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Navigating Historical Debates: History Argumentative Essay Topics

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.

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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.

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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.

📜 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.

• 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

• 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 .

• 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?

• 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.

• 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?

• 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?

• 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 .

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

• Introduction
• Supporting body paragraphs
• Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

• Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
• Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
• Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
• Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
• Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
• Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
• Do the transitions flow smoothly?
• Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
• Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

• Read your work aloud to yourself.
• Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
• Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
• Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

• Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
• Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
• Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
• Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
• Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
• Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
• Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
• Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
• Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
• Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
• Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
• Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
• Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
• Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
• Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
• Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

• Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
• Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
• To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
• Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
• Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
• Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
• What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
• Should schools push to abolish homework?
• Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
• Should universities do away with Greek life?
• Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
• Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
• Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
• Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
• Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
• Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
• Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
• Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
• Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
• Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
• Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
• Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
• Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
• Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
• Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
• Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
• Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
• Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
• Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
• Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
• Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
• Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
• Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
• Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
• Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
• Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
• Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
• Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
• Should women be allowed into special forces units?
• Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
• Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
• Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
• Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
• Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
• Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
• In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
• Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
• Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
• Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
• Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
• Should organ donation be mandatory?
• Is cloning animals ethical?
• Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
• Is surrogacy ethical?
• Should birth control require a prescription?
• Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
• Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

• Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
• Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
• Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
• Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
• Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
• Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
• Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
• Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
• Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
• Should the United States ban TikTok?
• Is social media harmful to children?
• Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

• Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
• Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
• Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
• Should the government regulate religious practices?
• Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
• Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
• Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
• Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
• Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
• Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
• Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
• Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
• Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
• Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
• Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

• Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
• Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
• Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
• Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
• Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
• What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
• Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
• Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
• Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
• Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
• Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

• Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
• How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
• Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
• Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
• Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
• Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
• Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
• Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
• Should sports teams be divided by gender?
• Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
• Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
• Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
• Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
• Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
• Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
• Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
• Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
• Does computing harm the environment?
• Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
• Are electric cars really better for the environment?
• Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
• Should private jets be banned?
• Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
• Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
• Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
• Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
• Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
• Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
• Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
• Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
• Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
• Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
• Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
• Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
• Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
• Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
• Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
• Should tipping practices be phased out?
• Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
• Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
• Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

• 125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
• 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• 7 Best Places to Study
• Guide to the IB Extended Essay
• How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
• AP Lit Reading List
• How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
• 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
• High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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45+ Excellent 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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Good argumentative history essay topics, dr. wilson mn.

• July 31, 2022
• Essay Topics and Ideas

Choosing great argumentative history essay topics can be challenging. You want to pick a topic that is debatable and interesting, but also one that you feel passionate about. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The history essay ideas include good Argumentative History Essay Topics , American Argumentative History Essay Topics, World History Argumentative Essay Topics, Historical Argument Topics, and Argumentative History Research Paper Topics.

What You'll Learn

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

• Columbus Day Should Be a National Holiday
• Good Bourgeois and Proletarians Course Work Example
• The New Deal: A Success Or A Failure
• Reconstruction and Protection of The Pyramids of Giza
• Needed Skills For Event Management
• Causes of the Great Depression
• The Widespread Issue Of Child Labor
• Rosie The Riveter, The Popular Image During World War Ii
• The War of 1812 and It is Consequences

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• Working class women – What were their options in the Middle Ages?
• The women of the Middle Ages – How they rose to become leaders
• The development of chivalry in the Middle Ages – Contributing factors
• The “childhood” concept – Did it really exist during the Middle Ages?
• Political thoughts of the Middle Ages – Which are still existing today?
• The Medici – What roles did they play during the Middle Ages and of what importance?
• The Middle Ages – Top reasons why you should read stories of the crusades
• The Middle Ages working class – The best trades options that were open to them
• The importance of marriage in the Middle Ages
• The Moors and the Jews – The relationship between them

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World History Argumentative Essay Topics

• Life in the Middle Ages – What led the urban change then?
• The Middle Ages – Important historical event that says it all
• The University of the Middle Ages – Determining its driving force then
• The Middle Ages – Determining the moment that had the most significant impact on it
• Witchcraft during the Middle Ages – What was their thought then?
• The exploration cities and trade routes by Venice and Bari – what impact did it have on other European nations’ future explorations?
• What was the impact of the fall of Constantinople on Europe and Africa?
• The Roman empire – In what ways did thriving of Christianity contribute to its downfall?

Here are 130 + Best Research Topic About Nursing – Types & How To Choose A Nursing Research Topic

Historical Argument Topics

• Which factors allowed William the Conqueror win in Britain?
• Was there any connection between the result of WWI and the preconditions of WWII?
• What as the influence of the Golden Age on the development of the civilization in America?
• Which factors have neared the end of the South African apartheid?
• How did the relationship between China and Japan develop through time?
• What’s the reason why totalitarian governance should be banned in any of its forms?

Here’s a list of Good Argumentative History Essay Topics

Argumentative History Research Paper Topics

• What was the cause of the industrialization of Europe?
• Why was an average life so short in the Middle Ages?
• What did James Cook expect to find when he discovered Australia?
• Can a war be justified? Have there been any wars in history that can be justified?
• What can the humanity do to prevent tragedies like Holocaust?

Guide to argumentative history essay writing

Read the assignment instructions.

Read the instruction sheet to understand what is needed for your argumentative essay . The instruction will be the pivoting point you use to create the outline. You will know the formatting styles, paper length, and due date. When you got all the instructions at your fingertips, making a working plan will be easier.

Identify the research topic.

Until you know what you are writing about, you can’t start the writing. Look for the best research topic you would love to discuss in your assignment. This applies to those who haven’t been given a specific research topic . 

Brainstorm to come up with the most relevant topic. Additionally, you would get help from recommendations in previous research articles. Always discuss a focused argumentative essay topic .

Do research

It’s an argumentative essay, so there is no shortcut to doing research. As you are researching, look for primary sources, skim them and come up with summary notes. 

You should keep a written record when researching to ensure you don’t omit vital information. Formulate questions you will be answering as you research; that way, the process will be simple.

Find out more on Argumentative Essay Topics About Social Media [Updated]

Have a thesis and paper outline

You have acquired enough knowledge on your research topic and have all the reference materials. Next, you need to have the thesis. 

A thesis sets the objective of your research and is a map for your readers. How are you planning to present our ideas? Following the assignment’s requirements, set an outline that meets all the instructions. 

Be critical when creating the structure to ensure you have an easy way to present your arguments. Never omit the conclusion and introduction paragraphs. The body sections will vary based on the topic you are discussing but make it appealing to the readers.

You can also check out  150+ Top-Notch Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Write original content

After all this preparation, you can start writing. Your summary notes will be guiding your ideas but make sure you don’t copy-paste. 

Rely on what your brain is synthesizing from the research and write those points in your words. 

Add citations when you are referring to other sources to avoid plagiarism problems. Write clear sentences, use understandable grammar, and active voice tone.

Further read on 50+ Top And Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Edit and proofread

The rough draft is ready and needs editing before submission. Edit the paper for content, grammar, spelling, and other areas that requires refurbishing. 

Never submit the argumentative essay before re-reading it. Proofreading and editing are the last steps of writing a perfect argumentative essay . 

Through proofreading, you enhance the accuracy, consistency, and relevance of your paper.

Have you been looking for the right way to write an argumentative essay? With these tips, nothing can stand in your way. You have everything to write the best argumentative essay now. 

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• A Research Guide
• Essay Topics

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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History Argumentative Essay Topics: 30+ Ideas to Get Started

by  Antony W

May 31, 2023

Human history is deep. Depending on whom you ask, an event can go as far back as decades or centuries. Given its depth and breadth, history leaves you with endless of possibility of topics to consider for an argumentative essay assignment.

So what topic are you going to choose?

You see, the premise on argumentative essay topics selection is quite simple. You have to pick a topic you find interesting because it’s easy to investigate an issue you understand than something you’ve never even wanted to look at in the first place.

That principle holds even for a History argumentative essay.

However, if you haven’t thought of a suitable topic to investigate yet, let us give you some ideas that you may find interesting and worth exploring altogether.

Key Takeaways

• The topic you choose should not be too wide or too narrow. It should be specific enough to fit within the scope of argumentative essay writing.
• Given that there are hundreds of topic ideas within this area, you should choose a topic you’re already familiar with, so you can have an easy time writing the essay.
• You must never base your History argumentative essay on biasness, sarcasm, or offensive expression. Instead, use a more holistic approach and use an appropriate tone.

30+ History Argumentative Essay Topics

The following are 30+ history argumentative essay topics based on different categories. You can pick a topic from the list and start exploring it right away or use the list as inspiration to come up with your own unique topic.

Pre-modern History

• Was the building of the Great Pyramids a result of human ingenuity or forced labor?
• Was the Trojan War an actual historical event or a mythological tale?
• Was the fall of the Roman Empire a result of external invasion or internal decay?
• Were the Crusades a necessary defense of Christianity or an unnecessary and violent campaign?
• Was the Inquisition a necessary tool to defend the faith or a violent and unnecessary persecution?
• Was the colonization of the Americas a necessary expansion of European civilization or a needless exploitation of native populations?

Early Modern History

• Was the Thirty Years War a necessary conflict or an unnecessary and devastating war?
• Was the English Civil War a necessary struggle for liberty or a needless and destructive conflict?
• Was the Glorious Revolution a necessary overthrow of James II or an unnecessary coup?
• Was the Enlightenment a necessary intellectual movement or a needless challenge to traditional beliefs?
• Was the American Revolution a justifiable response to British tyranny or an unnecessary and violent rebellion?
• Was the French Revolution a necessary struggle for liberty and equality or a violent and unnecessary upheaval?
• Was the Industrial Revolution a necessary transformation of society or a needless exploitation of workers?
• Was the Age of Exploration a necessary expansion of knowledge and trade or a needless exploitation of other cultures?
• Was the Atlantic slave trade a necessary economic activity or a violent and unnecessary exploitation of human beings?

Modern History

• Was the American Civil War a necessary conflict to end slavery or a needless and devastating war?
• Was the Reconstruction Era a necessary attempt to rebuild the South or an unnecessary imposition of Northern values?
• Was the Indian Wars a necessary defense of American interests or a needless and violent campaign?
• Was the Mexican Revolution a necessary overthrow of Porfirio Diaz or an unnecessary and violent upheaval?
• Was World War I a necessary war to end all wars or an unnecessary and devastating conflict?
• Was the Treaty of Versailles a necessary peace settlement to end World War I or an unjust and punitive agreement?
• Was the Russian Revolution a necessary overthrow of the tsarist regime or an unnecessary and violent revolution?

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Contemporary History

• Was the Holocaust a necessary response to Jewish influence or an unspeakable crime against humanity?
• Was the Partition of India a necessary division to end religious conflict or an unnecessary and violent separation?
• Was the Chinese Cultural Revolution a necessary step to remove capitalist influences or an unnecessary and violent upheaval?
• Was the Korean War a justifiable response to North Korean aggression or an unnecessary and costly conflict?
• Was the Cuban Missile Crisis a necessary show of force to deter Soviet aggression or an unnecessary escalation of the Cold War?
• Was the Vietnam War a necessary conflict to contain communism or an unnecessary and costly intervention?

Geographical History

• Was the Silk Road a necessary expansion of trade or an unnecessary and costly enterprise?
• Was the colonization of Africa a necessary expansion of European influence or an unnecessary and harmful occupation?
• Was the Boxer Rebellion a necessary defense of Chinese sovereignty or an unnecessary and violent uprising?
• Was the Opium War a necessary defense of British trade interests or an unnecessary and harmful conflict?

Social History

• Was the feminist movement a necessary response to gender inequality or an unnecessary and divisive movement?
• Was the civil rights movement a necessary response to racial inequality or an unnecessary and harmful campaign?
• Was the anti-apartheid movement a necessary response to racial segregation or an unnecessary and harmful campaign?
• Was the environmental movement a necessary response to global pollution or an unnecessary and divisive movement?
• Was the labor movement a necessary response to worker exploitation or an unnecessary and harmful movement?

Political History

• Was the Magna Carta a necessary step forward for individual liberties or an unnecessary and ineffective document?
• Was the rise of democracy a necessary response to monarchic rule or an unnecessary and harmful ideology?
• Was the rise of authoritarianism a necessary response to political instability or an unnecessary and harmful ideology?

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Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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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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A good augmentative essay presents opposing viewpoints and allows the reader to decide which perspective is more attractive and powerful.

Struggling to brainstorm appropriate topics for an essay on social media? There is no need to worry! EssaysUK have got you covered.

This article provides 97 free law essay topics for you to consider. Always choose a topic that interests you and you can write about freely.

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Exploring 10 Historical Eras: 250 Captivating Essay Topics for a Journey Through Time

Exploring different historical eras provides us with valuable insights into the evolution of human civilization and the various forces that have shaped our societies. From the Prehistoric Era, when early humans roamed the Earth, to the Postmodern Era, characterized by cultural and intellectual shifts, each era presents a unique set of topics that can be examined and analyzed. In this blog article, we will delve into 10 different historical eras and present 25 intriguing essay topics for each era, encouraging readers to explore and gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating periods in history.

Prehistoric Era

The Prehistoric Era refers to the time before the invention of writing and the development of recorded history. It encompasses a vast span of time, from the emergence of the earliest human species to the advent of civilization. During this era, humans relied on stone tools, lived as hunter-gatherers, and gradually developed basic technologies and social structures.

Prehistoric Era Essay Topics

• The Evolution of Homo sapiens: Tracing the origins and development of modern humans.
• The Stone Age: Exploring the tools, technologies, and lifestyles of early human societies.
• Paleolithic Art: Analyzing the cave paintings and rock art as a window into prehistoric culture.
• The Neolithic Revolution: Examining the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settled communities.
• Megalithic Monuments: Investigating the purpose and significance of Stonehenge, Avebury, and other ancient stone structures.
• Early Human Migration: Tracing the routes and motivations behind the spread of early humans across the globe.
• Ice Age and Human Adaptation: Understanding how early humans coped with harsh climatic conditions during the last Ice Age.
• Prehistoric Rituals and Burial Practices: Exploring evidence of religious beliefs and ceremonial practices in ancient societies.
• The Role of Women in Prehistoric Societies: Examining the archaeological record to understand the status and roles of women in early communities.
• Prehistoric Artifacts and Their Significance: Analyzing tools, pottery, and other artifacts to gain insights into prehistoric lifestyles and technologies.
• Megafauna Extinction: Investigating the causes and consequences of the extinction of large animals during the prehistoric era.
• Prehistoric Architecture: Studying the construction techniques and purposes of ancient dwellings and structures.
• Language Origins: Examining theories on the development of language and communication in prehistoric societies.
• Prehistoric Trade and Exchange: Investigating the networks and systems of trade among early human groups.
• Cave Dwellers: Exploring the daily lives and adaptations of early humans who lived in caves.
• Prehistoric Medicine and Healing Practices: Analyzing evidence of ancient medical knowledge and healing techniques.
• Cultural Diversity in Prehistoric Times: Examining the variation in cultural practices and traditions across different prehistoric societies.
• Neanderthals and Homo sapiens Interaction: Investigating the encounters and potential interbreeding between Neanderthals and early modern humans.
• Prehistoric Music and Sound: Exploring the use of musical instruments and sound in ancient rituals and expressions.
• Prehistoric Agriculture Techniques: Studying the methods and innovations in early farming practices.
• Prehistoric Coastal Settlements: Examining the impact of marine resources on the development of early coastal communities.
• Prehistoric Clothing and Adornments: Analyzing evidence of early textile production and personal adornment in ancient cultures.
• Shamanism and Spirituality in Prehistoric Societies: Investigating the role of spiritual leaders and their practices in ancient communities.
• Prehistoric Hunting and Gathering Strategies: Understanding the techniques and approaches early humans used to secure food resources.
• Environmental Impact of Prehistoric Humans: Examining the ecological consequences of human activities during the prehistoric era.

Ancient Era

The Ancient Era is a period of history characterized by the rise and fall of ancient civilizations. It includes the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and others. This era witnessed significant advancements in agriculture, architecture, governance, philosophy, and the arts, laying the foundation for many aspects of modern society.

Ancient Era Essay Topics

• Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt: Exploring the political, cultural, and religious dynamics of one of the world's greatest civilizations.
• Democracy in Ancient Athens: Analyzing the origins, functioning, and impact of the democratic system in ancient Greece.
• The Roman Empire: Examining the expansion, governance, and cultural legacy of the Roman Empire.
• Ancient Mesopotamia: Investigating the achievements and influence of the early civilizations in the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• The Golden Age of Pericles: Exploring the cultural, artistic, and intellectual flourishing during the leadership of Pericles in Athens.
• Alexander the Great: Analyzing the conquests, empire-building, and legacy of one of history's greatest military leaders.
• Ancient Chinese Dynasties: Examining the major dynasties of ancient China, their contributions, and societal structures.
• The Maurya Empire: Investigating the rise and impact of the Maurya Empire in ancient India, particularly under the reign of Ashoka.
• Ancient Mesoamerica: Exploring the civilizations of the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec, and their advancements in agriculture, astronomy, and architecture.
• The Hellenistic World: Analyzing the spread of Greek culture, philosophy, and science in the eastern Mediterranean and beyond after the death of Alexander the Great.
• The Phoenicians: Investigating the maritime trade, city-states, and cultural contributions of the ancient Phoenician civilization.
• Ancient African Kingdoms: Examining the powerful kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana, and their political and economic structures.
• Ancient Indian Philosophy: Analyzing the philosophies of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and their impact on ancient Indian society.
• The Persian Empire: Investigating the rise, administration, and conflicts of the Persian Empire under Cyrus, Darius, and Xerxes.
• Ancient Roman Law: Exploring the development, principles, and influence of Roman legal systems, including the Twelve Tables.
• The Qin Dynasty: Analyzing the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty, the construction of the Great Wall, and the legacy of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
• Ancient Greek Philosophy: Investigating the philosophical ideas and contributions of thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
• The Etruscans: Examining the culture, art, and influence of the ancient Etruscan civilization in Italy.
• Ancient Indus Valley Civilization: Analyzing the urban planning, trade networks, and decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Ancient Hebrew Civilization: Exploring the religious, cultural, and historical aspects of ancient Hebrew society, including the development of monotheism.
• The Kingdom of Kush: Investigating the trade routes, pyramids, and interactions with ancient Egypt in the Kingdom of Kush.
• The Delphic Oracle: Examining the role and influence of the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greek religion and politics.
• Ancient Roman Engineering: Analyzing the architectural and engineering achievements of the Romans, including aqueducts, roads, and colosseums.
• Ancient Olympic Games: Investigating the origins, traditions, and significance of the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.
• Ancient Trade Routes: Exploring the Silk Road, Incense Route, and other ancient trade networks and their impact on cultural exchange and economic development.

Medieval Era

The Medieval Era, also known as the Middle Ages, is a period that followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire and lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It was marked by feudalism, the dominance of the Catholic Church, the emergence of nation-states, and the Crusades. This era saw the development of Gothic architecture, the growth of trade and towns, and significant social, cultural, and political transformations.

Medieval Era Essay Topics

• Feudalism in Medieval Europe: Examining the political, social, and economic structure of feudal society.
• The Crusades: Analyzing the motivations, impact, and legacy of the series of holy wars between Christians and Muslims.
• The Black Death: Investigating the causes, consequences, and societal effects of the devastating plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century.
• Medieval Castles: Exploring the purpose, architecture, and defensive features of castles during the medieval period.
• The Magna Carta: Analyzing the significance and long-term influence of the Magna Carta as a document that limited the power of the English monarchy.
• Medieval Chivalry and Knighthood: Investigating the code of conduct, training, and ideals of knights in medieval Europe.
• Medieval Women: Examining the roles, rights, and societal expectations of women in medieval society.
• The Hundred Years' War: Analyzing the causes, key events, and consequences of the long-lasting conflict between England and France.
• Medieval Literature: Exploring the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Dante Alighieri, and other prominent medieval authors and their contributions to literature.
• The Inquisition: Investigating the establishment, methods, and impact of the medieval Inquisition, particularly in relation to religious heresy.
• Medieval Universities: Examining the origins, curriculum, and influence of universities during the Middle Ages, such as the University of Bologna and the University of Paris.
• Medieval Medicine and Healing: Analyzing the medical practices, beliefs, and advancements during the medieval period.
• The Vikings: Investigating the Norse seafarers, their raids, exploration, and cultural impact during the medieval era.
• Medieval Art and Architecture: Exploring the distinctive styles and techniques of medieval artistic expression, including Gothic cathedrals and illuminated manuscripts.
• The Reconquista: Analyzing the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Islamic rule and its implications for religious and political dynamics.
• Medieval Towns and Trade: Examining the growth of towns, guilds, and trade networks in medieval Europe and their economic significance.
• Medieval Heresy and Witch Hunts: Investigating the persecution of religious dissidents and the witch-hunting phenomena during the medieval period.
• The Hanseatic League: Analyzing the trading alliance of Northern European cities and its impact on commerce and politics during the Middle Ages.
• Medieval Music: Exploring the development and characteristics of medieval music, including Gregorian chants and troubadour songs.
• The Avignon Papacy: Investigating the period when the papal seat was moved from Rome to Avignon and its implications for the Catholic Church.
• Medieval Islamic Golden Age: Examining the advancements in science, mathematics, philosophy, and art in the Islamic world during the medieval era.
• The War of the Roses: Analyzing the dynastic conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York for the English crown.
• Medieval Monasticism: Exploring the roles, daily life, and contributions of monks and nuns in medieval monasteries.
• The Hanseatic League: Investigating the trading alliance of Northern European cities and its impact on commerce and politics during the Middle Ages.
• Medieval Witchcraft and Magic: Analyzing beliefs, practices, and the social response to witchcraft and magic in medieval society.

Renaissance Era

The Renaissance Era refers to a period of cultural and intellectual rebirth that took place in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. It witnessed a revival of interest in classical knowledge, artistic innovation, scientific discoveries, and exploration. The Renaissance saw the works of renowned artists, thinkers, and scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and William Shakespeare.

Renaissance Era Essay Topics

• Humanism and the Renaissance: Examining the intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized human potential, classical learning, and individualism.
• The Medici Family and the Renaissance: Analyzing the patronage and influence of the Medici family in Florence during the Renaissance.
• Leonardo da Vinci: Exploring the life, artistic achievements, and scientific contributions of the renowned Renaissance polymath.
• The Printing Press and the Spread of Ideas: Investigating the impact of Johannes Gutenberg's invention on the dissemination of knowledge during the Renaissance.
• The Italian Renaissance vs. the Northern Renaissance: Comparing the artistic, cultural, and intellectual developments in Italy and Northern Europe during the Renaissance.
• Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel: Analyzing the artistic techniques and symbolic significance of Michelangelo's masterpiece.
• The Role of Women in the Renaissance: Examining the opportunities, limitations, and contributions of women in Renaissance society.
• The Protestant Reformation: Investigating the religious, political, and social upheaval sparked by Martin Luther and other reformers during the Renaissance.
• Renaissance Architecture: Exploring the innovative architectural styles and structures of the Renaissance, such as Brunelleschi's dome in Florence.
• The Scientific Revolution: Analyzing the shift in scientific thinking and the contributions of figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton during the Renaissance.
• The Court of Henry VIII: Examining the political and cultural developments during the reign of Henry VIII in England, including his patronage of the arts.
• Renaissance Music: Exploring the musical compositions, styles, and innovations of Renaissance composers like Palestrina and Josquin des Prez.
• The School of Athens: Analyzing Raphael's famous fresco and its representation of the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Renaissance.
• Elizabethan Theater: Investigating the flourishing of theater during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and the works of playwrights like Shakespeare.
• The Scientific Method and Empiricism: Examining the development of new scientific methodologies and the emphasis on observation and experimentation during the Renaissance.
• Artistic Techniques of the Renaissance: Exploring the innovations in painting, sculpture, and perspective, including techniques like sfumato and chiaroscuro.
• The Impact of Renaissance on European Exploration: Analyzing how the Renaissance spirit of curiosity and discovery influenced the Age of Exploration.
• Renaissance Literature: Examining the works of Renaissance writers such as Dante, Petrarch, and Machiavelli and their contributions to literature and political thought.
• Renaissance Gardens and Landscapes: Investigating the design principles and symbolism in Renaissance gardens, such as the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
• Patronage and Artistic Identity: Analyzing the relationship between artists and their patrons and its influence on artistic expression during the Renaissance.
• The Ottoman Empire and the Renaissance: Examining the cultural exchange and influence between the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe.
• Renaissance Medicine and Anatomy: Exploring the advancements in medical knowledge, anatomical studies, and medical illustrations during the Renaissance.
• The Iconoclasm Controversy: Analyzing the debates and conflicts surrounding the destruction of religious images during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.
• Renaissance Fashion and Clothing: Investigating the evolution of fashion, textiles, and clothing styles during the Renaissance.
• Renaissance Philosophy: Exploring the philosophical ideas and debates of Renaissance thinkers, including humanism, skepticism, and the concept of the "Renaissance Man."

Age of Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a philosophical and intellectual movement that flourished in Europe during the 18th century. It emphasized reason, science, and individualism, challenging traditional authority and advocating for political and social reforms. Thinkers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant shaped this era, promoting ideas of liberty, equality, and human rights.

Age of Enlightenment Essay Topics

• The Enlightenment Thinkers: Analyzing the ideas and contributions of prominent Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke.
• The Age of Reason: Examining the shift towards rationality, skepticism, and empirical inquiry during the Enlightenment.
• The Influence of the Scientific Revolution on the Enlightenment: Investigating how scientific advancements and methodologies shaped Enlightenment thinking.
• Enlightenment and Religious Toleration: Analyzing the ideas of religious tolerance and freedom of thought promoted by Enlightenment thinkers.
• The Social Contract Theory: Exploring the concept of the social contract and its impact on political thought during the Enlightenment.
• Enlightenment and the American Revolution: Examining the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy in the context of the American Revolution.
• Enlightened Absolutism: Analyzing the attempts by monarchs such as Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great to implement Enlightenment ideas in their rule.
• The Encyclopédie: Investigating the significance and impact of the Encyclopédie, a comprehensive compilation of knowledge during the Enlightenment.
• Enlightenment and the French Revolution: Exploring the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the causes and outcomes of the French Revolution.
• Salons and Enlightenment Culture: Analyzing the role of salons as intellectual and social hubs in fostering the spread of Enlightenment ideas.
• Enlightenment and Women's Rights: Examining the contributions of Enlightenment thinkers to the development of feminist thought and women's rights.
• Enlightenment and Education: Investigating the emphasis on education, reason, and critical thinking in Enlightenment philosophy.
• The Enlightenment and Slavery: Exploring the Enlightenment's impact on the abolitionist movement and debates about human rights.
• Enlightenment and the Scientific Method: Analyzing the influence of the scientific method and empirical observation on Enlightenment thought.
• Enlightenment and the Arts: Examining the connections between Enlightenment ideals and artistic movements, such as neoclassicism.
• Enlightenment and Human Rights: Investigating the development and influence of concepts like natural rights and the rights of man during the Enlightenment.
• Enlightenment and Colonialism: Analyzing the contradictions between Enlightenment principles and the realities of European colonialism.
• Enlightenment and Political Revolutions: Exploring the role of Enlightenment ideas in inspiring political revolutions beyond Europe, such as in Latin America.
• Enlightenment and the Enlightenment Salons: Examining the role of salons as intellectual and social hubs in fostering the spread of Enlightenment ideas.
• Enlightenment and Cosmopolitanism: Investigating the Enlightenment's promotion of global interconnectedness and cosmopolitan ideals.
• Enlightenment and the Progress of Society: Analyzing the belief in human progress and the improvement of society through reason and knowledge during the Enlightenment.
• Enlightenment and Economic Thought: Exploring the influence of Enlightenment thinkers on economic theories, such as Adam Smith's ideas on free markets.
• Enlightenment and the Separation of Powers: Examining the Enlightenment's impact on the development of the concept of separation of powers in government.
• Enlightenment and the Critique of Monarchy: Investigating Enlightenment criticisms of absolute monarchy and calls for political reform.
• Enlightenment and the Critique of Superstition: Analyzing the Enlightenment's challenge to religious dogma, superstition, and the authority of the church.

Industrial Era

The Industrial Era, also referred to as the Industrial Revolution, marked a significant shift in economic and social structures, beginning in the late 18th century. It was characterized by the mechanization of production, the growth of factories, urbanization, and technological advancements. The Industrial Era transformed agriculture, transportation, communication, and labor, leading to profound societal changes.

Industrial Era Essay Topics

• The Industrial Revolution: Examining the causes, advancements, and societal impact of the Industrial Revolution.
• Urbanization and Industrialization: Analyzing the growth of cities and the transformation of rural societies during the Industrial Era.
• Factory Labor and Working Conditions: Investigating the working conditions, labor movements, and the impact of industrialization on workers.
• Technological Innovations of the Industrial Era: Exploring key inventions and advancements in transportation, communication, and manufacturing.
• Industrialization and Environmental Impact: Examining the environmental consequences of industrialization, including pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion.
• The Rise of Capitalism: Analyzing the economic system of capitalism and its role in driving industrialization and social change.
• Child Labor in the Industrial Era: Investigating the exploitation of children in factories and the efforts to reform child labor laws.
• Industrialization and Social Class: Examining the emergence of social classes, class struggles, and inequality during the Industrial Era.
• Industrialization and Imperialism: Analyzing the connection between industrialization, technological advancements, and the expansion of colonial empires.
• Industrialization and Global Trade: Exploring the impact of industrialization on global trade networks and the rise of economic globalization.
• Industrial Revolution and Gender Roles: Investigating the changing roles and experiences of women during the Industrial Era.
• Industrialization and the Formation of Labor Unions: Analyzing the rise of labor unions and collective bargaining in response to harsh working conditions.
• Technological Advances in Transportation: Examining the impact of inventions like steam engines, railways, and steamships on transportation systems.
• Industrialization and Urban Planning: Investigating the development of urban infrastructure, city planning, and public health initiatives during the Industrial Era.
• Industrialization and the Rise of Consumer Culture: Exploring the emergence of mass production, advertising, and consumerism during the Industrial Era.
• Industrialization and Colonialism in Africa: Analyzing the connection between industrialization in Europe and the scramble for Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Industrialization and the Arts: Examining the artistic responses to industrialization, including movements such as realism and romanticism.
• Industrialization and Social Reform Movements: Investigating the social and political reform movements that emerged in response to the negative impacts of industrialization.
• Industrialization and Technological Disruption: Analyzing the effects of automation and mechanization on traditional industries and employment patterns.
• Industrialization and the Rise of Scientific Management: Exploring the principles of scientific management and its impact on labor productivity.
• Industrialization and Public Health: Investigating the challenges and advancements in public health during the Industrial Era, including sanitation and disease prevention.
• Industrialization and the Rise of Mass Media: Examining the impact of industrialization on the development of mass media, including newspapers, radio, and cinema.
• Industrialization and Social Mobility: Analyzing the opportunities and challenges for social mobility during the Industrial Era.
• Industrialization and the Birth of Modern Warfare: Investigating the impact of industrialization on military technology, tactics, and the nature of warfare.
• Industrialization and Demographic Shifts: Exploring the demographic changes, including population growth and migration, resulting from industrialization.

Colonial Era

The Colonial Era refers to the period during which European powers established colonies and expanded their influence across the globe, primarily from the 15th to the 20th century. It witnessed European exploration, colonization, and exploitation of regions in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This era shaped the history, culture, and demographic composition of both colonized and colonizing nations.

Colonial Era Essay Topics

• The Age of Exploration: Examining the motivations, key explorers, and initial contact between European powers and indigenous peoples during the Colonial Era.
• The Columbian Exchange: Analyzing the exchange of goods, diseases, and ideas between the Old World and the New World following Christopher Columbus's voyages.
• Colonialism and Imperialism: Exploring the political, economic, and cultural aspects of European colonization and empire-building during the Colonial Era.
• Indigenous Peoples and European Colonization: Investigating the impact of European colonization on indigenous societies, including displacement, cultural assimilation, and resistance.
• The Atlantic Slave Trade: Examining the transatlantic slave trade, its economic significance, and the experiences of enslaved Africans.
• Religious Colonization: Analyzing the role of religion, including missions and conversions, in the process of colonization during the Colonial Era.
• Colonial Economics and Mercantilism: Investigating the economic system of mercantilism and its impact on colonial economies and trade.
• Colonial Governance and Administration: Exploring the various forms of colonial governance, including direct rule, indirect rule, and settler colonies.
• The French and Indian War: Analyzing the causes, key events, and consequences of the conflict between France and Britain for control of North America.
• Colonial Resistance and Revolutions: Examining the resistance movements and revolutions that emerged against colonial rule, such as the American Revolution and Latin American independence movements.
• Impact of Colonialism on Native American Cultures: Investigating the cultural, social, and demographic changes experienced by Native American tribes as a result of European colonization.
• Colonial Education and Cultural Assimilation: Analyzing the role of education in colonial societies and the impact of cultural assimilation on indigenous peoples.
• Colonial Architecture and Urban Planning: Exploring the architectural styles and urban planning principles implemented by European colonizers in their colonies.
• Colonial Trade Routes: Investigating the major trade routes and commodities traded during the Colonial Era, such as the Triangular Trade.
• Gender Roles in Colonial Society: Examining the roles, expectations, and experiences of women in colonial societies, both European and indigenous.
• Colonial Resistance in Africa: Analyzing the resistance movements and anti-colonial struggles in Africa, such as the Mau Mau uprising and the Algerian War of Independence.
• The Spanish Conquest of the Americas: Investigating the conquest and colonization of the Americas by Spain, including the role of figures like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro.
• Colonialism in Asia: Exploring European colonial expansion in Asia, including the Dutch East India Company, British India, and French Indochina.
• Colonial Medicine and Health: Analyzing the medical practices, diseases, and healthcare systems introduced by European colonizers in colonial territories.
• Colonial Borderlands and Frontiers: Investigating the social, cultural, and economic dynamics of colonial borderlands and frontier regions.
• Colonial Legal Systems and Justice: Examining the establishment of colonial legal systems and their impact on indigenous communities and land rights.
• Colonialism and Environmental Impact: Analyzing the ecological consequences of European colonization, including deforestation, resource extraction, and ecological changes.
• Colonialism and Language: Investigating the linguistic impact of colonialism, including language shift, language policies, and the suppression of indigenous languages.
• Colonial Art and Visual Culture: Exploring the artistic representations and cultural exchanges between colonizers and indigenous peoples during the Colonial Era.
• Decolonization and Post-Colonial Legacy: Analyzing the process of decolonization, the formation of new nation-states, and the enduring effects of colonialism on political, social, and economic structures.

The Modern Era refers to the period from the 18th century to the present day. It encompasses various significant developments, including political revolutions, industrialization, globalization, and technological advancements. The Modern Era witnessed the rise of nation-states, the spread of democracy, the growth of capitalism, and the impact of scientific discoveries and innovations on society.

Modern Era Essay Topics

• Industrialization and Modernization: Analyzing the transformation of societies through industrialization and the impact on technology, economy, and social structures.
• World Wars and Global Conflicts: Investigating the causes, key events, and consequences of World War I, World War II, and other major conflicts in the modern era.
• The Cold War: Examining the ideological, political, and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union and its global implications.
• Decolonization and Postcolonialism: Analyzing the process of decolonization and the formation of new nation-states in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Globalization and its Effects: Investigating the economic, cultural, and political consequences of globalization in the modern era.
• Civil Rights Movements: Examining the struggles for civil rights and social justice, including the African-American civil rights movement and other movements for equality.
• Technological Revolution: Analyzing the rapid advancements in technology, such as the internet, telecommunications, and digital revolution, and their impact on society.
• Environmentalism and Climate Change: Investigating the emergence of environmental movements and the challenges posed by climate change in the modern era.
• Women's Liberation and Feminism: Examining the feminist movements and their impact on gender equality, women's rights, and social attitudes.
• Human Rights and International Law: Analyzing the development of international human rights standards and institutions, and their challenges in the modern era.
• Rise of Nationalism and Identity Politics: Investigating the resurgence of nationalism, ethnic conflicts, and the politics of identity in the modern era.
• Economic Inequality and Poverty: Examining the issues of income inequality, poverty, and social disparities in the modern globalized world.
• Terrorism and Global Security: Analyzing the rise of terrorism, its causes, and the international efforts to combat it in the modern era.
• Technological Ethics and Privacy: Investigating the ethical implications of technological advancements, including surveillance, data privacy, and artificial intelligence.
• Modern Art and Cultural Movements: Examining the various artistic movements and trends in the modern era, including surrealism, abstract expressionism, and pop art.
• Media and Mass Communication: Analyzing the role of mass media, including television, radio, and social media, in shaping public opinion and disseminating information.
• Health and Medicine in the Modern Era: Investigating advancements in medical science, public health challenges, and the impact of modern medicine on society.
• Immigration and Global Migration: Examining the causes and consequences of global migration flows in the modern era and their impact on societies.
• Humanitarian Interventions and Genocide: Analyzing the international response to humanitarian crises, genocides, and the concept of the responsibility to protect.
• Space Exploration and the Space Age: Investigating the advancements in space exploration, the race to the moon, and the impact of space technologies on society.
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Activism: Examining the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the fight for equality, and the changing attitudes towards sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Populism and Political Movements: Analyzing the rise of populist movements and their impact on contemporary politics and governance.
• Economic Globalization and Trade: Investigating the dynamics of global trade, multinational corporations, and economic interdependence in the modern era.
• Human Migration and Refugee Crisis: Examining the causes and consequences of human migration, refugee crises, and the challenges faced by host countries.
• Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Considerations: Analyzing the development of artificial intelligence, its potential benefits and risks, and the ethical dilemmas it poses in the modern era.

Information Age

The Information Age, also known as the Digital Age or the Computer Age, refers to the modern era characterized by the widespread use of digital technologies, computer networks, and the internet. It revolutionized communication, information access, and knowledge sharing, transforming various aspects of society, including education, business, entertainment, and governance.

Information Age Essay Topics

• The Digital Revolution: Analyzing the transformative impact of the digital revolution on society, communication, and information dissemination.
• The Internet and its Evolution: Investigating the origins, growth, and global implications of the internet in the information age.
• Social Media and its Influence: Examining the rise of social media platforms and their impact on communication, activism, and social interactions.
• Cybersecurity and Privacy: Analyzing the challenges and importance of cybersecurity, data privacy, and protecting personal information in the information age.
• Big Data and Data Analytics: Investigating the role of big data, data mining, and data analytics in various fields, including business, healthcare, and governance.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Examining the advancements and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the information age.
• Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Analyzing the development, potential, and impact of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies.
• Online Education and E-Learning: Investigating the rise of online education platforms and their impact on traditional education systems.
• E-commerce and Online Retail: Examining the growth of e-commerce, online shopping, and the changing landscape of retail in the information age.
• Digital Divide and Technological Inequality: Analyzing the disparities in access to technology and the internet, and the implications for socioeconomic inequality.
• Online Activism and Social Movements: Investigating the role of online platforms in facilitating activism, mobilization, and social change.
• Fake News and Misinformation: Examining the challenges posed by fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in the information age.
• Digital Censorship and Freedom of Expression: Analyzing the tension between censorship, content moderation, and the protection of freedom of expression online.
• Online Gaming and Virtual Communities: Investigating the social and psychological impact of online gaming and the formation of virtual communities.
• Digital Health and Telemedicine: Examining the advancements in digital health technologies, telemedicine, and their potential to transform healthcare delivery.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Analyzing the interconnectedness of devices and objects in the IoT, and its implications for everyday life.
• Digital Literacy and Information Literacy: Investigating the importance of digital and information literacy skills in the information age.
• Online Privacy and Surveillance: Examining the trade-offs between privacy and security in the era of widespread surveillance and data collection.
• Digital Entertainment and Streaming Services: Analyzing the impact of digital entertainment platforms and streaming services on traditional media industries.
• Digital Archives and Preservation: Investigating the challenges and opportunities of digital preservation, archiving, and access to historical and cultural artifacts.
• Online Identity and Self-Presentation: Examining the construction of online identities, self-presentation, and the blurring of online and offline worlds.
• Digital Citizenship and Online Ethics: Analyzing the responsibilities and ethical considerations associated with being a digital citizen in the information age.
• Remote Work and Digital Nomadism: Investigating the rise of remote work, flexible work arrangements, and the impact on work-life balance.
• Digital Transformation in Business: Examining the adoption of digital technologies and strategies by businesses and industries.
• Ethical AI and Algorithmic Bias: Analyzing the ethical considerations and challenges associated with artificial intelligence algorithms, bias, and accountability in decision-making processes.

Postmodern Era

The Postmodern Era is a cultural and intellectual period that emerged in the mid-20th century, questioning and challenging the principles of modernism. It embraces a fragmented and diverse approach to art, literature, philosophy, and social critique. The Postmodern Era is characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives, a focus on individual experiences, intertext

Postmodern Era Essay Topics

• The Postmodern Condition: Examining the characteristics and defining features of the postmodern era in philosophy, art, and literature.
• Postmodern Architecture: Investigating the emergence of postmodern architecture, its defining features, and its influence on contemporary design.
• Postmodern Literature: Analyzing the characteristics of postmodern literature, including intertextuality, fragmentation, and irony.
• Postmodernism and Postcolonialism: Examining the intersections and differences between postmodernism and postcolonialism, and their impact on cultural and literary studies.
• Postmodern Feminism: Investigating the contributions and critiques of postmodern feminism, and its impact on gender and sexuality studies.
• Postmodernism and Consumer Culture: Analyzing the relationship between postmodernism and consumer culture, and its influence on contemporary society and identity.
• Postmodernism and Globalization: Examining the impact of globalization on postmodernism, and the ways in which postmodernism has shaped the discourse on globalization.
• Postmodernism and the Digital Age: Investigating the intersections between postmodernism and the digital age, including the impact of social media and digital technologies on identity and representation.
• Postmodernism and Post-truth: Analyzing the role of postmodernism in the emergence of post-truth politics, and its impact on contemporary discourse and democracy.
• Postmodern Ethics: Examining the challenges and opportunities of developing ethical frameworks in a postmodern world, and the role of postmodern philosophy in this process.
• Postmodern Education: Investigating the impact of postmodernism on educational theory and practice, including the emphasis on critical thinking, cultural diversity, and creativity.
• Postmodernism and the Environment: Analyzing the relationship between postmodernism and environmentalism, and the ways in which postmodernism has shaped the discourse on sustainability and climate change.
• Postmodernism and Identity Politics: Examining the impact of postmodernism on the emergence of identity politics, and the tensions between individual and collective identities.
• Postmodernism and Popular Culture: Investigating the influence of postmodernism on popular culture, including music, film, and television.
• Postmodernism and the Body: Analyzing the ways in which postmodernism has shaped the discourse on the body, including issues of gender, sexuality, and disability.
• Postmodernism and Psychoanalysis: Examining the relationship between postmodernism and psychoanalysis, and the ways in which postmodernism has contributed to the development of contemporary psychoanalytic theory.
• Postmodernism and Religion: Investigating the impact of postmodernism on religious thought and practice, including the challenges of religious pluralism and the role of spirituality in contemporary society.
• Postmodernism and Aesthetics: Analyzing the ways in which postmodernism has challenged traditional notions of aesthetics, including the relationship between form and content, and the role of the viewer in the creative process.
• Postmodernism and the Body Politic: Examining the impact of postmodernism on political theory and practice, including the challenges of multiculturalism and the role of the state in the era of globalization.
• Postmodernism and Intersectionality: Investigating the contributions and critiques of postmodernism to the development of intersectionality theory, and its impact on contemporary social justice movements.
• Postmodernism and Post-humanism: Analyzing the implications of postmodernism for the relationship between humans and non-human entities, including animals, machines, and the environment.
• Postmodernism and Popular Science: Examining the ways in which postmodernism has shaped the discourse on science, including issues of objectivity, subjectivity, and the ethics of scientific research.
• Postmodernism and Historical Narratives: Investigating the challenges and revisions brought by postmodernism to the construction of historical narratives, including questioning dominant narratives and exploring multiple perspectives.
• Postmodernism and Memory: Analyzing the impact of postmodernism on the understanding and representation of collective and individual memory, including the role of nostalgia, pastiche, and cultural memory.
• Postmodernism and Resistance: Investigating the ways in which postmodernism has influenced forms of resistance and activism, including artistic expressions, subversive narratives, and counter-cultural movements.

The study of historical eras offers us a window into the past, shedding light on the foundations of our present-day societies. From the mysteries of the Prehistoric Era to the intellectual awakening of the Age of Enlightenment, and from the industrial advancements of the Industrial Era to the digital transformations of the Information Age, each era has left an indelible mark on our world. The 250 essay topics provided across the ten historical eras covered in this article offer a wealth of possibilities for further exploration and analysis. By delving into these topics, we can better comprehend the complexities of human history, appreciate the achievements and challenges of past civilizations, and gain valuable insights that can inform our understanding of the world today.

Module 9: The New Deal (1932-1941)

Historical arguments and thesis statements, learning objectives.

• Evaluate historical claims and thesis statements

The Research Writing Process

In an earlier historical hack, we talked about the research writing process, as shown below:

• Understand the assignment
• Select a research topic/develop a research question
• Conduct research: find and evaluate sources
• Create your claim (make an argument)
• Synthesize evidence
• Put it together

These are guidelines to help you get started, but the process is iterative, so you may cycle through these steps several times while working towards your finished product. In this hack, we want to focus on the final three steps—once you’ve done your research and have a few ideas about what to say, how do you put it together to create your finished product?

Crafting Historical Arguments

In open-ended historical research assignments, you are almost always expected to create an argument (revisit the assignment prompt or ask your instructor if you’re unsure about this). Historical arguments are not like the arguments that you and your roommate might have about the best show on T.V. or an argument you’d have with the referee at a sporting event; historical arguments require you to pick a stance on an issue and defend it with supporting evidence.

Your objective is not to create an informal persuasive essay convincing others of your viewpoint based on your personal opinions, but an argumentative one, where you defend your stance on an issue by backing it with historical evidence. Argumentative writing is done for a formal, academic purpose— you have a compelling viewpoint on a topic, and you’ve conducted research. Now you are communicating that research and using evidence to back your claim. When you write an argumentative piece, you write as if you are the authority on the topic, a subject-matter expert.

The Differences Between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing

Check out the table below for a quick breakdown of the differences between persuasive and argumentative writing.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell a topic from an argument. If someone sees you reading an article and asks, “What’s that article about?” You might say, “It’s about photography during the Great Depression.” That’s a topic, not an argument. How do we know? You can’t disagree with “photography during the Great Depression.” An argument is something you could disagree with, like “Photography during the Great Depression was essential in bringing the realities of poverty into the public eye.”

Argumentative Statements

Understand the assignment.

Don’t forget the first step in approaching a research paper or assignment—to carefully understand what you are asked to do. Some assignments are more obviously arguments than others. They may ask you to pick an obvious side, like “Was the New Deal effective or ineffective?” Or “How do you think the government should address reparations for slavery? Or “Was the American Revolution really a revolution?”

Understanding Argumentative Statements

Other times the “argument” part is less obvious. The prompt may be more generic or broad. Let’s take a look at this option for a capstone assignment in this class:

Pick a reformer or activist involved with a social movement between 1877 and 1900. Evaluate and analyze the ideas, agenda, strategies, and effectiveness of the work done by your chosen reformer or activist. You can pick one aspect of the person’s involvement or significance to the movement to focus on in your research. You should make a claim in your final report that answers one of the questions below:

• What was the influence of your person on American life during their time period?
• What is their influence and legacy today?
• What changes came about as a direct result of their activism? 
• What obstacles stood in the way of this person from having a more significant impact on society?
• What activism methods used by your reformer were most effective, and why?
• How did their activism compare or contrast with other reform movements from the same time period?
• How are things different today because of their activism? In what ways are things the same?
• Why should people be aware of the work done by your chosen reformer?
• Can you draw any connections to a modern-day reform movement— what reform movement might they support today, and why?

With this prompt, you are tasked with creating an argument about the reformer or activist you chose. It is not simply a narrative or biography where you report about their lives, but you want to pick one of the listed questions to create an argument—something that shows your ability to take a stance (that could be debated by others) and support your view with evidence.

Activity #1

Give it a try—without even doing some research- what argumentative statement could you make about a 19th-century activist?

Let’s take a look at a more detailed example. For example, say that your chosen activist was  Bayard Rustin , a Black activist who was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. What’s an argument you could make about Rustin?

Here is one option. “While you’ve heard of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” during the 1963 March on Washington, you may not have heard of Bayard Rustin, whose involvement in planning the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was essential in propelling Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As the deputy director of the March, Rustin’s background in nonviolence and vision for the March led leaders to prioritize the civil rights movement and gave public backing to the federal law prohibiting racial discrimination.”

As you’ll learn in just a moment, this argument is what becomes the thesis statement.

Begin With a Thesis

The central claim you make in your argument is called 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.

Where in the Essay Should the Thesis Be Placed?

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.

Characteristics of a Thesis Statement

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
• It 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

Crafting strong argumentative writing is a skill that teaches you how to engage in research, communicate the findings of that research, and express a point of view using supporting evidence.

Link to learning

For a few more examples of how to create arguments and thesis statements, visit this helpful writing guide .

What Makes a Good Claim?

Let’s take a closer look at this process by reviewing a worked example. For this example, we will use a topic you’ve studied recently—the FDR presidency and New Deal. Let’s imagine you’ve been assigned the following prompt:

• Did New Deal spending and programs succeed in restoring American capitalism during the Great Depression, and should the government have spent more money to help the New Deal succeed, or did the New Deal spend unprecedented amounts of money on relief and recovery efforts but ultimately fail to stimulate a full economic recovery?

You’ve already examined the prompt, selected a research topic, and conducted research, and now you are ready to make your claim. First, what claim do you want to make?

Identify the Claim

Let’s look at a sample introductory paragraph that responds to this prompt. Look for the central claim made in the argument.

Example ESSAY #1

Since the stock market crash and the onset of the depression, British economists John Maynard Keynes, Roy Harrod, and others had urged western governments to stop tinkering with monetary solutions and adopt an aggressive program of government spending, especially in the areas of public works and housing, to stimulate the economy during the depression. Keynes stressed these ideas when he met with President Roosevelt, who soon complained to labor secretary Frances Perkins: “He [Keynes] left a whole rigamarole of figures. He must be a mathematician rather than a political economist.” Roosevelt’s comments about Keynes opened a window on one fundamental reason why the president’s New Deal, despite unprecedented federal spending, never achieved full economic recovery between 1933 and 1940. Although surrounded by critical advisers such as Federal Reserve chairman Marriner Eccles, who understood Keynes and his central message about the importance of government spending, Roosevelt did not grasp these ideas intellectually. He remained at heart a fiscal conservative, little different from Herbert Hoover. Roosevelt condoned government spending when necessary to “prime the pump” for recovery and combat hunger and poverty, but not as a deliberate economic recovery tool.

Let’s look at yet another example. This also responds to this same prompt which you can find again below for reference:

Example ESSAY #2

When President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his inaugural address on March 4, 1933, America was in the midst of financial collapse. Banking holidays closed banks in 28 states, and investors traded their dollars for gold to have tangible wealth. The president reassured Americans” “This great Nation will endure as it has endured and will revive and will prosper.” He listed three goals to shore up capitalism through his New Deal: banking regulation, laws to curb speculation, and the establishment of a sound currency basis. Roosevelt shored up the financial sector through regulation to restore the public trust that mismanaged banks, and financial speculators had destroyed. His New Deal gave the federal government regulatory responsibility to smooth economic downturns. Over the next eight years, the New Deal’s economic practices and spending helped create recovery and restore capitalism.

Finding the Thesis Statement

You’ve found the central claims from each of these two sample essays. Quite often, the claim is the thesis statement. But sometimes, the thesis statement elaborates on the claim more by including the angle you’ll take about your claim. In the sample essay above, the thesis statement is written in reverse order, with the primary claim coming at the end, but if you read the sentences before that, you can see what the essay’s focus will be as well.”

• “Roosevelt shored up the financial sector through regulation to restore the public trust that mismanaged banks, and financial speculators had destroyed. His New Deal gave the federal government regulatory responsibility to smooth economic downturns. Over the next eight years, the New Deal’s economic practices and spending helped create recovery and restore capitalism”.”

Now we know that the rest of the essay will focus on how the New Deal’s economic practices and spending habits helped the recovery and also show 1) ways that Roosevelt shored up the financial sector and 2) gave the federal government regulatory responsibility.

Pick a reformer or activist involved with a social movement between 1877 and 1900. Pick two questions below and write a thesis statement explaining the main claim and angle you would take in an essay about the topic.

• What changes came about as a direct result of their activism?

Thesis statement #1:

Thesis statement #2:

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

• Historical Hack: Crafting Historical Arguments. Authored by : Kaitlyn Connell for Lumen Learning. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Analyzing Documents Using the HAPPY Analysis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-ushistory2/chapter/analyzing-documents-using-the-happy-analysis/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Secondary source. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_source . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• What is an argument?. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1coreq/chapter/introduction-to-what-is-an-argument/ . Project : English Composition I Corequisite. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• Did the New Deal End the Great Depression?. Provided by : OpenStax. Located at : https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:WWZKMA1o@2/12-16-%F0%9F%92%AC-Did-the-New-Deal-End-the-Great-Depression . Project : Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. License : CC BY: Attribution . License Terms : Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is the U.S. election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society ?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

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234+ American History Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Sep 22, 2023 | 0 comments

Sep 22, 2023 | Topics | 0 comments

 Exploring American History Argumentative Essay Topics offers students a captivating journey through pivotal moments and debates that have shaped the nation. In this collection of thought-provoking topic ideas, students will find rich opportunities to write essays and research papers that delve into the depths of American history. From the profound impact of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership to the complexities of the American Revolution and the enduring influence of Pearl Harbor, these topics invite students to engage critically with the nation’s past and reflect on its enduring impact on American culture and society. Whether you want to write an essay that reexamines historical events or tackles issues of historical significance, these topics provide a compelling starting point for your exploration of American history.

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✅ How to Write a History Paper

You are writing a history paper, whether an essay or a research paper, can be a fascinating journey into the past. To start, you’ll need a good topic, and when it comes to United States history, there’s no shortage of interesting ideas. Whether you’re exploring African American history, the American Revolution, or any other historical period or event, the first step is to choose a topic that genuinely captivates you. This enthusiasm will make the research and writing process much more enjoyable.

Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to research. Gather information from reliable sources like books, articles, and reputable websites. Take notes, highlighting key facts, quotes, and ideas you might want to include in your paper.

When structuring your history paper, start with a clear introduction that introduces your topic and provides some context. In the body of your essay, present your arguments or findings logically, supporting them with evidence from your research. Make sure to cite your sources properly to avoid plagiarism.

Don’t forget to address counterarguments if you’re writing an argumentative history paper. This shows that you’ve considered multiple perspectives on the topic. In your conclusion, summarize your main points and restate your thesis, leaving a lasting impression on your reader.

Finally, take the time to revise and proofread your paper. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Your history paper should inform and engage your readers, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the past and the significance of your chosen topic. So, choose wisely, research diligently, and let your passion for history shine through in your writing.

How to Structure a Historical Argumentative Essay?

Structuring a historical argumentative essay is crucial to effectively convey your ideas about an interesting US history research paper topic. Start with a clear introduction that sets the stage, providing context and stating your thesis—the main argument you’ll prove.

In the body of your essay, organize your points logically. Each paragraph should present a single argument or evidence supported by research. Make sure your arguments flow smoothly, with one leading to the next.

Consider addressing counterarguments, showing that you’ve thought critically about your topic. Refute these opposing views with evidence and reasoning.

Use transitions to guide your reader through your essay, ensuring it’s easy to follow. In your conclusion, summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis, leaving a lasting impression.

Remember, clarity and conciseness are key. Avoid jargon and complex language, striving for clarity to engage a wider audience. Lastly, proofread your essay for grammar and coherence.

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

• The Impact of the American Revolution on Modern Democracy
• The Legacy of Abraham Lincoln: Emancipator or Tyrant?
• The Role of Women in Shaping Early American History
• The Significance of the Civil Rights Movement in Achieving Racial Equality
• The Controversy Surrounding the Founding Fathers: Heroes or Villains?
• The Effects of Westward Expansion on Native American Communities
• The Influence of the Industrial Revolution on American Society
• The Battle of Gettysburg: Turning Point of the Civil War?
• The Immigration Debate: Contributions and Challenges of Immigrants
• The Causes and Consequences of the Great Depression
• The Vietnam War: Justified Conflict or Costly Mistake?
• The Impact of Pearl Harbor on U.S. Involvement in World War II
• The Underground Railroad: Heroes and Heroines of the Abolitionist Movement
• The Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis: Averting Nuclear Disaster
• The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Struggle for Political Equality
• The Trail of Tears: Forced Relocation of Native American Tribes
• The Salem Witch Trials: Mass Hysteria or Legal Injustice?
• The Gold Rush and Its Effects on Western Migration and Culture
• The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural and Artistic Resurgence in African American History
• The Watergate Scandal: Corruption and Accountability in U.S. Government.

🌎Top 10 American History Topics to Write About

• The Founding Fathers and the Creation of the Constitution
• The Boston Tea Party and Its Role in the American Revolution
• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Exploration of the American West
• The Battle of Gettysburg: Key Events and Significance
• The Civil Rights Movement: Leaders and Achievements
• The Great Depression: Causes and Effects on American Society
• The Manhattan Project: Development of the Atomic Bomb
• The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Struggles and Triumphs
• The Industrial Revolution in America: Transformation of the Economy
• The Prohibition Era: Rise of Organized Crime
• The Underground Railroad: Network of Freedom for Escaped Slaves
• The Space Race: Competition Between the United States and Soviet Union
• The Vietnam War: Causes and Controversies
• The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Flourishing in African American History
• The Japanese Internment during World War II: Civil Rights Violations
• The Gold Rush and Westward Expansion: Impact on American Development
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: Tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union
• The Watergate Scandal: Political Scandal and Presidential Resignation
• The 9/11 Attacks and Their Effect on U.S. National Security.

🎉 Fun U.S. History Essay Topics

• Jazz Age Icons: Exploring the Lives of Roaring Twenties Celebrities
• Time Traveler’s Dilemma: Which Historical Era Would You Visit and Why?
• Unsung Heroes of American History: Individuals Who Made a Difference
• The Myth of the Wild West: Separating Fact from Fiction
• Timeless American Folklore: Legends and Tall Tales
• American Inventors and Their Impact on Everyday Life
• The Artistic Revolution: Influence of American Artists on the World
• The Secret Lives of First Ladies: Beyond the White House
• Hollywood’s Influence on American Culture and Society
• The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Music’s Evolution in America
• Food for Thought: The Evolution of American Cuisine
• The Space Race: America’s Journey to the Stars
• Hidden Treasures of American Museums: Artifacts and Artworks
• Iconic American Landmarks: Stories Behind the Structures
• U.S. Presidential Scandals: From Teapot Dome to Watergate
• Ghost Towns: Exploring Abandoned American Settlements
• The Evolution of American Fashion: From Flappers to Hipsters
• The Legacy of Prohibition: Speakeasies and Bootlegging
• Famous American Outlaws: Jesse James to Bonnie and Clyde
• American Humorists and Satirists: The Wit and Wisdom of Comedy Legends.

👌 Easy American History Essay Topics

• The Impact of the Declaration of Independence on American Society
• The Boston Tea Party: Causes and Consequences
• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Exploring the Louisiana Purchase
• The Civil Rights Movement: Key Figures and Achievements
• The Great Depression: Causes and Effects on Everyday Life
• The Industrial Revolution in America: Changes in Work and Technology
• The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Struggles for Equality
• The Space Race: America’s Race to the Moon
• The Vietnam War: Reasons for U.S. Involvement
• The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural and Artistic Flourishing
• The Gold Rush and Westward Expansion: Pioneers and Challenges
• The Prohibition Era: Impact on Society and Crime
• The Underground Railroad: Efforts to Aid Escaped Slaves
• The Japanese Internment during World War II: Civil Liberties Violations
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: U.S.-Soviet Standoff
• The Watergate Scandal: Political Crisis and Resignation
• The 9/11 Attacks: Implications for U.S. National Security
• The Founding Fathers and the U.S. Constitution: Framing the Nation
• American Inventors and Their Contributions to Innovation.

💬 Debatable U.S. History Topics to Research

• Reconstruction Era: Successes and Failures in Rebuilding the South
• The New Deal: Assessing Its Impact on the U.S. Economy
• The Salem Witch Trials: Causes and Consequences of the Hysteria
• The Alien and Sedition Acts: Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties
• The Red Scare and McCarthyism: Communist Fears in America
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Transformation of Racial Equality
• The Louisiana Purchase: Jefferson’s Constitutional Dilemma
• The Mexican-American War: Controversy over Manifest Destiny
• The Indian Removal Act: Jackson’s Policy and the Trail of Tears
• The Cuban Revolution: U.S. Involvement in Cuban Affairs
• The Battle of Little Bighorn: Custer’s Last Stand and Native American Resistance
• The Teapot Dome Scandal: Corruption in the Harding Administration
• The My Lai Massacre: War Crimes in the Vietnam War
• The Bonus Army March: Veterans’ Protests during the Great Depression
• The Kent State Shootings: Anti-War Protests and Tragedy
• The Stonewall Riots: Catalyst for the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
• The Oregon Trail: Challenges and Adventures of Westward Migration
• The Bay of Pigs Invasion: U.S. Intervention in Cuba
• The Wounded Knee Massacre: Conflict at Pine Ridge Reservation
• The Zoot Suit Riots: Racial Tensions in World War II Los Angeles.

🙌 Most Interesting American History Topics

• The Founding Fathers’ Vision for America: Idealism vs. Reality
• Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad: A Heroic Journey to Freedom
• The Battle of Antietam: Bloodiest Day in American History
• The Roaring Twenties: Jazz, Flappers, and Prohibition
• The Dust Bowl: Environmental Catastrophe and the Great Migration
• The Alamo: Heroes and Legends in the Fight for Texas Independence
• The Manhattan Project: Building the Atomic Bomb
• The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Pioneers of Gender Equality
• The Oregon Trail: Pioneers’ Perilous Trek Westward
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Breaking Barriers for African Americans
• The Transcontinental Railroad: Uniting a Nation, Transforming an Economy
• The Prohibition Era: Gangsters, Speakeasies, and Bootlegging
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: The Cold War’s Tensest Standoff
• The Gilded Age: Wealth, Inequality, and Technological Progress
• The Battle of Gettysburg: Turning Point of the Civil War
• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Mapping the Uncharted West
• The Teapot Dome Scandal: Political Corruption in the 1920s
• The Manhattan Project: Science, Secrecy, and the Atomic Age
• The Vietnam War: Controversy, Protests, and Legacy
• The American Revolution: Patriots, Loyalists, and the Birth of a Nation.

☮️ Essay Topics About the Civil Rights Movement

• Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Catalysts for Change
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: Impact and Legacy
• Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam: Radical Activism in the Civil Rights Movement
• Freedom Riders: Challenging Segregation in Public Transportation
• Birmingham Campaign: Nonviolent Protests and Police Brutality
• Voting Rights Act of 1965: Expanding Access to the Ballot
• Brown v. Board of Education: Desegregating America’s Schools
• Selma to Montgomery March: Struggle for Voting Rights in Alabama
• Medgar Evers: Civil Rights Leader and Martyr
• Little Rock Nine: Integration of Central High School
• March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom: A Historic Gathering
• James Meredith and the Integration of the University of Mississippi
• Civil Rights Act of 1964: Combating Discrimination in Public Places
• Freedom Summer: Activists and the Fight for Voting Rights in Mississippi
• Black Panther Party: Militancy and Community Empowerment
• Greensboro Sit-Ins: Student-Led Protests Against Segregation
• Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers: Labor Rights for Agricultural Workers
• Civil Rights Movement in Chicago: Challenges in the North
• Fannie Lou Hamer: Voice of Mississippi Freedom
• Mississippi Burning: Civil Rights Workers’ Murders and the Pursuit of Justice.

🗺️ World History Argumentative Essay Topics

• The Impact of Ancient Greece on Modern Democracy
• The Fall of the Roman Empire: Multiple Explanations and Theories
• The Crusades: Holy War or Colonial Ambition?
• The Age of Exploration: Conquest, Trade, and Cultural Exchange
• The French Revolution: Catalyst for Social and Political Change
• The Industrial Revolution: Technological Advancements and Social Transformation
• The Scramble for Africa: European Imperialism and Its Consequences
• The Silk Road: Ancient Globalization and Trade Routes
• The World Wars: Causes, Effects, and Lessons Learned
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: Cold War Tensions and Diplomacy
• The Collapse of the Soviet Union: End of the Cold War
• The Cultural Revolution in China: Mao Zedong’s Impact on Society
• The Holocaust: Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect
• The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Complex History of Disputes
• The Rwandan Genocide: Ethnic Conflict and International Intervention
• The Apartheid Era in South Africa: Struggles for Equality
• The Iranian Revolution: Theocratic Rule and Regional Influence
• The Opium Wars: Western Imperialism and Chinese Resistance
• The Reformation: Religious Reform and the Split from the Catholic Church
• The Great Depression: Global Economic Crisis and Recovery Efforts.

🔫 Topics about America in World Wars I & II

• The United States Entry into World War I: Causes and Consequences
• The Role of American Doughboys in World War I: Contributions and Sacrifices
• The Treaty of Versailles and Its Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy
• The Roaring Twenties and the Interwar Period: Effects of World War I
• Isolationism vs. Interventionism: Debates Leading to World War II
• Pearl Harbor Attack: Catalyst for U.S. Involvement in World War II
• The Home Front during World War II: Rationing, Rosie the Riveter, and More
• D-Day and the Normandy Invasion: Turning Point in World War II
• The Manhattan Project: America’s Race to Develop the Atomic Bomb
• The Pacific Theater of World War II: Battles and Strategies
• The Holocaust and America’s Response: Rescue Efforts and Refugee Policies
• Japanese Internment in the United States during World War II: Civil Liberties Violations
• The Yalta Conference: Postwar Agreements and Superpower Relations
• The United Nations and Its Role in International Peacekeeping
• The Nuremberg Trials: Prosecuting Nazi War Criminals
• The Marshall Plan: Rebuilding Europe after World War II
• The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Moral and Ethical Considerations
• The United States and the Creation of Israel: Impact on Middle East Relations
• The GI Bill: Benefits for Veterans and Its Influence on Postwar America
• The Cold War began tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

List of American History Topics and Ideas

• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Mapping the West
• The Boston Tea Party: Prelude to Revolution
• The Emancipation Proclamation: Ending Slavery in the Confederate States
• The California Gold Rush: Boom and Bust in the West
• The Great Migration: African American Movement to the North
• The Prohibition Era: Speakeasies, Bootlegging, and Gangsters
• The New Deal: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Response to the Great Depression
• The Cold War: Superpower Rivalry and the Arms Race
• The Civil Rights Movement: Striving for Racial Equality
• The Vietnam War: U.S. Involvement and Controversy
• The Watergate Scandal: Political Crisis and Presidential Resignation
• The Space Race: America’s Journey to the Moon
• The 9/11 Attacks: Impact on National Security and Foreign Policy
• The Panama Canal: Engineering Marvel and Global Trade Route
• The Salem Witch Trials: Hysteria in Colonial Massachusetts
• The Alamo: Heroes and Legends in Texas History
• The Industrial Revolution: Transforming American Society and Economy.

⚔️ Civil War Topics for Your Paper 

• The Causes of the Civil War: Slavery, States’ Rights, and Sectionalism
• Abraham Lincoln: Leadership and Impact on the Civil War
• The Emancipation Proclamation: Abolition of Slavery in Confederate States
• Women in the Civil War: Contributions on the Home Front and Battlefield
• The Underground Railroad: Escaping Slavery and Aiding Freedom Seekers
• Civil War Medicine: Advances, Challenges, and Innovations
• The Reconstruction Era: Rebuilding the South and Civil Rights
• The Battle of Antietam: Bloodiest Single-Day Battle in American History
• The Gettysburg Address: Lincoln’s Enduring Speech
• Generals of the Civil War: Grant, Lee, Sherman, and Jackson
• Slavery in the South: Plantations, Daily Life, and Resistance
• The Role of African Americans in the Civil War: From Slaves to Soldiers
• The Confederate States of America: Formation and Government
• The Union Blockade: Impact on Confederate Trade and Strategy
• The Vicksburg Campaign: Siege and Surrender
• Civil War Spies and Espionage: Intrigue and Covert Operations
• The Battle of Shiloh: Fierce Combat in Tennessee
• John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry: Prelude to Conflict
• Sherman’s March to the Sea: Total War in Georgia and the Carolinas.

Topics on European History

• The Renaissance: Cultural and Artistic Revival in Europe
• The Age of Exploration: European Voyages and Discoveries
• The Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther and Religious Reform
• The French Revolution: Revolution, Reign of Terror, and Napoleon
• The Industrial Revolution: Economic Transformation in Europe
• The British Empire: Colonization, Expansion, and Legacy
• The Russian Revolution: Fall of the Romanovs and Rise of Communism
• The Enlightenment: Philosophical Ideas and Their Impact
• The Byzantine Empire: Eastern Roman Empire and Byzantine Civilization
• The Black Death: Plague, Pandemic, and Social Consequences
• The Hundred Years’ War: England vs. France and Joan of Arc
• The Treaty of Versailles: Post-World War I Peace Settlement
• The Spanish Inquisition: Religious Persecution and Control
• The Napoleonic Wars: European Conflicts and Napoleon’s Empire
• The Age of Absolutism: Monarchs and Royal Power
• The Reformation in Germany: Lutheranism and Beyond
• The Crusades: Religious Wars and European Expansion
• The Cold War: Superpower Rivalry and the Division of Europe
• The Renaissance Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael
• The Treaty of Tordesillas: Division of the New World between Spain and Portugal.

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What are some good topics about American history?

Some good topics about American history include the American Revolution, Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, the civil rights movement, and the impact of immigration on the United States.

What is the best topic for an argumentative essay?

The best topic for an argumentative essay can vary based on personal interests, but topics like the impact of the civil rights movement or the role of women in American history can be compelling.

What is a good history topic for an essay?

A good history topic for an essay could be the impact of the Industrial Revolution on American society or the causes and consequences of the Great Depression.

What is an argumentative essay about a historical event?

An argumentative essay about a historical event involves presenting a clear argument or stance on a specific historical event or issue, such as arguing for or against the significance of the American Revolution in shaping the United States.

With a passion for education and student empowerment, I create blog content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of students. From study hacks and productivity tips to career exploration and personal development

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 50 great argumentative essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
• Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
• Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

• Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
• Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
• Should sports be segregated by gender?
• Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
• Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
• Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
• Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
• Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Should clergy be allowed to marry?
• Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
• Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

• Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should voter registration be automatic?
• Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
• Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
• Should sex work be legalized?
• Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
• Should the death penalty be legal?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?

• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should monopolies be allowed?
• Is universal basic income a good idea?
• Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
• Are school uniforms a good idea?
• Should PE affect a student’s grades?
• Should college be free?
• Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
• Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should books with objectionable words be banned?
• Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
• Is art education important?
• Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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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!

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

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:

Review the professional writing services offered by our academic experts. They can surely help you with essay writing or any other assignments.

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).

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.)

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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Teaching Students About the Tim Donaghy Scandal – Learning from History

Teaching students about kevin costner’s age: a unique approach to understanding hollywood’s history, teaching students about sonny landham: a journey through the life of a hollywood icon, teaching students about the summer olympics, teaching students about princess margaret’s death: an educational approach, teaching students about michael cole: an insightful approach to understanding a renowned journalist, college minor: everything you need to know, 14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, 100+ argumentative essay topics.

Are you a student looking for argumentative essay topics? If so, we have you covered. Below you will find a list of the best argumentative essay topics.

Argumentative Essay Topics (General)

• Do you think that abortion should be made illegal?
• Do you think that animal testing should be banned?
• Is the #metoo movement a great thing?
• Do you think that manufacturers are responsible for the effects of the chemicals used in creating their products?
• Do you think that illegal immigrants be granted residency?
• Is there a fake news problem? What is the source?
• Do you believe that “big pharma” has people’s best interests at heart?
• Is the death penalty a just punishment?
• Are there moral concerns that make genetic cloning illegal?
• What Do you think that people do to stop human trafficking?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Politics

• Which political party has the right ideology?
• What Do you think that be done to reduce income inequality?
• Is paying down the US deficit the most essential issue of our time?
• Do you believe that the Federal Reserve needs to stop printing money because it creates an unsustainable bubble?
• Is capitalism the best economic system?
• Is socialism the best economic system?
• Is America ready for a female president?
• Do you think that an elected leader represents the interests of their own political party, or is it best to try to compromise?
• What modern political decision has created the most change?
• Do you believe that campaign finance reform works?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

• When will LGTBQ individuals experience equality?
• Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
• Do you think that TV censors explicit content because programmers must produce family-friendly programming?
• Social media brings us together and pulls us apart; Do you believe that the great outweighs the bad or vice versa?
• Is a gap year time for exploration and reflection or a year-long vacation?
• Many states have begun to decriminalize the possession of certain drugs like marijuana; is this a great idea?
• Equality is part of lawmaking, but do you believe that it works in practice?
• Do you think that people have the right to own a gun?
• In cases of terminal illness, Do you think that a patient should be able to request medically assisted suicide?
• Do you think that smoking should be illegal?
• What is the best way to foster positive conversation about controversial issues?

Argumentative Essay Topics About History

• Many people think that we learn from the past, but there are many patterns in history. Do you think history repeats itself?
• How did the US Civil War make the nation best or worse?
• Thomas Jefferson made considerable contributions to the founding of America, both as a writer and a politician. However, he didn’t live a perfect life. Was he a hero?
• Do you believe that our modern perspective changes the “truth” of what happened during major historical events?
• Pick a past decade and discuss if lower socio-economic classes had opportunities at that time.
• Did the handling of Native Americans leave a moral stain on the US?
• Slavery was a foundational part of the American colonies and, later, the United States. So how did this injustice change the nation?
• What factors led to the rise of Naziism in Germany and to the Holocaust?
• The plague destroyed the population of Europe and changed the course of history. So what was its biggest lesson?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

• Do you think that there be commercials in kids’ programs?
• Do you believe that homework help kids learn?
• Do you think that school should be all year?
• Do schools treat girls and boys the same way?
• Do you think that parents limit screen time?
• Do you think that school start before eight o’clock in the morning?
• Do you think that kids be able to vote in national elections?
• Is it best to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Is it best for kids to have distance learning or be in school?
• Do parents treat all their kids the same way, or do they treat the oldest and youngest differently?
• Do you think that kids have the same teacher every year or switch teachers each year?
• Do you think that video games be a sport?
• Are schools doing enough to stop bullying?
• Do you think that kids have homework on weekends?
• Is it best if three generations of a family live together?
• Are hot dogs bad for you?
• Do you think that school lunch should include vegetables, even if Many kids don’t like them?
• Is it okay to eat dessert before dinner?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

• Do you think that middle schoolers have jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns?
• Are beauty pageants a great idea?
• Are violent video games bad?
• Do you think that parents be able to say whether kids can dye their hair?
• Do you believe that social media do more harm than good?
• Do middle schoolers have too much homework?
• Do you think that teachers get paid more?
• Is life more challenging for your parent’s generation or yours’?
• Why is your favorite musical artist best than anyone else?
• Do you think that kids read age-appropriate books, or is it okay to read grown-up books?
• Do you think that there be ratings (like G, PG, and R) for movies?
• Is it best to ride the bus or walk to school?
• Is school lunch great for kids?
• Do you believe an hour of reading or an hour of exercising is better?
• Do you think that gym class should be required?
• Do you think that kids get paid for getting excellent grades?
• Is it best to have class over the computer or in person?
• Is cyberbullying as big of a problem as in-person bullying?
• Do you think that all cars be electric?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

• Do you think that people be allowed to burn the flag?
• Do you think that parents get in trouble for truancy if kids don’t go to school?
• Is social media bad for relationships?
• Do you think that businesses be required to hire for diversity?
• Are women and men treated equally?
• Do you think that the minimum wage should be raised?
• Do you think that everyone should go to college?
• Is climate change a real threat?
• Are wind farms benefitting the environment and economy?
• Do you think that people be allowed to wear fur of any kind?
• Is it a bad idea to use your DNA for genealogy?
• Do you think that parents should decide they don’t want medical treatment for their kids?
• Is the United States falling behind other nations in terms of education?
• Do the actions of a nation’s leader influence the actions of the people?
• Do you think that the electoral college should be abolished?
• Do you think that schools be required to offer art courses?
• Do you think that all new cars be electric?
• Will AI help the world or hurt it?
• Do you think that high school pupils work during the school year?
• Are there forms of personal expression that you think should be allowed in schools?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

• Are men and women equally emotional?
• Are printed books best than e-readers?
• Do you think that the drinking age should be lowered?
• Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
• Do you think that college should free?
• Do you think that beauty standards be more inclusive?
• Are all college majors equally essential?
• Is social media bad for kids?
• Has technology changed our definition of magic?
• Is it worth exploring space?
• Do you think that all internships be paid?
• Do you think that income should be tied to the cost of a degree?
• Is climate change the biggest threat to the world?
• Is feminism still essential?
• Has society made the needed reparations for slavery?
• Do you believe that elections should be decided by the popular vote?
• Should everyone be entitled to free health care?
• Do anti-discrimination laws protect disabled pupils?
• Is a degree from an online college or university as legitimate as a degree from a brick-and-mortar university?
• Is it a conflict of interest for an instructor or professor to require pupils to purchase his book?

100+ Persuasive Essay Topics

2023 best online doctorate in educational technology.

Matthew Lynch

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• Writing Tips

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

• 11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

●  Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

●  Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

●  Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

●  Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

●  Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

●  Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

●  Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

●  Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

●  Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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●  Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

●  Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

●  Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

●  Should online access to art such as music be free?

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

●  Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

●  Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

●  Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

●  Should higher education be free?

●  Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

●  Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

●  Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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110 Original History Essay Questions: Examples and Topics

When looking for history essay topics, people often think about the world-famous military and political events. However, there is so much more to history than battles and international affairs. Plenty of small but engaging incidents are hiding in plain sight, and yet, people usually miss them.

What are those intriguing aspects?

In this article, our team has prepared a list of interesting history essay questions with examples. They are all about unusual events and historical viewpoints. To help with your academic writing, we divided the article into subheadings. Here, you’ll find topics according to your essay type.

• Top History Topics
• 🔍 Extended Essay
• ✒️ Historiographical Essay
• 📌 Persuasive Essay
• ⚙️ Technology Topics
• 🎶 Music Topics
• 🌄 American History
• 🏰 European History
• 🔥 5 In-Class Essay Tips

🤩 Top 15 History Essay Topics

• Julius Caesar.
• Middle Ages.
• World Wars.
• Holy Inquisition.
• US Independence.
• 20 th Century.
• Bronze Age.
• Thomas Edison.
• Slave Trade.
• Russian Revolution.

💁 Topics for Various Essay Types

There are many types of essays for an academic assignment. It may be a simple short essay or a long structured essay. Each one has its format and rules. Here, we are going to talk about essays that you might have questions about.

🔎 History Extended Essay Topics

An extended essay (EE) is an obligatory part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). For an IB diploma, a student should do extensive research. It should be finished with a 4000-word paper.

The extended essay provides practice for undergraduate research. Besides, it gives a chance to explore a topic of personal interest. You may check out some examples in a free essays database to get a reference of how they actually look like. Here, we dive into history EE topics.

• Oldest human settlements according to archeological sources.
• The suffrage movement in the United States of the early XXth century.
• How Dior’s bar suit revolutionized women’s fashion.
• History of Chemistry in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment.
• Psychology essay: evolution of treatment for various mental disorders. Psychological methods and medicine.
• Development of black rights following the US Civil War.

• History of physics: from Antiquity to modern times.
• Principles of medieval economics: a historical analysis. Analyze the financial structure in medieval Europe and the Middle East.
• How did industrialization affect global climate change?
• Expansion of traffic jams in China. The root of a problem and China’s solution.
• The effects of capitalism on Caribbean republics. Study the history of capitalism in the Caribbean. What were the effects of plantation produce on their economy?
• The use of sun reflection in the military. A historical analysis of the utilization.
• Analysis of Victorian literature and culture by Carolyn Williams.
• Biology in warfare. The use of biological weapons from Antiquity to modern times.
• A study of malnourishment in African societies. Explore the historical roots of malnutrition in Africa. How did it affect their societies?
• Research question: why Western countries have dominated the world in modern history?
• Otto Skorzeny. How did Nazi Germany’s most effective agent become Mossad’s advisor? Dive in the biography of Otto Skorzeny. Analyze his character and post-war activity.
• The history of visual arts in Christianity. How did religion shape the art of Western civilization?
• Six-Day War of 1967. Examine the strategies of Israel and The United Arab States.
• Imperial Japan in the late period of WWII. Its non-standard means of warfare.

📝 Historiographical Essay Topics

Now, let’s look into another type of essay—a historiographical essay. It analyzes and evaluates how scholars interpret a historical topic. Usually, the essay is problem-centered. So, compare the viewpoints of two or more historians on the same event.

Here you will find good topics for historiographical essays:

• The Soviet internment camps of the Stalin Era.
• What is the classification of a “historical fact?”
• The fate of Japanese Americans during WWII.
• Mongolian aid to the Soviet Union during World War II.
• An analysis of the main areas of historical research.
• What defined a nation’s sovereignty in the XIXth century?
• The activity of Pamela Parsons in the 70s.
• “The Life of the Prophet” by Ibn Hisham.
• The history of Earth: from its formation to modern times. Make detailed research on the history of Earth. Talk about major geophysical and chemical processes. What did impact the Earth’s formation and evolution?
• An argumentative essay. How substantial was the Allies’ aid of “Land Lease” to the USSR in WWII?
• Things to know when studying cultural heritage.
• Processes of detecting historical excavation sites.

📌 History Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing where you list two or more points of view on a subject. In such a paper, you use facts and logic to support your perspective.

• An argumentative essay on American involvement in WWI. How crucial was it in defeating the German Empire and its allies? Analyze the impact of America’s contribution to WWI.

• Slavery played one of the key roles in Ancient Rome’s rise to power. Discuss the structure of slavery in Ancient Rome. Provide evidence for/against this argument.
• Festivals in India are an essential part of the nation’s identity. Analyze the role of local and national Indian festivals. Did they form identities of different cultural groups?
• Why did the Soviet Union lose the Cold War? Could it be because of its involvement in Afghanistan? Explore the impact of the Soviet-Afghan War on countries of the Warsaw Pact.
• Psychedelic substances allow people to think more creatively. Discuss the effects of different drugs on the human mind. Examine notable cases and experiments with drug testing.
• The presentation of the American Revolution in movies. Research a few pieces of cinematography about the American Revolution. Analyze their historical accuracy.
• Bipolar disorder essay and Vincent Van Gogh. Analyze activity and medical records of Vincent Van Gogh. Give arguments for/against the aforementioned idea.

• Florentine art history. How did the noble patronage of artists contribute to Florentine art? To prove your perspective, examine several famous art patrons of Florence.

⚙ History of Technology Essay Topics

Technology has been the cornerstone of powerful civilizations that moved the world forward. Advancement of technology is a curious phenomenon. It moved at a faster pace with every century of the last millennium.

Here, we will take a look at thought-provoking topics on the history of technology. Besides, you’ll see a few history essay questions on technology.

• Advancement of farming technology in the Bronze Age.
• Technological advancements of Ancient Rome. Discuss Roman technological inventions. How did they impact the world for many centuries?
• Structure of a Roman road. Explain the structure of a Roman road. Discuss how the road system connected the Empire. Did it help to spread Christianity?
• The history of genetically modified food: corporation profits and risks.
• The history of sanitation in Paris. A tale of revolutionary engineering solutions.
• Evolution of heart surgeries.
• The scientific contribution of Dr. Ivan Pavlov to physiology.
• Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and the history of medieval medicine. Talk about Avicenna’s contribution to medicine. How accurate were his thoughts on it?

• The trebuchet: the deadliest siege weapon of Medieval Europe.
• The history of limb surgery: from pirates to modern medicine.
• Japanese experiments on humans during WWII. Did they provide humanity with valuable data on the human organism?
• Naval technology throughout human history. Research military and civic solutions of naval engineering during various periods. Consider Antiquity, Middle Ages, Age of Discovery, Age of Enlightenment, etc.
• Rapid European scientific advancement of the Age of Enlightenment. Why did the advancement of science and technology in Europe increase in the 18-19th centuries?
• History of blimps: strengths and weaknesses.
• First computers of WWII. Study the first computer systems of WWII. Explain their technical capabilities and flaws.
• How did the new technology make WWI so high with casualties?
• The science of an atomic bomb: a case study.
• How online social media impacted global society in the 2010s?
• How China introduced new types of censorship with the creation of the Internet.
• Compare college education of the XIXth century and modern times.
• The city of Tenochtitlan. The technological marvel of the Aztecs.

🎶 Music History Essay Topics

Music is one of the most effective examples of human genius. People have made music to express their emotions to each other. Thus, the history of music is extensive and rich in detail. Exploring it can be just as fascinating as listening to music.

Below, you’ll find the best ideas on the history of music to talk about:

• Jazz, New Orleans, and the Roaring Twenties: a musical phenomenon. Discuss the genre’s origins and technical aspects.
• The music of the Antiquity of the Mediterranean region. From Egypt and Greece to Rome.
• The use of music in Ancient Rome.

• Techniques a style of Mozart and Beethoven. A critical analysis.
• Studio 54 – a story of disco, glamour, and exclusivity.
• The history of organum and organ music.
• Advancement of music technology in the early XXth century.
• Baroque music and its famous composers. Analyze the technical details behind baroque music. Give examples of its notable composers.
• Music theater as the main source of musical innovation of the late classical era.
• Detailed analysis of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Examine the composer’s final symphony. Explore Beethoven’s health complications during the last years of his life.
• Religion and music: how Christianity employed the vocal skills of monks. Research the history and characteristics of the Gregorian chant.
• The golden era of classical music of the XVIIth-XIXth centuries in Germany and Austria.
• The musical experiments by Andy Warhol.
• The musical instruments of the Renaissance and modern times. What are the similarities and differences?
• Musical instruments and chants of Bronze Age Mesopotamia.
• Bohemian Rhapsody: a musical analysis. Discuss the story behind the creation of Queen’s famous song.
• Lively music and deadly drugs. How did narcotics become a part of the music industry in the 60s and 70s?
• The history of the club culture of New York. Discuss the history of clubs in New York. How did the advocates for gay rights start the new idea of clubbing?
• The emergence of hip-hop and rap in Uptown Brooklyn and the Bronx. Analyze how the new genre started commenting on the reality of streets and black rights.
• The history of Woodstock – America’s most iconic music festival.

👍 Good History Essay Questions

Writing an essay about countries should be divided into European and American theaters. Each region has a history rich in events and personalities.

Below, there are great European and US history essay questions for your paper:

🌄 American History Essay Questions

• How did medics deal with casualties during the US Civil War? Talk about the organization of medical staff on both sides of the war. Analyze the treatment methods applied to wounded soldiers.
• What factors contributed to the victory in the American Revolution?
• US economy and culture of the 1920s. How did it develop?
• How did civil rights develop during the Reconstruction era?

• Why was slavery so popular in the southern states? Analyze the economy of the southern states in America. Explain why slavery has such deep roots there.
• Why did the United States emerge as a superpower after WWII?
• Who were the main benefactors of the US economy in the early 20th century?

🏘 European History Essay Questions

• The Renaissance essay. Why and how did naturalistic beauty become the main element of art?
• What are the key ideas in Robin Briggs’s historical research on witchcraft?
• The Modern European history question. How did the Mafia operate in Italy? Analyze the roots of Italian Mafia, its organizational structure. What were its spheres of influence?
• Which scientific innovations were discovered in the late XIXth and early XXth century Europe?
• Tudor history: what caused the English Reformation?
• How did colonization transform the economies of European empires?
• Which economic and political benefits were introduced at the creation of the European Union? Elaborate on the history of the EU. Analyze its economic and political aspects.

🔥 5 Tips for Writing an Essay in Class

For whatever reason, you need to write an in-class essay. It could be an exam or an ordinary assignment. It doesn’t matter as the goal remains the same. You have to compose a coherent paper in a short amount of time under supervision.

What is the best way to handle working under such pressure? By following our tips:

1. Practice beforehand

Any sort of training makes a person comfortable with the upcoming task. Practice writing an essay so that you memorize the format. Keep in mind how to outline the paper and some useful words for transitions. Even when you’re unfamiliar with the topic, you’ll still know where to begin without thinking.

2. Forget to panic

Students can lose time by bracing themselves. By staring on the blank page with the essay question can help no one. The sooner you start the task, the better. Don’t let your brain panic!

3. Plan before you write

Starting the essay right away may be tempting and promising, but that’s how you make mistakes. Reread and analyze the given question, notice the keywords. Make sure you’re answering what’s asked, not more or less. Come up with a thesis statement and make an outline.

Properly organizing your paper saves your time and reduces stress. It ensures that you addressed every issue. Plus, it shows whether you connected every argument to the thesis statement. Besides, putting topic sentences and transitions in the outline makes them less repetitive in the essay.

4. Keep in mind your writing speed

Remember the first tip? This one comes naturally from practicing. The more you write, the better you understand your pace. Learn how much time you need to complete each part of the essay writing. Try not to exceed the estimated time for an outline, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

5. Proofread

Writing in a rush, you may forget about your spelling and punctuation. Save some time for rereading your paper thoroughly. Pay attention to logical reasoning and grammar errors. Add sentences if necessary. Your paper may look messy as long as you do so to improve your writing and ensure the perfect flow.

Thank you for taking some time to read this article. We hope that it will help you in your academic studies. If this article proved to be informative to you, leave a comment below. Share it with others who might need some guidance in their studies.

🔗 References

• How To Write a Good History Essay: Robert Pearce for History Today
• Elements of an Effective History Exam Essay: Mark Brilliant, Department of History, Program in American Studies, University of California, Berkeley
• UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions: College Admissions, University of Chicago
• Tips for Writing Essay Exams: Writing Center, University of Washington
• Popular Application Essay Topics: The Princeton Review
• Historiographical Essays: Center for Writing and Speaking, Campbell Hall
• Persuasion Essays: Sheldon Smith for Eapfoundation.com
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3.3: Creating Paper Topics

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Example: Writing Assignment #1 - Position Paper (Argumentative)

English 100 WRITING ASSIGNMENT #1: Position Paper (Argumentative) DUE DATES: Tuesday, January 28th– First Draft Tuesday, February 4th– Second Draft Tuesday, February 18th-Final Draft

Your first major essay assignment of this semester involves responding to and taking a position on an idea that

Michelle Alexander presents in her book, The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness .

Your essay must be a minimum of 4-5 double-spaced pages and must specifically address the topic given below. Refer to your “Formal Essay Guidelines” handout for details about essay policies and formatting guidelines.

Carefully reread Chapters 1-6 in The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness , and prepare yourself to use information from those chapters to help you support and clarify your own points and ideas. To help you with developing and organizing ideas for your essay, plan out your ideas on your Planning & Prewriting Worksheet (handout) before writing your first draft. Feel free to discuss your ideas and drafts with me and/or a tutor, and go to the Writing/Reading Lab in the Learning Center (Bldg. 5) to get additional assistance on your essay.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ESSAY TOPIC

In The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness , author Michelle Alexander argues that it is important for us to understand that The New Jim Crow is the Prison Industrial Complex system which has disproportionately incarcerated black men at an alarming rate in the United State. She writes: “Like Jim Crow (and slavery), mass incarceration operates as a tightly networked system of laws, policies, customs, and institutions that operate collectively to ensure the subordinate status of a group defined largely by race (Alexander, 13).

Carefully consider the four key points that Alexander raises in the passage above. In your essay of 4-5 pages, discuss whether or not you support Alexander’s position on her insights about mass incarceration in the Age of Obama. Remember to do the following in your essay: state your own position in your thesis statement, and support your thesis by discussing specific points that address Alexander’s main arguments. All in all, your essay will include a combination of your own ideas, analysis, observations, and examples/details as they relate to the main points that Alexander makes.

Looking again at the step-by-step process, let’s do the tasks and apply them to this assignment:

Breaking down a writing assignment/prompt:

• Read the prompt carefully and several times.
• Sum up the topic in a few words (What is the focus of the prompt?)
• Restate the prompt in your own words to help you fully understand it.
• Circle and/or underline the key words.
• Identify and count the required steps in the writing task.
• Make a list of the paper requirements.

As you read, highlight, take notes, and ask questions in the margins.

• Sum up the topic in a few words (What is the focus of the prompt?).

Mass incarceration of black men

Do I agree with Alexander that the U.S. prison system operates as a new Jim Crow system that oppresses black men? Do I agree that “ mass incarceration operates as a tightly networked system of laws, policies, customs, and institutions” that guarantees the subordinate status of black males in our society?

• Mark the key words.
• Consider Alexander’s four key points : laws, policies, customs, and institutions
• State whether I support Alexander’s position about mass incarceration.
• Discuss and support my position using Alexander’s main points
• Include a combination of my own ideas, analysis, observations, and examples/details
• Make a list of the paper requirements:
• Use Chapters 1-6 in Alexander’s book
• Plan out ideas on “Planning & Prewriting Worksheet” before writing first draft
• Length should be 4-5 pages
• Not required but good idea: meet with tutor or instructor to discuss ideas and drafts
• First draft due 1/28, second draft due 2/4, final draft due 2/18
• Refer to “Formal Essay Guidelines” for essay policies and formatting

BREAKING DOWN A PROMPT: An approach for visual thinkers

Using a graphic organizer, you can make a visual breakdown of an assignment/prompt:

Example: Essay #1 - Intelligence and Mindset

Essay #1: Intelligence and Mindset

What is intelligence, anyway? So far this semester, we have touched on the themes of intelligence in Isaac Asimov’s “What Is Intelligence, Anyway?” and Carol Dweck’s “Brainology.” These authors challenge our traditional notion of intelligence and discuss different ways of thinking about intelligence.

In this essay, you will explore new ideas about intelligence and argue your own beliefs about intelligence and mindset.

Please choose ONE of the essay topics:

• Isaac Asimov’s “What is Intelligence, Anyway?”

What does Asimov believe about the nature of intelligence? Do you agree or disagree with his ideas about intelligence, and why or why not? Explain the significance of his ideas about intelligence in terms of education and to your life. Give specific examples to support your opinion.

• Carol Dweck’s “Brainology”

What does Dweck believe about the different types of intelligence? Do you agree or disagree with her ideas about intelligence/mindset, and why or why not? Explain the significance of her research in terms of education and to your life. Give specific examples to support your opinion.

In this essay, you should first SUMMARIZE the article and then give your response to the essay question.

Requirements:

• Length should be approximately 2 pages (no shorter than 1 ½ pages, no longer than 2 ½)
• Essay should be typed in 12-point standard font (such as Times New Roman or Arial)
• Use MLA format (double spaced, with proper heading)
• You should incorporate ONE quotation in your paper using MLA format
• Essay should have a creative title (centered in the middle of the page)
• You need to turn in a signed tutor feedback form with your rewrite
• All essays must be turned in on the Turnitin link on WebAccess (due the same day as the rewrite)
• Outline, typed, one page, due: Wed., Feb. 5
• Rough draft, typed, one page, due: Wed., Feb. 5 (be ready for peer review)
• Final Draft due: Wed., Feb. 12

Using the graphic organizer, you can visually separate the different parts of the assignment to better understand it and to break it down into manageable tasks:

Practice: Breaking down Art History Term Paper

Using the step-by-step process, break down the following assignment:

ART HISTORY TERM PAPER

A very basic objective of this course has been to learn how to examine the culture and social structures of a civilization during a particular period in order to understand the artwork. This approach to the study of Art History is called "iconology." To make this process of investigation a little more personally meaningful, you are to prepare a term paper about any artwork produced in any time period we cover in this course . Therefore, select one work from your textbook as the subject of the paper.

The major theme of your term paper is try to explain why the selected artwork fits within its culture and time period. For instance, if the work is from the ancient Egyptian culture, what makes the work "ancient Egyptian?" How does one identify the work from that time and place as opposed to similar works made elsewhere? What reasons are given as to what the artists were doing at the time that was different from the styles before their time? What was the artwork for? Thus, how does the artwork reflect the time and place (the culture) in which the works was produced?

In the attempt to explain the "why" it will be necessary to discuss many aspects of the culture that influenced the choices made for the design and look of the artwork. For example, what possible choices were made because of the religious or spiritual ideals held by the culture? Or what social structures influenced the artwork (i.e. class distinctions based upon sex, wealth, heritage, or any other differences used to separate peoples in the same society)? Was the art made to honor the culture from which it emerged, or was it done to demonstrate a rejection or disapproval of some element of the culture? It will be your choice as to how you want to discuss culture and the artwork.

The objective of this research effort is to present the important factors which influenced the appearance of a specific art work. Thus, your paper should include the following:

• Identification of an artwork (what is it, who made it, when, where, etc,? and a detailed description of the work (what does it look like?)
• Why was it made, or what is thought to be the most reasonable function of the work? Why does it look the way it does?

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

The paper must be typed, double spaced, two to three pages, not including title and bibliography pages. The sources must be properly cited. Be sure you include footnotes or end notes and a bibliography.

• Read the prompt carefully and several times ( As you read, highlight, take notes, and ask questions in the margins).
• Circle and/or underline the key words (rewrite the command portion of the assignment below and mark the key words).

Practice: Essay #2 (Mini-Research Paper) - Sula

English 110 ESSAY #2 (Mini-Research Paper) : Sula

DUE DATES: October 23rd– Preliminary Citations Worksheet (20 pts.)

October 25th-- First Draft (6 pages-20 pts.)

November 6th– Final Revision

ESSAY TOPICS

Like many other short stories and novels, Sula functions as a literary commentary that offers insight and/or criticism about the society and individuals that it describes. In an essay of at least 6 pages, discuss a specific, primary issue/concern that the novel conveys about race, class, gender, or identity. What is this issue/concern that you’ve identified, and why do you think it is significant enough to explore and discuss in your essay? Lastly, how do the details and specifics in the novel help to convey your ideas about it?

Along with citations and information from the novel itself, you will be required to include information, ideas, and quotes from a minimum of 3 academic sources in your essay. The information from these sources should help to support and supplement your own ideas and should add insight to the points that you have made about the issue/concern you have chosen to write about.

Practice: Blank step-by-step process for breaking down an assignment/prompt

Here’s a blank step-by-step process for you to use in breaking down an assignment/prompt you have been given:

• Identify the key words (rewrite the command portion of the assignment below and mark the key words).

Practice: Blank Graphic Organizers for breaking down assignments/prompts

Here are some blank graphic organizers for you to use in breaking down assignments/prompts you have been given:

Answers: Using the Linear Approach/Using the Visual Approach

Possible answer for USING THE LINEAR APPROACH:

Breaking down the assignment/prompt for the ART HISTORY TERM PAPER

Understanding art by examining its cultural and social context

Choose one artwork from the book, describe it, and explain how it fits within and reflects its culture, social structures, and time period.

The objective of this research effort is to present the important factors which influenced the appearance of a specific art work . Thus, your paper should include the following:

• Identification of an artwork (what is it, who made it, when, where, etc.? and a detailed description of the work (what does it look like?)
• W h y was it made , or what is thought to be the most reasonable function of the work? W h y does it look the way it does?
• Choose one artwork we have studied from the textbook.
• Give a detailed description of it. (examine the culture, social structures, and time period when it was created using the guiding questions in prompt)
• Explain its purpose/function and why it looks the way it does
• Paper typed and double-spaced
• 2-3 pages plus a title page and bibliography
• Footnotes within the paper

Possible answer for USING THE VISUAL APPROACH:

Breaking down the assignment/prompt for the ENGLISH LITERATURE SULA ASSIGNMENT