interesting essay can be written on the earliest universities . They were founded long before 1500 in Asia and Africa for educating government officials, and are a fascinating subject to explore.
  • You can write an exciting research paper on Alexandria – a city in Egypt founded by Alexander the Great. In ancient times, it was a city like no other, and had an enormous influence on the Mediterranean culture.
  • Middle Ages are full of interesting history topics – for example, you can choose to write about medieval magic. From alchemy and astrology to inquisition and witch trials, it’s an existing subject to explore.
  • One of the best topics on the history of explorations is the North Pole expeditions . It is full of dramatic events, and it took numerous failed attempts until the North Pole was finally reached in the XX century.
  • The first English settlements in America are among the essential parts of the U.S. history before 1877. It includes stories of hardships of the first settlers, bad weather, hunger, and conflicts with native inhabitants.
  • Napoleon is an incredibly interesting historical figure. You can write a stunning paper on the rise and fall of his empire.

Confucius quote.

  • You can focus on a specific era in your essay – for example, Victorian England. This period of history, both fascinating and terrifying, still inspires countless novels, movies, and T.V. series.
  • Titanic is an excellent topic for an essay and a discussion. A cautionary tale about a luxurious ship that sank due to criminal negligence.
  • Death of the Romanovs is an interesting history topic that is still being investigated. This gruesome story inspired many myths, including that of the survival of Anastasia.
  • Similarly, you can choose an essay on the assassination of J.F. Kennedy . Learn about what caused it and what long-term effects it had on the American nation.
  • Similarly, the assassination of Martin Luther King was an enormous tragedy for the whole country. The circumstances of this event are still not entirely clear, and there are several different theories as to what happened.
  • Chernobyl disaster is a fascinating topic that is very popular today. See what led to the tragedy, and what long-term consequences it had on nature and society.
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall is a crucial event in modern history. You can write about life in GDR and FRG prior to the fall of the Wall and compare it to what happened afterward.
  • Another history topic that you can choose for your essay is the history of berserkers. These Old Norse warriors were fighting in what’s often described as a trans-like state, and their name became synonymous with uncontrolled rage.
  • Education in the modern world. The new opportunities of the globalized world influence quality and expectations towards studying. A historical essay can analyze the significant inventions that impacted education. For example, you may focus on the Internet .
  • South African Apartheid . The racial segregation regime threw South Africa into poverty and conflicts. Your essay might discuss the historical events that led it. Or you can trace the Apartheid’s timeline from setting to abolishment.
  • The founding of the United Nations . The organization’s support of equal human rights is crucial for modern society. The history of the UN is a broad topic with many key events. You may also study the influence of countries such as the USSR on its establishment.
  • Cultural trends during World War II. Music, fashion, and art reflected humanity’s hopes and fears of the world. They also supported people when life was tough. In a research paper, you can choose and describe specific examples. Discuss the impact of entertainment during that period, or compare it to World War I.
  • The creation of the United States’ Constitution is an interesting US history essay topic. The road to the first national frame of government includes many events. You can analyze the contents of the original Constitution articles based on their drafts.
  • Changes in European economies following the discovery of America . After Columbus’ return from his journey, the most powerful empires started to occupy new lands. Later, economic progress led the world to its current conditions. An essay that highlights these milestones can be fascinating!
  • Fight against terrorism . After September 11, 2001, the world enforced its war on terrorism. Governments applied measures such as peacemaking interventions to unstable areas. A historical assignment might include the most significant attacks. You can also discuss the UN’s campaigns against terrorism under this topic.
  • Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The attacks were crucial events that finished World War II . Your essay might address the events that led to the attacks. Discuss if there could have been other ways of stopping Japan’s aggression.
  • Urbanization in the US is an interesting essay topic. The most significant change took place in the 19th century. The railroads connected the whole country, and trading opportunities grew. Discuss why people moved from rural areas to cities and the consequences of it.
  • History of railroads in the United States. Broad territories were the major obstacles to American economic development. In 1827, the first railway journey took place in the US. The roads were rapidly built during the following century. A discussion these events is a fun historical assignment topic.
  • Immigration and scientific progress in the 20th century. Back then, thousands of Europeans were forced to migrate to the US. Many of them were responsible for important discoveries and inventions. Discuss its effect of immigration on science and technology in a historical essay.
  • The three most important inventions of the 19th century. The 1800s are full of creations that changed humanity’s history. Typewriters, bicycles, and telephones were first made in that period. For an essay, you can pick the inventions based on their historical value.
  • The stock market crash in 1929 was the worst experience for the industrialized world at the time. Entertainment during the Great Depression played an essential role in supporting America. It is also an interesting historical topic to write about.
  • The history behind today’s foreign affairs . Despite prolonged peace, governments still have political disagreements. Choose two conflicting countries and identify the events that led to the current situation.
  • The history of the LGBTQ community in the United States. Modern American society praises equity and respects the rights of minority groups. However, it wasn’t always like this. LGBTQ is a broad discussion topic influenced by past events. It might also be interesting to compare the US community to the European one.
  • The global financial crisis of 2008 is a great modern history essay topic . An economy can crash for multiple reasons. If it happens worldwide, the effects are severe. An argumentative essay can be a basis for analyzing the causes of the crisis. Compare it to other economic disasters such as the Great Depression .
  • Cultural progress led humanity to important social developments. One of them is the legalization of same-sex marriages . Historical analysis can include a timeline of such marriages. Social activism related to the topic is an excellent basis for an essay.
  • The Holocaust . One of the darkest events in the 20th century’s history is the European Jews’ genocide . Analyze the chain of events leading to it in a historical essay. How did it impact human rights enforcement during the post-war period?
  • Space exploration in the 21st century is a historical topic that develops right now. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin was founded in 2000, and Elon Musk started SpaceX in 2002. An essay can highlight the milestones of space exploration after the Cold War.
  • The history of Thanksgiving . Pilgrims established the holiday based on celebrating the harvest. Discuss the tradition’s roots and the impact of English colonists on American culture . An essay can also describe similar feasts around the world.
  • Another good history essay topic is Antarctica. The impactful exploration of ice lands only began in the late 19th century. Today, scientists study Antarctica’s land, resources, and animals. Trace the past events and discoveries of the region in your historical essay.
  • The history of infections. Our lives have changed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were similar events in the past, where plague and flu diseases killed millions of people. A comparison can help you learn about the development of today’s healthcare practices.
  • Women’s suffrage . In August 1920, the US Congress ratified the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. Many campaigns and protests preceded the event. The perception of women by society started transforming since then. An essay might describe the challenges leading to these changes.
  • History of the Olympic Games is a fascinating topic for middle school . The legacy of ancient Greece was revived only in the 19th century. Study the events that took place throughout the Olympic Games’ history.
  • If you need a world history essay topic, try writing about the International Red Cross . In 1863, Swiss businessman Henry Dunant established the Red Cross. He was influenced by the terrifying experience of seeing thousands of wounded men at war. A persuasive essay can highlight the organization’s historical importance.
  • Weapon development during World War II . Military weapons contributed to technological progress in the 20th century. A research paper might focus on the weapons invented during the War. You can also discuss the impact of military innovations on post-war life.
  • An essay on Korean history can analyze how one nation can change if divided into separate regimes. North and South Korea started making peace only in 2018. Try and determine the reasons for the 1948 separation and political instability.
  • Ku Klux Klan as a resistance movement is an important topic. Four million citizens nationwide joined the group in the 1920s. Such popularity revealed the demand for change. Your historical essay might include crucial outcomes of Klan’s activities. A comparison to the medieval inquisition might lead to interesting conclusions.
  • Globalization is another excellent history essay topic for high school students. The world has never had so many cultural and economic connections as it does today. Your essay can go through historical events that caused globalization . Or, you may analyze its benefits and downsides.
  • History of climate change . In 2009, the UN Climate Change Conference stated that the world is in danger due to human impact on climate. A historical essay can focus on the environmental factors of the topic. Alternatively, you may trace the discoveries and studies about climate change.
  • Labor Day is a national holiday first celebrated in the industrial era. It originated in the 19th century when workers spent 12 hours daily to earn the minimum wage. In your historical essay, describe the events that led to the holiday’s creation.
  • The history of the American presidency is a broad topic to write about. More than 40 people ruled the country and impacted all facets of America. For example, you may choose to evaluate education under different presidents . You can also compare democrats and republicans as presidents.
  • Gutenberg’s printing press invention changed the world. It was as significant in the 15th century as the Internet was for modern history. An essay can reconstruct the events before and after the invention of printing. Its impact on education and the economy are interesting points for discussion.
  • The European Union has deep historical roots since the Empire period. An essay about it might cover the timeline of democracy established in Europe. You can highlight the changes that took place in the countries that joined the Union. Alternatively, compare the organization and its aims to other historical alliances.
  • Modern religions are an intriguing subject for an essay. Historical events often shape peoples’ beliefs. Discuss why people started updating the main religions in recent decades.
  • Population resettlement took place multiple times in human history. For example, thousands of Serbian Albanians were forced to flee Kosovo during the 1999 conflict. An essay that describes a migration can include the reasons for it. Compare it to similar occurrences, and discuss its outcomes.
  • Ancient architecture is the most incredible legacy cherished by generations. Design patterns and colors of creations reflect the periods they were built in. For your essay, choose specific examples and mention the events associated with them. Research can include ancient European, Asian, or American architecture.
  • Socialism as a political regime significantly impacted world history. Socialist movements took place in Europe and the United States. The Soviet Union was established under its conditions. Choose this interesting 20th-century essay topic and describe a country affected by socialism. For example, China is still ruled by that regime.
  • History of democracy in Africa . African history includes centuries of foreign occupation. Yet, its countries have recently started getting deserved independence. Algeria, Morocco, Namibia, and Zimbabwe only got their democratic government in the last 60 years. Historical research can analyze the influence of ex-colonizers on Africa. Or, you may choose a country to describe its journey from a colony to a democracy.
  • History of South American countries. Colonizers occupied the regions in South America after Columbus’ journey. You can discuss the conflicts between the land’s native inhabitants and migrants. A research paper may also reveal how the nations were formed by combing two different populations.
  • The history behind the petroleum industry is an interesting basis for an essay. Oil defines the UAE and Russia’s economies and has significant influence in politics. Study the formation of the world’s oil industry, or choose one country to explore.
  • History of Native American tribes . More than 500 groups of Indigenous Americans lived in the US territories. Each had its own culture and policies. For your essay, gather information about conflicts between the natives and migrants.
  • History of vaccination . The development of this practice is an interesting essay topic. You can review the timeline, starting from the 1798 smallpox vaccine .
  • History of China . Write an essay that explores the most significant events of the country’s history. An interesting idea is to compare it to other major countries. Moreover, you can discuss the Chinese presence in the World Wars by analyzing its strategies.
  • Events that affected the environment. There are many examples of history playing against nature. Think of nuclear bomb explosions, rapid industrialization of the 19th century , and deforestation. Your essay might analyze several such events and provide lessons for the future.
  • The history behind popular foods . Migration and global trading helped humanity discover chocolate , potatoes, and coffee . A historical essay can focus on one product and describe what made it famous.
  • The Vikings played a significant role in European history. Scandinavians still cherish their traditions and unique culture. Your research might be about their settlements in Scotland, France, and Ireland. Also, you can describe the unique worldview of the Vikings.
  • Ancient piracy covers many themes that you can mention in an essay. The first pirates were the Sea Peoples in the 14th century BC. Today, the pirates still exist in politically unstable regions such as Somalia . Your historical paper can include the most significant acts of piracy in ancient times.
  • History of money . People have been exchanging goods throughout history. Yet in 770s BC, the Chinese invented the ultimate trading product— money . The historical timeline of the financial systems is an excellent topic for an essay.

Other History Essay Topics

  • European motives for expansion & colonization in New World
  • “Birth of Modernity” of Renaissance
  • Racial tensions and immigration in California
  • Gandhi’s innovative renovation of tradition explained
  • Colonists’ actions in the pre-revolutionary era
  • The French Revolution an outcome of Enlightenment ideas
  • The autobiography of St. Ignatius
  • Land disputes between native American groups and the United States
  • The 1930s generation of Soviet spies and operatives
  • The Tea Act and the Coercive Acts: Britain and the colonies
  • The Middle Ages as the “Dark Ages”
  • The making of the modern Middle East: term definition
  • The uniqueness of World War One
  • Social structure and lifestyles of the 1960s counterculture
  • Depression period and new deal legislation
  • United States’ policy of isolationism since the 19th century
  • History: Abraham Lincoln’s address in Gettysburg
  • The use of armed forces by the United States and its effect
  • Radical republicans during the Reconstruction era
  • Lincoln’s vs. Davis’ administrations during the war
  • Civil War’s impact on Northern and Southern economies
  • Consumerism critique in the 1950s-70s
  • Lincoln’s plan for Reconstruction and opposition to it
  • Women and blacks’ participation in the Civil War
  • War of 1812: reasons and outcomes for native communities
  • The causes of the Protestant reformation
  • Palestinian Liberation Organization’s history
  • Ethnographic sketch of Brazilians
  • British colonization of America and its results
  • What was the purpose of Lee’s plan on Gettysburg?
  • The leaders of command for the modern war in 1864
  • What did George Washington Thanksgiving proclamation state?
  • Post-WWII events that caused loss of faith in American way
  • European groups’ motives to migrate to America
  • Industrial economics and its social impact on Britain
  • Refugee definition development in the 20th century
  • Positive things to learn from Medieval culture
  • Scientific revolution in Western European civilization
  • The Spanish-American war: definition and facts
  • The role of violence in the America’s expansion
  • Protestant Reformation leaders & Catholic Church’s response
  • Asian studies: Takahashi Mutsuo’s “The Snow of Memory”
  • Colonization of freedmen: arguments for and against
  • Major milestones of the Kyoto treaty and Montreal Protocol
  • Progressive Era & New Deal outsiders and corporate ownership
  • American progressive movement and its participants
  • Steel industry & American history changes in the 1890-1920s
  • Anarchist & socialist movements and terrorism
  • What is the Third Estate? What role did it play in Revolution?
  • The Islamic revolution of 1979 and its main causes
  • Conservatism in American life from 1968 to the present
  • African American Civil Rights Movement in 1950-1980
  • Second World War and the end of colonial rule in Africa
  • The main reasons of the American Civil War
  • Alexander Graham Bell’s most important day
  • History of gangs in America and Utah
  • Civil Rights vs. Black Lives Matter movement
  • Latin America: national issues
  • American ancient people and Skull Wars
  • Historical events in history of white people of America
  • Reasons of Confederacy’s defeat during Civil War
  • Tombs Egypt during the period of 3200 BC to 1200 BC
  • Republican Reconstruction and its achievements
  • Christians-Rome relationship: persons and events
  • Lincoln’s answer to the Emancipation question
  • US women’s rights movements in 1850-1900
  • The Eighteenth Amendment and Volstead Act
  • Japan, China, and the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century
  • Capital punishment and African Americans
  • Industrial growth during the last 100 years in the US

These are a tiny handful of the wide array of topics that you can write about for history class. When in doubt, always solicit opinions from your professor. (The worst case scenario is that they say no.)

The analysis of historical events is subjective.

Most importantly:

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Remember, the analysis of historical events is subjective. Two scholars may have vastly unique explanations for a series of historical events unfolding the way they did. Accordingly, try to write from the perspective that your instructors most likely hold. And if you’re unsure, ask them to review a first draft of your essay, or at least talk to them about your thesis statement!

You might also be interested in:

  • A List of History Websites for a Perfect Research
  • World War 2 Essay Example + Argumentative Topics
  • Essay on India after Independence: How-to Guide and Prompts
  • 497 Interesting History Topics to Research
  • A List of 212 Brilliant Research Proposal Topics to Investigate
  • 350 Powerful Feminism & Women’s Rights Topics [2024]
  • 430 Philosophy Topics & Questions for Your Essay
  • 229 Good Dissertation Topics and Thesis Ideas for Ph.D. & Masters

Historical Essay FAQ

Students are often asked to write on historical topics. Such an essay can be:

1. A description of a persona; 2. An analysis of historical events; 3. An overview of the context of the whole epoch, etc.

In any case, a historical essay deals with a retrospective and requires looking into history.

There are countless interesting topics for essays and research projects. You can look into any epoch from the ancient times up to the present days. Choose something that genuinely fascinates you. You might prefer a controversial issue as it is more exciting to study.

For any research paper, it is essential to create an outline first. Once you’ve identified some key aspects that you want to focus on, write them as bullet points. They will become the Body of your research paper. Don’t forget to add an introduction and a conclusion.

Whether you write about the World, the civil, the cold, the Vietnam, or any other war, be sure to stay as objective as possible. It is a very emotionally charged topic, but you need to refrain from opinionated judgments. Do not resort to direct accusations.

  • Prewriting: Techniques to Get Started – Outlining: University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Understanding the Subjective Nature of History
  • Writing Cause and Effect Papers
  • One Hundred Good Research Paper Topics for History Class
  • History Topics
  • Modern History Resources
  • Research Paper Topics About United States History
  • The Importance of History Essay
  • The Foundation of History
  • What is History Essay Examples
  • Index: American History
  • World History: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Historical Topics: Library of Congress
  • American History: Smithsonian Institution
  • Political History: Historians.org
  • Primary Sources on History: Gale
  • History of the UN: United Nations
  • Ancient History Encyclopedia: Index
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Module 4: Imperial Reforms and Colonial Protests (1763-1774)

Historical thesis statements, learning objectives.

  • Recognize and create high-quality historical thesis statements

Some consider all writing a form of argument—or at least of persuasion. After all, even if you’re writing a letter or an informative essay, you’re implicitly trying to persuade your audience to care about what you’re saying. Your thesis statement represents the main idea—or point—about a topic or issue that you make in an argument. For example, let’s say that your topic is social media. A thesis statement about social media could look like one of the following sentences:

  • Social media are hurting the communication skills of young Americans.
  • Social media are useful tools for social movements.

A basic thesis sentence has two main parts: a claim  and support for that claim.

  • The Immigration Act of 1965 effectively restructured the United States’ immigration policies in such a way that no group, minority or majority, was singled out by being discriminated against or given preferential treatment in terms of its ability to immigrate to America.

Identifying the Thesis Statement

A thesis consists of a specific topic and an angle on the topic. All of the other ideas in the text support and develop the thesis. The thesis statement is often found in the introduction, sometimes after an initial “hook” or interesting story; sometimes, however, the thesis is not explicitly stated until the end of an essay, and sometimes it is not stated at all. In those instances, there is an implied thesis statement. You can generally extract the thesis statement by looking for a few key sentences and ideas.

Most readers expect to see the point of your argument (the thesis statement) within the first few paragraphs. This does not mean that it has to be placed there every time. Some writers place it at the very end, slowly building up to it throughout their work, to explain a point after the fact. For history essays, most professors will expect to see a clearly discernible thesis sentence in the introduction. Note that many history papers also include a topic sentence, which clearly state what the paper is about

Thesis statements vary based on the rhetorical strategy of the essay, but thesis statements typically share the following characteristics:

  • Presents the main idea
  • Most often is one sentence
  • Tells the reader what to expect
  • Is a summary of the essay topic
  • Usually worded to have an argumentative edge
  • Written in the third person

This video explains thesis statements and gives a few clear examples of how a good thesis should both make a claim and forecast specific ways that the essay will support that claim.

You can view the  transcript for “Thesis Statement – Writing Tutorials, US History, Dr. Robert Scafe” here (opens in new window) .

Writing a Thesis Statement

A good basic structure for a thesis statement is “they say, I say.” What is the prevailing view, and how does your position differ from it? However, avoid limiting the scope of your writing with an either/or thesis under the assumption that your view must be strictly contrary to their view.

Following are some typical thesis statements:

  • Although many readers believe Romeo and Juliet to be a tale about the ill fate of two star-crossed lovers, it can also be read as an allegory concerning a playwright and his audience.
  • The “War on Drugs” has not only failed to reduce the frequency of drug-related crimes in America but actually enhanced the popular image of dope peddlers by romanticizing them as desperate rebels fighting for a cause.
  • The bulk of modern copyright law was conceived in the age of commercial printing, long before the Internet made it so easy for the public to compose and distribute its own texts. Therefore, these laws should be reviewed and revised to better accommodate modern readers and writers.
  • The usual moral justification for capital punishment is that it deters crime by frightening would-be criminals. However, the statistics tell a different story.
  • If students really want to improve their writing, they must read often, practice writing, and receive quality feedback from their peers.
  • Plato’s dialectical method has much to offer those engaged in online writing, which is far more conversational in nature than print.

Thesis Problems to Avoid

Although you have creative control over your thesis sentence, you still should try to avoid the following problems, not for stylistic reasons, but because they indicate a problem in the thinking that underlies the thesis sentence.

  • Hospice workers need support. This is a thesis sentence; it has a topic (hospice workers) and an argument (need support). But the argument is very broad. When the argument in a thesis sentence is too broad, the writer may not have carefully thought through the specific support for the rest of the writing. A thesis argument that’s too broad makes it easy to fall into the trap of offering information that deviates from that argument.
  • Hospice workers have a 55% turnover rate compared to the general health care population’s 25% turnover rate.  This sentence really isn’t a thesis sentence at all, because there’s no argument to support it. A narrow statistic, or a narrow statement of fact, doesn’t offer the writer’s own ideas or analysis about a topic.

Let’s see some examples of potential theses related to the following prompt:

  • Bad thesis : The relationship between the American colonists and the British government changed after the French & Indian War.
  • Better thesis : The relationship between the American colonists and the British government was strained following the Revolutionary war.
  • Best thesis : Due to the heavy debt acquired by the British government during the French & Indian War, the British government increased efforts to tax the colonists, causing American opposition and resistance that strained the relationship between the colonists and the crown.

Practice identifying strong thesis statements in the following interactive.

Supporting Evidence for Thesis Statements

A thesis statement doesn’t mean much without supporting evidence. Oftentimes in a history class, you’ll be expected to defend your thesis, or your argument, using primary source documents. Sometimes these documents are provided to you, and sometimes you’ll need to go find evidence on your own. When the documents are provided for you and you are asked to answer questions about them, it is called a document-based question, or DBQ. You can think of a DBQ like a miniature research paper, where the research has been done for you. DBQs are often used on standardized tests, like this DBQ from the 2004 U.S. History AP exam , which asked students about the altered political, economic, and ideological relations between Britain and the colonies because of the French & Indian War. In this question, students were given 8 documents (A through H) and expected to use these documents to defend and support their argument. For example, here is a possible thesis statement for this essay:

  • The French & Indian War altered the political, economic, and ideological relations between the colonists and the British government because it changed the nature of British rule over the colonies, sowed the seeds of discontent, and led to increased taxation from the British.

Now, to defend this thesis statement, you would add evidence from the documents. The thesis statement can also help structure your argument. With the thesis statement above, we could expect the essay to follow this general outline:

  • Introduction—introduce how the French and Indian War altered political, economic, and ideological relations between the colonists and the British
  • Show the changing map from Doc A and greater administrative responsibility and increased westward expansion
  • Discuss Doc B, frustrations from the Iroquois Confederacy and encroachment onto Native lands
  • Could also mention Doc F and the result in greater administrative costs
  • Use Doc D and explain how a colonial soldier notices disparities between how they are treated when compared to the British
  • Use General Washington’s sentiments in Doc C to discuss how these attitudes of reverence shifted after the war. Could mention how the war created leadership opportunities and gave military experience to colonists.
  • Use Doc E to highlight how the sermon showed optimism about Britain ruling the colonies after the war
  • Highlight some of the political, economic, and ideological differences related to increased taxation caused by the War
  • Use Doc F, the British Order in Council Statement, to indicate the need for more funding to pay for the cost of war
  • Explain Doc G, frustration from Benjamin Franklin about the Stamp Act and efforts to repeal it
  • Use Doc H, the newspaper masthead saying “farewell to liberty”, to highlight the change in sentiments and colonial anger over the Stamp Act

As an example, to argue that the French & Indian War sowed the seeds of discontent, you could mention Document D, from a Massachusetts soldier diary, who wrote, “And we, being here within stone walls, are not likely to get liquors or clothes at this time of the year; and though we be Englishmen born, we are debarred [denied] Englishmen’s liberty.” This shows how colonists began to see their identity as Americans as distinct from those from the British mainland.

Remember, a strong thesis statement is one that supports the argument of your writing. It should have a clear purpose and objective, and although you may revise it as you write, it’s a good idea to start with a strong thesis statement the give your essay direction and organization. You can check the quality of your thesis statement by answering the following questions:

  • If a specific prompt was provided, does the thesis statement answer the question prompt?
  • Does the thesis statement make sense?
  • Is the thesis statement historically accurate?
  • Does the thesis statement provide clear and cohesive reasoning?
  • Is the thesis supportable by evidence?

thesis statement : a statement of the topic of the piece of writing and the angle the writer has on that topic

  • Thesis Statements. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1/wp-admin/post.php?post=576&action=edit . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Thesis Examples. Authored by : Cody Chun, Kieran O'Neil, Kylie Young, Julie Nelson Christoph. Provided by : The University of Puget Sound. Located at : https://soundwriting.pugetsound.edu/universal/thesis-dev-six-steps.html . Project : Sound Writing. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Writing Practice: Building Thesis Statements. Provided by : The Bill of Rights Institute, OpenStax, and contributing authors. Located at : https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:L3kRHhAr@7/1-22-%F0%9F%93%9D-Writing-Practice-Building-Thesis-Statements . License : CC BY: Attribution . License Terms : Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected].
  • Thesis Statement - Writing Tutorials, US History, Dr. Robert Scafe. Provided by : OU Office of Digital Learning. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hjAk8JI0IY&t=310s . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
  • Our Process

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Argumentative History Essay Topics

Published by Ellie Cross at June 7th, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023

The challenge of writing an argumentative essay is trickier than many students might imagine. Many people around us believe that sarcastic and offensive content are the foundations of good arguments. Well, that’s not entirely true. A convincing argument is grounded in facts, not emotions. It remains valid and compelling.

A perfect argumentative history essay contends that the idea presented by the author is true and conclusive. In an argumentative history essay, the writer aims to persuade the readers with evidence and facts.

A good persuasive history essay topic grabs the reader’s attention while allowing you to write persuasively. The more contentious the topic, the more it stands out, making it easier to take a firm stand.

You will find that a new opinion, perspective, and admiration for your writing talent will emerge after people read about controversial topics. So, this blog post presents many argumentative history essay topics to help you get started with your history assignment.

History is an intriguing subject fraught with enigmas, mysteries and contradictory opinions. Whilst drafting a history essay may sound challenging, particularly if one does not believe themselves to be a skilled writer, it is not as tough as most people assume.

Indeed, it can be a fun-filled activity to compose an argumentative history essay. However, finding a robust history topic is paramount in ensuring that you thoroughly enjoy the work and produce an excellent piece. Here are some of the best topics for an argumentative history essay that you can use to hook your readers.

Also Read: How to Write an Essay 

Argumentative History Topics

The era of good feeling.

This topic will focus on the history of the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The United States, under the administration of President Monroe, experienced a period in its political history that epitomised a sense of nationhood and an aspiration for unity among Americans.

A Retrospective of the History of the 1812 War

The French Revolutionary Wars (1792-99) and the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815) led to the strains that culminated in the War of 1812. Throughout this almost perpetual war between France and Britain, the attempts of both countries to dissuade the United States from trading with the other harmed American interests.

An Analysis of The Factors That Led to The Fall of The Western Roman Empire

This essay will explore the possible factors of the fall of the western roman empire. Irrespective of the actual cause, be it religion, a foreign incursion or the domestic deterioration of the city, the topic still interests academicians and researchers from around the world. The decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire occurred exclusively in the west. The eastern part, which would later become known as the Byzantine Empire, survived the centuries and retained a distinctly Roman character in many ways.

A Glimpse of The Reasons for NATO’s Formation

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is one of the most important international institutions globally. This essay aims to shed light on NATO’s main objectives, which countries are members of it and how they make their decisions.

A Brief Summary of World War I

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914, which marked the beginning of the First World War. At first glance, it seems to be an insignificant battle between the two countries. Still, it is interesting to note how quickly the conflict got Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France involved due to treaties that pledged them to defend certain other states.

Also Read: Argumentative Culture Essay Topics 

The Impact of the World War I On the Social Status of Women

Many people believe that World War I was one of the most pivotal incidents changing women’s role and status today. In this topic, we will try to broach all the salient points and conclude whether World War I actually changed the position and status of women and whether it still impacts us today.

Women and World War I

This topic aims to highlight women’s contributions during World War I. Women worked in different industrial and agricultural sectors while millions of men served their country. Many other women served at the front as nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, translators, and combatants.

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

Are you struggling to find amazing argumentative essay ideas on American history? Take it easy! You are about to discover some great essay topics on American history.

Topics Related to the American Civil War

Several personalities and occurrences precipitate a civil war at the national and international levels. The topics will focus on them and their consequences.

  • Did women play a significant role in the Civil War?
  • How did the Civil War improve the United States?
  • Should the Civil War’s losers be commemorated or mourned?
  • Is there a difference between Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, a leader?
  • Was Britain’s participation in the Civil War insignificant?
  • Was the Mexican War the Civil War’s first battle?
  • Was the Civil War primarily motivated by economic or moral concerns?
  • What were the main points of contention between the North and the South?
  • Who benefited more from the 1850 Compromise: The North or the South?

Also read: Criminal Law Essay Topics

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American Industrial Revolution

Industries exert a substantial impact, both economically and socially. Concentrate on this particular connection, as it has remained crucial from the past until the present.

  • Was it true that the industrial revolution had given birth to urbanisation?
  • How much impact did the 1830 reform law have on the industrial revolution?
  • To what extent did the industrial revolution raise living standards?
  • What sparked the industrial revolution, and why did it happen?
  • Is it true that the industrial revolution was good for the common person?
  • What was the darkest aspect of the industrial revolution?
  • What role did women play throughout the industrial revolution?

Argumentative Religion and History Essay Topics

How did religion change the modern world.

Religion is inextricably linked to faith. The modern world is very difficult to comprehend if one doesn’t realise the implications of religious belief,” Tony Blair said at a religious foundation. Millions after millions of people are motivated, incentivised, organised, and integrated by this religion. This essay will explore all the effects of faith on the world today.

Also Read: Controversial Essay Topics 

Topics Related to Colonisation in History 

An exploration of the british domination in the colonies.

This topic is primarily about exploring what British rule was like in the colonies. Even though each colony had its administration, the British king was in charge of all of them. In the 1770s, many colonists were angry because they lacked self-government. They could not govern themselves or make their laws.

Impact of British Colonization on Kenya

Kenya’s religion and culture, education and governance were all affected by British colonisation. In Kenya, British colonialism significantly impacted African religion and culture. The topic will help you to study its detailed history about it.

Understanding the Roots of The Conflict Between the American Colonies and Great Britain

The American Revolution took different stands against English colonisation and other European invaders. In general, the colonies were tired of the impositions and control of the European masters, who changed frequently and were sometimes irrational in implementing the colonialists’ intentions.

Through The British Administration of Colonialism, The United States Has Had a Long History of Taxation.

This topic is the inaugural in a series looking at the colonial roots of America.

The British Aided the Defeat of Nazi Germany During World War II

Let’s discover what the major part played Britain in its victory over Nazi Germany was?

The Proliferation of Populism and Ideology Over the Holocaust

During the Holocaust, populism and ideology were visible in different phases. This discussion aims to define populism and ideology. How did they fare through the Holocaust?

Taxation. It will give an overview of America’s first Century of colonial tax.

Industrial Revolution and World progress during the 18th and 19th Century

Writing an essay on this topic aims to know about the 18th and 19th centuries when the Industrial Revolution positively impacted the world. This included the increase in wealth, the creation of goods and the rise in living standards. People had better meals, nicer homes and cheaper items. In addition, schooling increased greatly during the Industrial Revolution.

Also Read: Argumentative Business Essay Topics

Topics Related to Historical Arts, Culture and Society

  • The various transformations in the American way of life
  • The Harlem renaissance people, art and literary movement
  • The downward trajectory of society in America
  • White superiority issues in the American society
  • A look at the changes in the Texan economy, population and culture from 1876 to 1990.
  • An oversight on the expansion of the society in America

More Argumentative History Essay Topics

Indian Festivals are an integral facet at the heart of the national culture.

The aim is to examine the role of Indian festivals at both local and national levels. How did they contribute to shaping the identity of different cultural groups?

Humans consuming psychedelic drugs can think more creatively

A discussion about the effects of various drugs on the human mind. Probe into some notable cases and experiments with drug testing.

American Revolution and its Presentation in the Movies

Browse the web for a couple of movies based on the American Revolution. Then examine the historical accuracy of their arguments.

Vincent Van Gogh and Bipolar-Disorder

Investigate Vincent Van Gogh’s actions and his medical case notes. Make an argument for or against the above concept.

Topics Related to History of Technology

World War II and the role of technology in the result of the war The war effort required advances in science and technology that irrevocably changed American lives and paved the way for modern technology. Let’s look at how technology changed the globe after World War II.

  • Roman Road and the Structure
  • The era of Bronze and Advanced Farming
  • Advancement of Technology in the Times of Ancient Rome
  • The Historical Evolution in the Field of Medical
  • The Age of Enlightenment brought rapid scientific progress to Europe
  • The science behind the atomic power
  • A look at the way China adopted new modes of censorship with the creation of the internet  

Also read: Argumentative Education Essay Topics

Topics on European History

  • Which scientific breakthroughs were made in late-nineteenth and early-nineteenth-century Europe?
  • What triggered the English Reformation, according to Tudor history?
  • Which economic and political advantages did the formation of the European Union provide for the member states?
  • Describe the history of the European Union. Argue on the economic and political dimensions of the situation.

Find more topics in our free essay topics library. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 5 argumentative history essay topics.

1. Impact of the Industrial Revolution on society 2. Causes and consequences of World War II 3. Civil rights movement in the United States 4. Rise and fall of the Roman Empire 5. The significance of the French Revolution in shaping modern democracy.

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45+ Excellent History Argumentative Essay Topics

history argumentative essay topics

Table of Contents

History baffles even the most seasoned academics. There is so much information that must be memorized and then analyzed to find relevant truths and facts. While writing an argumentative essay, is different than merely reading a history book or connecting the dots in an expository essay.

Ideas and questions for an argumentative essay need to be drawn carefully and then credible sources should be scoured to ensure only the facts and figures end up on paper. This is ideal for writing argumentative essays concerning historical issues and developments. But before researching and writing, it is necessary to pick a topic that transcends common bounds.

Argumentative Essay Writing 101

An argumentative essay is subjective in the writer’s approach but that approach should be proved through evidence from reliable sources. This is what makes argumentative essay writing different from others. It has structured information covered in major sections along with an unbiased tone and voice. 

The primary motive for writing an argumentative essay on a historical issue is to convince the readers about a certain viewpoint. For instance, if readers thought A to be a common reason for a conflict, then a writer can provide evidence to the reader to prove B was the real culprit.

There is more than one single type of argumentative essay which we will cover in the closing chapters of the blog.

Challenges In Choosing Argumentative Essay Topics

When students or writers pick a topic to write in a historical argumentative essay , there are challenges and issues that they face with these topics. History is a difficult subject with many technicalities and pitfalls.

In this section, we will cover the most common challenges that students while choosing a topic or writing an argumentative history essay.

Inevitability of Events

While studying the causality and inevitability of the events that happened in the past, we rarely cover the whole picture of the issue. This is a big understatement since we need to take into account all the underlying issues and their effects. The speculative nature of historical learning allows for connecting the dots where they never existed and coming up with lessons for all readers.

Useless Listing

Historical argumentative essays are not about listing all the events and their succeeding developments. Many volumes can do that by chronologically listing all the events of history. This is counterproductive for an analytical paper. The job of a writer is to connect the dots for the causes and effects of the event or the subject under consideration.

Finding Significance

Just like avoiding useless listing and chronological tables, it is necessary to find significance in what is left in your sources to write the essay. To do that, the first step is cluttering the research table. Then, omit everything that can be omitted and take things that can stand the trials of expounding, argumentation, and evidential information. Everything else will find a better place somewhere.

Avoiding Ambiguous Phrases

Both historical figures and events are considered to be either “good” or “bad”. This is a limited and misleading view of things that can be more than what they are perceived. That’s the reason students should avoid ambiguous words and phrases in their essays because they not only mislead the readers but also make their writing weak. Always aim for dynamic vocabulary.

Speculative History Argumentative Essay Topics

History is not something that must be read and memorized like scriptures. It is to be learned and understood so that the issues of the past can be identified today and their harmful effects can be materialized. In this type of argumentative essay, you need to cover all the relevant bases to ensure your conclusion coincides with the academic truth.

  • In the face of world wars, one war lasted for less than an hour only
  • The Arab numerals were invented by the Indians
  • Time magazine hailed Hitler as the man of the year
  • Middle Ages were not a good time to be a peasant
  • The Roman baths were more than just baths – they were places for the rehabilitation of soldiers
  • Battle of Stalingrad and control of railway stations
  • At one time, Sparta had only 25000 inhabitants with over 500000 slaves
  • Peace is an illusion that intoxicates the weak
  • The culture of tea-making and drinking in Britain
  • The sick British Judiciary and improperly cooked potatoes
  • China – a warring state from within
  • The fall of Rome and the endurance of the Roman Empire
  • Slave laborers in Ancient Egypt
  • The maladies of the genius and Leonardo da Vinci

Historical Argumentative Essay Topics On War

War is the behemoth that is haunting the human past and future. We have been studying it for a long time in our academic discourses but we have not found a formula or an antidote to its onslaught. While writing an argumentative essay on historical issues, war is a supreme topic of interest with much room for original thought and learning.

  • Changing family traditions in the face of Second World War
  • The boom in food packaging during world wars
  • The development of new professions in world wars
  • Fruits of Nazi labor in science and technology during the war
  • The Spanish Flu pandemic and its effects on WWI
  • The tragic reality of trench warfare in France and Germany
  • Was Hitler responsible for the Second World War?
  • Jew sympathizers in Hitler’s Army
  • The interwar period was the prelude to WWII
  • The impacts of world wars on the USSR
  • The potential of the Russian military in world wars

Top History Argumentative Essay Titles On Revolutions

There are two modes of change in our societies. One is an evolution where a change or development takes place gradually. The other one is revolution. This is what happens when evolution takes a back seat and people want to change things overnight. The revolutions used to be bloody and chaotic to bring about political or social change.

  • The effects of European Revolutions on colonies
  • Role of the French invasion in Spanish American Wars
  • The Cuban presidency quagmire
  • The misgivings of the Shah of Iran led to Iranian Revolution
  • The storming of Bastille – a symbol of monarchy
  • Three Estates and the French Revolution
  • Economic impacts that led to American Revolution
  • Cultural Revolution in China and the fruits of propaganda
  • Boston Tea Party was a prelude to American Revolution
  • The indifference of French nobility to the problems of ordinary people
  • Differences between political and socio-economic revolutions
  • The precursors of revolutions in China and Iran

Best Historical Argumentative Essay Topics On Ancient History Figures

Individuals shape the course of history more than we like to think. Behind every war or social revolution is an individual with a plan or a lack of one. This is where the historical argumentative essay comes into the picture. In this section, we have covered some of the best topics for your school or college essays.

  • Plato vs. Aristotle – who was the founder of scientific thought?
  • The controversy surrounding Diogenes
  • The father of tragedy in ancient Rome and Greece
  • The Greek Identity was born out of Homer’s toil
  • Father of Ancient Democracy – Cleisthenes
  • The effects of Alexander’s conquest in the East
  • Hippocrates – the father of medicine in the enlightened world
  • Avicenna – the polymath of the Islamic Golden Age of Learning
  • Thomas Aquinas and bridging of science and religion
  • Marco Polo travels to China

Types of Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays cover arguments for an idea on both sides while particularly stressing one. Like expository essays, there are multiple types of argumentative essays based on their focus, subject matter, and needs.

This section is dedicated to helping students with identifying and mastering the art and science behind different types of these essays.

Persuasive Essays

As the name indicates, persuasive essays present both sides of an argument and then try to convince the readers that one side of the argument is better or more sound than the other. The author should present his stance clearly and ensure that arguments and evidence are followed through. In addition to this, writers should refute other views to add value to their values and points of view.

Research Papers

Research papers rely on academic sources and citations to make and strengthen an argument. As the name suggests, this type of argumentative essay cover topics of a wide variety including politics, war, social issues, and so on. The arguments will cover both sides of the argument to ensure that everything is clear for the readers. It is also about not siding with any argument and presenting the proof as objectively as possible.

Analytical Papers

Analysis essays are about analyzing the arguments of other writers. While doing so, writers dissect every aspect of the essay to make sure that the argument it wanted to pursue was well-founded. In addition to this, writers also judge the elements of clarity, persuasiveness, organization of information, and so on. Apart from all the objective ends, writers should make it clear the side they are on, whether they are supporting or opposing the thesis.

What are some of the best historical argumentative topics?

The best historical arguments cover the depth and scope of the issue. They are introspective without sacrificing cause for effect. In studying history and its issues, there is no better way to learn and analyze than through argumentative essays.

Can you provide an example of a historical argument?

A historical argument usually questions the scope and reach of a reason or cause that led to a major development. In that way, here is an example of a historical argument. “Homer is the father of ancient art of studying history through Egyptian studies.”

What is the significance of historical issues?

History defines our past and dictates our future. The foundations of things laid down in our yesterday come to haunt us tomorrow. In this stance, it is necessary to critically learn and examine things from a historical point of view. The lessons should be learned and applied with a clear focus in mind.

Is it possible that all historical essays are argumentative?

It is not possible because what makes an argumentative essay is its reliance on a single, well-founded argument. The writers explain and prove this argument through evidential information from multiple credible sources.

How long should an ideal historical argumentative essay be?

There is no ideal length for any argumentative essay unless its scope and thesis are defined exceptionally in the end. Still, the word count for essays is often set in schools and colleges because teachers need to gauge the research and writing chops of the writers. In that sense, an argumentative essay should not be less than 1200 words.

How to compose a historical argument thesis?

A thesis is the summation of the main idea or theme of an essay. It distills the idea into a single or a couple of sentences that can provide the stance of the writer. Writers also use it to open an essay or to bridge the introduction section with the main body.

Concluding Remarks

Historical essays are hard to tackle because students need to analyze things from a historical setting without deviating from the set path. The vastness of the subject and the differing points of view are also some of the things that can make an issue for the writers. In this blog post, we have covered different topic ideas for historical argumentative essays, including war, politics, history, and so on.

So, if you need to write an essay on a topic related to history, this will be a definitive guide for you!

Courtesy of PerfectEssay

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Essay Typer

512 History Essay Topics & Good Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

History essay topics provide a wide range of subjects that cover different eras, cultures, and historical events. Some themes offer numerous opportunities for detailed exploration and robust discussions. These topics cover narratives from ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Romans, to modern-day conflicts and revolutions. Moreover, students can engage with topics, like the fall of the Roman Empire or the intricate dynamics of the French Revolution. Another area of focus can be the Industrial Revolution and its monumental impact on societal structures. More recent events, such as the World Wars, the Cold War, and the decolonization movement, also offer rich materials. Topics on non-Western history, including the dynastic periods in China, the Mughal era in India, and pre-colonial African societies, provide alternative viewpoints. Examining history through the lenses of gender, race, and culture can lead to a reevaluation of conventional narratives. In essence, history essay topics act as windows to the past, bridging it to the present, shedding light on patterns, errors, victories, and transformations that deepen the comprehension of the collective human experience.

Best History Essay Topics

  • The Impact of the Printing Press on Renaissance Europe
  • Unraveling the Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
  • Life and Legacy of Alexander the Great: An Exploration
  • Hidden Meanings: The Symbolism in Egyptian Hieroglyphics
  • Salem Witch Trials: Fear and Paranoia in 17th Century America
  • Exploration and Impact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
  • Mysteries Surrounding the Construction of the Pyramids
  • Understanding the Japanese Feudal System: A Comprehensive Study
  • Viking Culture: Examining Myths and Reality
  • Indian Independence: Non-Violence and the Role of Mahatma Gandhi
  • Decoding the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Historical Investigation
  • Origins and Influence of the Magna Carta in Modern Democracies
  • Social Impacts of the Industrial Revolution on Victorian Britain
  • Effects of Marco Polo’s Travels on Europe’s Perception of Asia
  • Sparta vs. Athens: Differing Approaches to Greek City-States
  • Human Sacrifices in Aztec Culture: Rituals and Beliefs
  • The Formation of the Silk Road: Trade and Cultural Exchange
  • World War I: The Aftermath and the Road to World War II
  • The Enigma of the Roanoke Colony: America’s Lost Settlement
  • Transformative Power of the American Civil Rights Movement
  • Napoleon Bonaparte: Military Genius or the Tyrant of Europe?
  • The Significance of the Ottoman Empire in World History

History Essay Topics & Good Ideas

Easy History Essay Topics

  • Mysteries of the Mayan Civilization: An Archaeological Perspective
  • Hidden Treasures: Unearthing the Secrets of the Terracotta Army
  • The Bubonic Plague: How Did It Shape Medieval Europe?
  • The Mystery and History of Stonehenge: A Druidical Design?
  • The Partition of India and Pakistan: A Human Tragedy
  • The Influence of Roman Law on Modern Legal Systems
  • Confucianism’s Impact on Chinese Society and Governance
  • Russian Revolution: Causes and Consequences
  • Joan of Arc: Heroine, Saint, or Heretic?
  • The Birth of Democracy in Ancient Greece: A Critical Analysis
  • Zulu Kingdom: The Rise and Fall
  • The Role of Religion in the Crusades
  • Uncovering the Origins of the Renaissance: A Thorough Analysis
  • Transatlantic Slave Trade: A Dark Chapter in Human History
  • The Mongol Empire: Influence and Expansion Under Genghis Khan
  • Analyzing the Social Effects of Prohibition in the 1920s America
  • Age of Discovery: Columbus and the New World
  • Understanding the Holocaust: The Systematic Annihilation of Jews
  • The Evolution of Samurai Culture in Feudal Japan
  • The Cultural Revolution in China: Causes and Impact

Interesting History Essay Topics

  • The Birth of Jazz in African American Communities
  • The Berlin Wall: Symbol of Division and Its Fall
  • Women’s Suffrage Movement: Struggle and Triumph
  • Influence of the Byzantine Empire on Early Christianity
  • The Legacy of Cleopatra: Egypt’s Last Pharaoh
  • Fall of Constantinople: The End of the Byzantine Empire
  • The Cultural Impact of the Harlem Renaissance
  • Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia: A Military Disaster
  • The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Thought
  • The Spanish Inquisition: Its Impact on Religious Freedom
  • Colonialism in Africa: Long-Term Effects and Consequences
  • Humanism in the Renaissance: Its Influence and Importance
  • The French Resistance in World War II: An Undercover War
  • The Apollo Moon Landing: A Leap for Mankind
  • The Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany
  • Migration and Settlement of the Vikings: A Historical Overview
  • Rise of Fascism: Italy under Mussolini
  • The Opium Wars: The Clash between the British Empire and China
  • The Code of Hammurabi: An Examination of Ancient Babylonian Law

History Essay Topics for High School

  • Significance of the Magna Carta in British History
  • The Cultural Revolution: China’s Sociopolitical Shifts
  • Spanish Armada: Triumphs, Tragedies, and Implications
  • The Black Death: Disease, Destruction, and Aftermath in Medieval Europe
  • Harriet Tubman: Freedom, Courage, and the Underground Railroad
  • Trail of Tears: Native American Displacement and Resilience
  • The Scientific Revolution: Unraveling Truths and Transforming Perspectives
  • African Kingdoms: Wealth, Power, and Innovation
  • Democracy’s Birth: Athenian Politics and Philosophy
  • Samurai and Shoguns: Feudal Japan’s Hierarchy
  • Roman Gladiators: Heroes, Horrors, and Historical Impacts
  • Napoleon Bonaparte: Conquests, Reforms, and Downfall
  • Slavery’s Legacy: The United States’ Struggle for Civil Rights
  • Apartheid’s Shadows: South Africa’s Road to Reconciliation
  • Women’s Suffrage Movement: Progress and Paradoxes
  • Cuban Missile Crisis: Brinkmanship, Resolution, and Legacy
  • Martin Luther’s Theses: Catalysts for the Protestant Reformation
  • Aztec Civilization: Achievements, Fall, and Spanish Conquest
  • Holocaust’s Horror: Unveiling the Shoah’s Realities
  • Mughal Empire’s Magnificence: Culture, Conquests, and Contributions
  • The Crusades: Religion, Conflict, and Historical Perspectives

History Essay Topics for Middle School

  • The Renaissance: Catalyst for the Modern World
  • Vikings’ Voyage: Discoveries, Culture, and Scandinavian Influence
  • The Great Depression: Causes, Consequences, and Recovery
  • The French Revolution: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’s Fight
  • Stalin’s Reign: Policies, Purges, and WWII.
  • Revolutionary War’s Effect on the American Identity
  • Byzantine Empire: Crossroads of Culture and Trade
  • Decolonization of Africa: Struggles, Triumphs, and Aftermath
  • Incas’ Ingenuity: Empire Building in the Andes
  • World War I: Catalysts, Combat, and Consequences
  • Cold War’s Effects on Global Politics
  • Mayans’ Mysteries: Understanding the Mesoamerican Civilization
  • The Atomic Age: Nuclear Power’s Promise and Peril
  • Egyptian Pharaohs: Dynasties, Deities, and Discoveries
  • Revolutionary France’s Impacts on the Modern State
  • War of 1812: Interpretations and Implications
  • Babylonian Empire: Hammurabi, His Code, and Ancient Justice
  • Formation and Fall of the Soviet Union
  • Ming Dynasty’s Contributions to Chinese Culture and Exploration
  • Prohibition Era: The Roaring Twenties and American Society

History Essay Topics for College Students

  • The Evolution of Democracy: Ancient Greece to Modern Times
  • Colonialism and its Impact on Modern African Nations
  • Revolutionary Implications of the Magna Carta
  • Evolution of Roman Military Tactics
  • Cultural Shifts: Harlem Renaissance and African American Identity
  • Impacts of the Industrial Revolution on Victorian Society
  • Decolonization and Its Effects on Southeast Asia
  • Medieval Chivalry: Ideals and Reality
  • Witch Trials: Superstition and Society in Early Modern Europe
  • Napoleon Bonaparte’s Strategies and Their Effect on Europe
  • Apartheid in South Africa: Causes and Consequences
  • American Prohibition: Intentions and Unforeseen Repercussions
  • Influences of Renaissance Art on European Culture
  • Silk Road: Trade, Culture, and Consequences
  • The Great Depression: Causes, Impacts, and Recovery
  • Influences of the Ottoman Empire on the Modern Middle East
  • Tracing Communism: Russian Revolution to Cold War
  • Unveiling Ancient Egypt: Myth, Culture, and Civilization
  • Viking Age: Exploration, Expansion, and Culture
  • The Enlightenment: Philosophers and Their Influences on Western Thought

History Essay Topics for University

  • Holocaust: Tragedy, Human Rights, and Aftermath
  • Atomic Age: Nuclear Power and Its Global Impact
  • Civil War: Divisions and Reunions in the United States
  • Reformation: Martin Luther’s Theses and Their Impact on Christianity
  • Expansion of the Mongol Empire: Tactics and Influence
  • French Revolution: Causes, Course, and Consequences
  • The Crusades: Motives, Methods, and Historical Impact
  • Native American Tribes: Cultures and Contributions Pre-Columbus
  • Slavery Abolition: Global Perspectives and Implications
  • The Space Race: Politics, Technology, and Achievements
  • Holocaust Survivors: Stories, Memories, and Historical Importance
  • Byzantine Empire: Rise, Fall, and Legacy
  • Manifest Destiny and the American Westward Expansion
  • Cold War Espionage: Tactics, Technology, and Impact
  • European Exploration: Columbus, Magellan, and the Age of Discovery
  • Women’s Suffrage: Struggles, Successes, and Effects
  • Samurai Culture in Feudal Japan: Honor, Warfare, and Legacy
  • Berlin Wall: Symbol of Division and Its Fall
  • Partition of India: Causes, Violence, and Post-Colonial Impact
  • The Influence of Religion on Medieval Europe
  • Nineteenth-Century Imperialism: Justification, Exploitation, and Resistance

African History Topics

  • Kingdoms of Ancient Africa: Egypt, Carthage, and Aksum
  • Ethiopia’s Roles in the Early Christian Movement
  • Mansa Musa and the Prosperity of the Mali Empire
  • African Influence on Greek and Roman Civilizations
  • Nubian Dynasties: Power Shifts Along the Nile
  • Trade Networks: Trans-Saharan Routes’ Impact
  • Zulu Nation’s Military Innovation and Imperial Expansion
  • Slavery’s Devastating Effects on West Africa
  • Pan-Africanism: Ideology, Impact, and Influential Figures
  • Resistance Movements Against Colonial Rule in the 20th Century
  • African Diaspora: Cultural Retentions and Transformations
  • Maafa’s Legacy: Understanding the Atlantic Slave Trade
  • Independence Movements: Ghana Leads the Way
  • Genocide in Rwanda: Causes and Aftermath
  • Cultural Practices: Ancient African Art and Architecture
  • Kingdom of Zimbabwe: Origins of the Shona Civilization
  • Women’s Roles in Pre-Colonial African Societies
  • Berber Kingdoms and Their Impact on the Maghreb
  • European Colonialism: Its Effects on the African Continent
  • Ashanti Empire: Military Prowess and Cultural Contributions

Ancient History Topics

  • Origins of the Mesopotamian Civilization: Sumerians and Cuneiform
  • Advanced Engineering in the Ancient Egyptian Pyramids
  • Roman Innovations in Law and Government
  • Development of the Greek Polis: Athens and Sparta
  • Mythologies’ Impacts on Ancient Greek Culture
  • Influences of the Ancient Persians on Modern Culture
  • Hebrews and the Formation of Early Monotheistic Religions
  • Buddha’s Teachings and Their Transformation of Ancient India
  • Inca Achievements in Agriculture and Infrastructure
  • Aztec Rituals, Sacrifices, and Cultural Traditions
  • Maya Scientific Discoveries: Astronomy and Mathematics
  • Han Dynasty’s Contributions to Art and Literature
  • Construction Techniques in the Ancient Roman Architecture
  • Empires in the Fertile Crescent: The Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians
  • Pharaohs Rule in the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms of Egypt
  • Bronze Age Aegean Civilizations: Minoans and Mycenaeans
  • Democracy Evolution in Ancient Athens
  • Trade Routes in the Ancient Mediterranean: Silk Road and Amber Road
  • Carthaginian Power and the Punic Wars
  • Transformative Ideas of Confucius and Ancient Chinese Philosophy
  • Nomadic Invasions and Their Impact on Ancient Civilizations

Asian History Topics

  • Evolution of Confucianism in Imperial China
  • Impacts of Colonialism on Southeast Asia’s Socioeconomic Structure
  • Samurai Culture and Feudal Japan
  • Ming Dynasty’s Maritime Expeditions
  • Roles of Buddhism in the Khmer Empire
  • Mongol Empire’s Influence on Eurasian Trade
  • Korean Peninsula’s Struggle for Independence Post World War II
  • Silk Road: Trade and Cultural Exchange
  • Roles of Islam in Shaping Mughal India
  • Sukarno Era’s Impacts on Indonesia’s Political Landscape
  • Rise and Fall of the Maurya Empire in Ancient India
  • Comparative Study: Chinese Tang and Song Dynasties
  • Development of Writing Systems in Ancient China
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Society, Economy, and Religion
  • Meiji Restoration’s Contributions to Japan’s Modernization
  • Siam Kingdom’s Resistance to Colonial Rule
  • Roles of Women in Ancient and Medieval Asian Societies
  • Ottoman Influence on Southeast European and Middle Eastern History
  • Influence of Persian Culture on Ancient Indian Civilizations
  • Terracotta Warriors: Art, Craftsmanship, and Legacy in Ancient China

Cultural History Essay Topics

  • Influence of Shakespearean Drama on Elizabethan Society
  • The Harlem Renaissance: Catalyst for African American Cultural Identity
  • Evolution of Japanese Tea Ceremonies: Beyond Aesthetics
  • Impressionism’s Impact on French Society During the 19th Century
  • Cultural Shifts Encouraged by the American Beat Generation
  • Byzantine Art: Reflection of Spiritual and Political Power
  • Mayan Hieroglyphics: Decoding Cultural Narratives
  • Industrial Revolution’s Effect on Victorian-Era Fashion
  • Silent Cinema: A Catalyst for 1920s American Pop Culture
  • Renaissance Humanism: Transformation of European Intellect
  • Cultural Syncretism: Fusion in Afro-Caribbean Music
  • Flamenco’s Role in Forming Andalusian Identity
  • Expression of Greek Ideals in Classical Architecture
  • Modernism’s Influence on Post-World War I Literature
  • Indigenous Mythologies: Shaping of Pre-colonial Australian Culture
  • The Enlightenment: Precursor to French Revolutionary Ideals
  • Turkish Coffee: Symbol of National Identity and Hospitality
  • The Ming Dynasty: Patronage of Chinese Porcelain Artistry
  • Irish Folklore: Fabric of Societal Beliefs and Customs
  • Migration Stories Depicted in Mexican Muralism
  • The American Civil Rights Movement: Catalyst for Cultural Change

Economic History Essay Topics

  • Industrial Revolution: Determinants and Impact on Modern Economics
  • Adam Smith and the Influence of The Wealth of Nations on Modern Economic Thought
  • Colonialism: Exploitation and Economic Growth in European Empires
  • Japanese Economic Miracle: Post-World War II Recovery and Lessons Learned
  • Keynesian Economics: Roots and Role in Shaping the Post-Depression Era
  • Free Market Economy: Milton Friedman’s Contributions and Influences
  • Bretton Woods System: Its Role in Shaping the International Monetary Order
  • China’s Transition From a Centrally Planned Economy to a Market Economy: Steps and Challenges
  • Mercantilism: Understanding its Principles and Effects on European Economic Growth
  • Gold Standard: Its Rise, Fall, and Effects on Global Economies
  • Silicon Valley: The Evolution and Economic Impact of the Tech Industry
  • Slave Trade: Its Role in the Evolution of Global Economics
  • Eurozone Crisis: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions
  • OPEC and the Global Oil Economy: Formation, Influence, and Impact
  • Global Financial Crisis of 2008: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies
  • Russian Transition: Post-Soviet Economic Reforms and Outcomes
  • The Marshall Plan: Significance and Impact on European Post-War Recovery
  • American Great Depression: Causes, Impact, and Government Response
  • Globalization: Its Historical Evolution and Economic Implications
  • Subprime Mortgage Crisis: Lessons Learned and Policy Implications

European History Topics

  • Rise of Feudalism in Medieval Europe
  • Black Death’s Impact on the 14th-Century Society
  • Enlightenment’s Influence on Political Thought
  • French Revolution’s Effect on European Politics
  • Italian Renaissance: A Cultural and Artistic Shift
  • Reformation’s Roles in Shaping Modern Christianity
  • Napoleon Bonaparte’s Conquest and the French Empire
  • Industrial Revolution’s Transformation of European Economies
  • Formation and Impact of the European Union
  • Two World Wars: Causes and Consequences
  • Emergence of Modern Democracy: The Magna Carta
  • Cold War: Europe’s Role and Responses
  • Ottoman Empire’s Interactions With European Powers
  • Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
  • Age of Exploration: Europe’s Global Influence
  • Holocaust: A Dark Chapter in 20th-Century Europe
  • Byzantine Empire: Constantinople’s Flourishing Culture
  • Spanish Inquisition’s Impact on Religion and Society
  • Viking Raids: Exploring Their Influence on Europe
  • Hundred Years’ War: English and French Power Struggles
  • Transition From Monarchies to Democracies in Europe

Historiographical Topics

  • Influence of Marxism in Modern Historiography: An Exploration
  • Decolonial Approaches: Reshaping Historical Interpretations
  • Postmodernist Perspectives: Challenges to Traditional History
  • Women’s Voices in History: The Evolution of Gender Studies
  • Oral Traditions: Advancements in Indigenous Historiography
  • Subjective Reality: The Role of Memory in Constructing History
  • Imperial Power: European Colonial Histories Revisited
  • Interdisciplinary Approaches: Melding History With Sociology
  • Comparative History: The Synthesis of Regional Perspectives
  • Counterfactual Thinking: Exploring Alternate Historical Pathways
  • Textual Analysis: Unveiling Sociocultural Dimensions in Historical Studies
  • Evolution of Diplomatic Historiography: Power, Politics, and Peace
  • Material Culture: The Archaeological Method in Historiography
  • Holocaust Studies: Examining Methodologies and Debates
  • Military History: Strategy, Tactics, and Societal Impact
  • Biographical Approach: Unpacking Individual Influence on History
  • Microhistory: Magnifying Minute Historical Details
  • Economic History: Capitalism and Its Historical Context
  • Nationalist Narratives: Critiques and Reinterpretations
  • Cultural History: Unraveling the Fabric of Societies
  • Global History: Understanding Interconnected Histories and Cultures

History Essay Topics in Science & Medicine

  • Revolutionary Impacts of the Discovery of Penicillin
  • Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and Its Influences on Modern Science
  • Vaccination Development: Polio Vaccine and Its Effect on Global Health
  • Contributions of Marie Curie to Radioactivity
  • Influence of the Manhattan Project on 20th-Century Scientific Developments
  • Advancements in DNA Sequencing: A Historical Perspective
  • Medical Ethics: Case Study of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment
  • Human Genome Project: Its Repercussions on Modern Medicine
  • Apollo Moon Landing: Significance in Technological Advancements
  • Era of AI: Turing’s Test and the Dawn of Machine Learning
  • Technological Innovations During World War II: Radar and Cryptography
  • Advances in Cardiac Surgery: The First Heart Transplant
  • Public Health Initiatives: The Elimination of Smallpox
  • Telecommunications Evolution: From Morse Code to 5G Networks
  • Nikola Tesla’s Contributions to Electrical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology Developments: Feynman’s Concept to Current Applications
  • Progression of Neurosurgery: Harvey Cushing’s Legacy
  • Probing Into Atomic Theory: Niels Bohr’s Quantum Model
  • Impacts of Cybernetics on Modern Science and Medicine
  • Exploration of Black Holes: Hawking’s Theoretical Contributions

History Topics in Technology

  • Revolutionizing Medicine: The Impact of Biotechnology
  • The Journey of Mobile Phones: From Luxuries to Necessities
  • The Emergence of Cryptocurrencies: Understanding Blockchain Technology
  • Computing Power: Decoding the Rise of Quantum Computers
  • Reshaping Communication: A Study of Social Media Platforms
  • Transportation Transformed: The Advent of Electric Vehicles
  • Photographic Pioneers: A History of Digital Cameras
  • Software Evolution: The Shift From Proprietary to Open Source
  • Rise of Robotics: Unfolding the Age of Automation
  • Space Exploration: Innovations in Satellite Technology
  • Unraveling E-Commerce: A Chronicle of Digital Marketplaces
  • Cybersecurity Developments: Safeguarding the Digital World
  • Advancements in Renewable Energy: The Legacy of Solar Panels
  • Augmented Reality: Tracing Its Developmental Path
  • History of Video Games: From Arcades to Virtual Reality
  • Human Genome Project: A Leap in Biomedical Tech
  • From Typewriters to Word Processors: A Digital Revolution
  • Computer Graphics: An Evolutionary Perspective
  • Fiber Optics: Unveiling Its Journey of Innovation
  • 3D Printing: Understanding Its Historical Developments
  • Nanotechnology Advances: Revolutionizing Material Science

Medieval History Essay Topics

  • Chivalry’s Impact on Medieval Social Structures
  • The Black Death’s Effect on European Economic Systems
  • Monastic Life’s Role in Preserving Knowledge During the Middle Ages
  • Architectural Evolution: From Romanesque to Gothic Styles
  • Feudalism’s Influence on Medieval Political Landscapes
  • Women’s Status and Roles in Medieval Society
  • Medieval Education: The Rise of Universities in Europe
  • Crusades’ Effect on East-West Relations and Trade
  • The Power of the Catholic Church in Medieval Europe
  • Knights and Their Code of Honor: An In-Depth Analysis
  • Medieval Literature: Exploring Themes and Moral Messages
  • Advances in Medical Practice During the Middle Ages
  • Castles as a Reflection of Medieval Defensive Techniques
  • Daily Life of Peasants in the Medieval Period
  • Analysis of the Magna Carta’s Influence on English Law
  • Medieval Art: Illuminated Manuscripts and Their Cultural Significance
  • Exploration of Courtly Love in Medieval Poetry
  • Monarchs’ Authority: The Divine Right of Kings During the Middle Ages
  • Impacts of the Hundred Years War on France and England
  • Roles of the Inquisition in Maintaining Church Power

Middle Eastern History Topics

  • Rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula
  • Impacts of the Crusades on Muslim-Christian Relations
  • Persian Empire’s Influence on Modern Iran
  • Creation and Expansion of the Ottoman Empire
  • Evolution of Arabic Literature and Poetry
  • Cairo’s Transformation Into an Islamic Cultural Center
  • Establishment and Development of the Silk Road
  • Ottoman Empire’s Collapse and the Birth of Modern Turkey
  • Influence of the Abbasid Caliphate on the Islamic Golden Age
  • Evolution and Impact of the Zionist Movement
  • Historical Analysis of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
  • Sassanid Empire’s Contribution to Persian Art and Culture
  • Impacts of the Petroleum Industry on Gulf Countries
  • Investigation of Ancient Egyptian Religion and Mythology
  • Byzantine Empire’s Legacy in the Middle East
  • Scientific Advancements During the Islamic Golden Age
  • Arabian Peninsula’s Roles in Spice Trade Routes
  • Transition From Ottoman Rule to French Mandate in Syria
  • Examination of the Iranian Islamic Revolution
  • Life and Rule of Saladin During the Ayyubid Dynasty
  • Migration Patterns of Ancient Semitic Peoples

Military History Essay Topics

  • Analyzing Leadership Strategies in The Battle of Waterloo
  • Causes and Consequences of the Napoleonic Wars
  • Lessons From the Vietnam War: Guerilla Tactics and Counterinsurgency
  • Transformation of Battlefield Medicine From the American Civil War to Today
  • Intelligence Operations and Their Role in the Cold War
  • The Siege of Leningrad: Civilians in the Crossfire
  • Revolutionary Tactics: The Military Innovations of Alexander the Great
  • Ethical Implications of Atomic Bombings in World War II
  • Combat Psychology: Understanding PTSD in Veterans of the Iraq War
  • The French Resistance: Unconventional Warfare in World War II
  • Evolution of Military Strategy: Sun Tzu to Modern Warfare
  • The Korean War: Impact of International Intervention
  • Women in the Military: Roles and Challenges from World War II Onwards
  • Spartan Warriors: The Role of Discipline and Training in Ancient Warfare
  • Codebreakers: Cryptography’s Influence on World War II Outcomes
  • Military Implications of Space Exploration During the Cold War
  • Amphibious Warfare: An Analysis of D-Day Invasion
  • Insurgency and Counterinsurgency: Lessons From the Afghan War
  • Defense Policies and Their Role in the Cold War Détente
  • The Art of Siege Warfare: A Study of the Crusades

Modern History Topics

  • Evolution of Democratic Institutions in Europe Post WWII
  • Rise of Feminism: The Second Wave Movement
  • Emergence of Neo-Liberalism: A Global Perspective
  • Nuclear Weapons Development: Ethical Considerations
  • End of Apartheid: Mandela’s Legacy in South Africa
  • Consequences of Decolonization in Africa
  • Confluence of Technological Advancements and Warfare
  • Indian Independence: The Non-Violence Path
  • Impacts of the Internet Revolution on Global Communication
  • Formation and Dissolution of Yugoslavia
  • Legacy of Nelson Mandela: South African Democracy
  • Deciphering the Arab-Israeli Conflict
  • Unveiling the Causes of the Rwandan Genocide
  • Collapse of Soviet Union: Global Consequences
  • Chornobyl Disaster: Ecological and Societal Aftermath
  • Examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis
  • Effects of Globalization on National Identities
  • Rise of China: Economic and Political Implications
  • Birth of European Union: A Journey Toward Integration
  • Changing Landscapes: Post-Industrial Revolution Transformations
  • Decoding the Iran-Contra Affair: International Ramifications

History Essay Topics in Music

  • Evolution of Jazz: A Century’s Journey
  • Pivotal Roles of Beethoven in Classical Music’s Transformation
  • Impacts of Social Issues on the Songs of the 1960s
  • Bach’s Influence: Baroque Music and Beyond
  • The Beatles: Revolutionizing the Pop Music Scene
  • Music in Ancient Civilizations: A Comparative Study
  • Indigenous Music: Richness and Diversity in Native Cultures
  • Punk Rock: An Anthem for Discontented Youth
  • Hip-Hop: A Medium for Sociopolitical Discourse
  • Opera’s Development: Dramatic Shifts From 17th Century Onwards
  • Country Music: An Echo of Rural America
  • Reggae: Bob Marley’s Legacy and Influence
  • Wagner’s Operas: Romanticism, Nationalism, and Beyond
  • Electronic Music’s Rise: A Technological Marvel
  • Development of the Symphony: Haydn to Mahler
  • Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring: Shattering Musical Conventions
  • Motown Records: Shaping the Sound of Soul
  • Flamenco’s History: From Gypsy Songs to Global Phenomenon
  • Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Reshaping Qawwali Music
  • Blues Transition: From Delta to Chicago

History Topics for Persuasive Essays

  • Influence of Queen Elizabeth I on English Renaissance
  • Substantial Impacts of the Black Death on European Society
  • Roles of Harriet Tubman in the Underground Railroad
  • Byzantine Empire’s Contributions to Modern Architecture
  • Atomic Bombing Decisions: Justified or Inhumane?
  • Cultural Exchange during Marco Polo’s Journey to the East
  • Revolutionary Effects of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
  • Necessity of Crusades: Religious Devotion or Power Struggle?
  • Renaissance Humanism and Its Role in Modern Education
  • Mongolian Empire’s Influence on Eurasian Trade
  • Success of Non-Violent Movements: Mahatma Gandhi’s Approach
  • French Revolution: Catalyst for Global Democracy?
  • Feminism’s Evolution and Impact Throughout History
  • Contributions of the Islamic Golden Age to Modern Science
  • Impacts of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Rule on France
  • African Civilizations: Misconceptions and Undervalued Contributions
  • American Civil Rights Movement: Effect on Current Race Relations
  • Discoveries and Controversies Surrounding Christopher Columbus
  • Significant Cultural Developments During the Meiji Restoration
  • Aztec Civilization: Mesoamerican Contributions to Modern Society

History Topics in Social Studies

  • Rise of Industrialization in Europe
  • Exploration of the New World: The Columbus Voyage
  • Impacts of the Great Depression on the Global Economy
  • Ancient Greece: Origin of Democracy
  • Egyptian Civilization: Contributions to Society and Culture
  • Influence of Roman Law on Modern Legal Systems
  • American Civil Rights Movement: Changes and Consequences
  • Evolution of the European Union: A Historical Perspective
  • Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: Cultures and Conflicts
  • Migration Patterns during the Dust Bowl
  • Chinese Cultural Revolution: Causes and Effects
  • French Revolution: Seeds of Change
  • Ottoman Empire’s Expansion: Impact on Europe
  • Enlightenment Era: Shift in Human Thought
  • Indian Independence Movement: Struggle and Success
  • African Empires: Wealth, Power, and Trade
  • World War I: Unforeseen Consequences
  • Samurai and Shogun: Power Dynamics in Feudal Japan
  • The Crusades: Religion and Politics Intertwined
  • Viking Raids: Influence on Europe

Women’s History Topics

  • Transformation of Gender Roles during the Industrial Revolution
  • Suffragette Movement’s Influence on Modern Feminism
  • Women in Ancient Civilizations: Greece and Rome
  • The Role of Queens in Medieval Europe
  • Madame Curie’s Contributions to Science
  • Advancement of Women’s Rights in the 21st Century
  • Rosa Parks: An Icon of Civil Rights
  • Hidden Figures: African American Women in NASA
  • Contributions of Women to the Impressionist Art Movement
  • The Second Wave: Feminism in the 1960s
  • Pioneering Women in American Politics
  • Eleanor Roosevelt’s Influence on Social Policy
  • Changing Perceptions of Women in Advertising
  • Emily Dickinson: Recluse Poet, Revolutionary Thinker
  • Women’s Labor Movement in the Late 19th Century
  • Challenges Faced by Women in STEM Fields
  • Billie Jean King: Breaking Barriers in Tennis
  • Coco Chanel: Revolutionizing Women’s Fashion
  • Contributions of Women to the Harlem Renaissance
  • Historical Milestones in Women’s Sports

World History Essay Topics

  • Revolution’s Role: How Did the French Revolution Shape Modern Europe?
  • Renaissance Ripples: Impact of the Italian Renaissance on European Art and Culture
  • Eastern Influence: Spread and Impact of Buddhism Across Asia
  • African Awakening: The Decolonization and Independence Movements in 20th-Century Africa
  • Rome’s Reach: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
  • Crusades’ Consequences: Long-Term Effects of the Medieval Crusades on the Middle East
  • Genghis Khan’s Legacy: The Mongolian Empire’s Influence on Eurasia
  • Globalization’s Genesis: The Age of Exploration’s Effect on World Trade
  • American Ideals: The Influences Behind the US Constitution
  • Hitler’s Reign: A Study of the Holocaust and World War II
  • Colonization’s Toll: The Long-Lasting Effects of British Imperialism in India
  • Technological Triumph: Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society
  • Marxism’s Manifestation: The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Soviet Communism
  • Atomic Anxiety: The Cold War and the Threat of Nuclear Annihilation
  • Byzantium’s Brilliance: The Cultural and Political Impact of the Byzantine Empire
  • Arab Advances: The Golden Age of Islamic Civilization and Its Contributions to Science
  • Samurai Significance: The Influence of the Samurai Code on Feudal Japan
  • Slavery’s Scars: The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Its Impacts on Africa and Americas
  • Ottoman Order: The Establishment and Influence of the Ottoman Empire
  • Spartan Strategy: Military Tactics and Society in Ancient Sparta
  • Colonial Contest: French and English Rivalry in the New World

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

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50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

  • 5-minute read
  • 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. 

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Should the government censor the internet?
  • Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
  • Should self-driving cars be banned?
  • Is facial recognition software unethical?
  • Should mental health apps collect users’ personal data?
  • Should children under 13 have cell phones?
  • Should internet access be treated as a human right?
  • Should all paperwork be digitized?

Science and the Environment

  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
  • Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
  • Should we clone human beings?
  • Should animal testing be allowed?
  • Should the government fund space exploration?
  • Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
  • Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
  • Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
  • Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
  • Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
  • Should the government cut its military spending?
  • Should the government introduce a national living wage?
  • Should politicians be banned from social media?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
  • Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
  • Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
  • Should fast food commercials be banned?
  • Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
  • Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
  • Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
  • Should students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should the government provide free college education?
  • Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
  • Are high school students given too much homework?
  • Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
  • Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
  • Is the school day too long?
  • Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

Lifestyle and Culture

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  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should the use of tobacco be banned?
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should all museums and art galleries be free?
  • Should kids be encouraged to read more?
  • Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
  • Is pet ownership a human right?
  • Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about. 

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level. 

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

  • An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
  • The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
  • A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

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    Common types of US History essays include: analysis. argumentative. comparison/contrast. cause and effect. introspective. problem /solution. Each of these essay types requires a unique set of points, arguments, and examples to ensure they meet the criteria for the writing. For example, if you are writing a compare and contrast essay on US ...

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    History Argumentative Essay Topics: The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the working class The causes and consequences of the American Civil War The role of women in the suffrage movement and their impact on society The significance of the French Revolution in shaping modern political ideologies

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    Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay. What Is a Persuasive Essay?

  11. The American Revolution (1754-1781): Suggested Essay Topics

    Suggested Essay Topics. 1. Analyze the reasons for escalating anti-British sentiment in the American colonies during the prewar decade from 1765 to 1775. 2. Was the First or the Second Continental Congress more significant in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War?

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    100 Persuasive Essay Topics An Introduction to Essay Writing Introduction Structuring and Outlining How to Write a Narrative Essay How to Write an Argumentative Essay How to Write an Expository Essay How to Write a Personal Narrative How to Write an Opinion Essay How to Write a Profile Editing and Improving ThoughtCo. By Grace Fleming

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    November 22, 2023 When choosing a thesis topic in history, several essential factors come into play. Firstly, consider your passion and interest in the subject matter. Opt for a topic that genuinely intrigues you, as this will motivate and drive your research efforts. Secondly, strive for originality and significance.

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    Most of this article is devoted to listing history topics that are ideal for essays, but first, it's important to have a simple process for using a list of possible essay topics like this. Before you start writing, brainstorm. Read this list. Scan lists of history essay prompts. Maybe even skim a history essay example or 2 (or 10, or 25).

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    Thesis statements vary based on the rhetorical strategy of the essay, but thesis statements typically share the following characteristics: Presents the main idea. Most often is one sentence. Tells the reader what to expect. Is a summary of the essay topic. Usually worded to have an argumentative edge.

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    A good persuasive history essay topic grabs the reader's attention while allowing you to write persuasively. The more contentious the topic, the more it stands out, making it easier to take a firm stand. ... You are about to discover some great essay topics on American history. Topics Related to the American Civil War.

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    November 10, 2022 F WP Perfect Essay | Basic Writing Tips | 45+ Excellent History Argumentative Essay Topics In the face of world wars, one war lasted for less than an hour only The Arab numerals were invented by the Indians Time magazine hailed Hitler as the man of the year Middle Ages were not a good time to be a peasant

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    Best History Essay Topics. The Impact of the Printing Press on Renaissance Europe. Unraveling the Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. Life and Legacy of Alexander the Great: An Exploration. Hidden Meanings: The Symbolism in Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Salem Witch Trials: Fear and Paranoia in 17th Century America. Exploration and Impact of the Lewis ...

  19. 120+ Good Persuasive Essay Topics From Easy to Unique

    Updated July 19, 2022 Image Credits Writing a persuasive essay helps refine critical thinking skills. As a writer addresses counterarguments and finds evidence to support their position, they develop a strong argument style. Find the perfect persuasive essay prompt with a list of more than 120 ideas. Easy Persuasive Essay Ideas

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    In this post, we'll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. We'll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you're a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.