good research questions for us history

• Privacy Policy

Home » 300+ American History Research Paper Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

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

American History Research Paper Topics

American History Research Paper Topics are as follows:

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

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

500+ Business Research Topics

500+ Statistics Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

500+ Astronomy Research Topics

500+ Music Research Topics

200+ Funny Research Topics

US History Research Paper Topics: Moments that Shaped a Nation

Table of contents

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

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

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

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

List of 160 American History Research Paper Topics

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

Interesting US History Topics for Research Paper Before 1877

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

US History Paper Topics on the Civil War

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

American History Topics for Research Paper on Industrialization

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

American History Research Topics on Reconstruction

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

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

20th-Century American History Paper Topics

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

US History Term Paper Topics in World War I and II

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

American History Paper Topics about the Civil Rights Movement

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

Native American History Thesis Topics

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

Which Topics to Choose for History Research?

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

When choosing a topic, consider its significance in the larger context of American history. Consider how the topic has influenced or reflected societal, political, or economic trends. For example, topics such as the Civil Rights Movement and World War II provide insights into moments of revolutionary change and struggle. Writing a well-structured and thoroughly researched U.S. history paper can be challenging. For those needing expert assistance, professional research paper writing services can provide the necessary guidance to ensure your paper is of high quality. Also, examine the availability of primary and secondary sources. A well-documented topic provides for a more thorough study and a stronger argument. Always ensure that your chosen topic adheres to the criteria and objectives of your assignment or research aim.

Conclusion: Reflections on America’s Past

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

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

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

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

190 US History History Topics to Write About

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

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

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

To decide on it, students should answer several questions:

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

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

Tired of researching historical encyclopedias? This is the perfect article for you – read through this collection of 190 US history essay topics prepared by our team .

• 🌎 Top 10 American History Topics to Write About

✍️ Interesting US History Topics to Write About

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

⛓️ Slavery in US History: Topics to Write About

🧊 cool american history topics, ✒️ native americans in us history: research paper topics.

• 🧐 US Regents Topics
• ✊ Black History Topics

🪖 Wars in American History: Research Paper Topics

🎉 fun us history essay topics, ⚖️ us history argumentative essay topics, 👌 easy american history essay topics, ✏️ us history writing prompts, ❓ us history essay questions, 🎓 apush research paper topics, 📋 how to cite an american history essay, 🌎top 10 american history topics to write about.

• Frederick Douglass Leadership Personality Traits Report (Assessment)
• United States of America
• Significance of the Event – The Labor Day Carnival
• Alan Taylor: American Colonies
• What Makes Airplanes Fly? The Industrial Revolution
• How Did Religion Affect the Pattern of Colonization in America and Life in Those Colonies?
• American Paradox
• Freedom and equality
• Lessons from Fredrick Douglass’s Life
• Abraham Lincoln’s Speech “The Gettysburg Address”

If you want interesting topics in American history, we have something for you! Check the following paragraphs right now to discover a lot of fresh ideas!

Women in Colonial America

During America’s colonial period, women’s position in society notably differed from that of contemporary women. In the 16th and 17th centuries, females were not allowed to vote, participate in politics, or get work outside of the home. Their principal role included tasks related to the household and the spiritual upbringing of children.

American Revolution

The American Revolution was a vast insurrection during which 13 North American colonies revolted against British control. The protests began in response to the British levying taxes without regard for colonial representation. These political disagreements led to a cycle of defiant acts and punitive laws. With France’s assistance, the colonies defeated the British, achieved independence, and formed the USA.

The Great Depression

The Great Depression was the most cataclysmic economic downturn in US history. It began in 1929 and persisted until the end of the 1930s. A weak financial system, falling farm prices, and dramatic industrial overproduction left millions of Americans out of work and compelled them to beg for food on the streets.

Civil Rights Movement

In the mid-20th century, a statewide movement for African-American equality evolved in the United States, comprising a variety of protests, sit-ins, boycotts, and lobbying efforts. Despite facing opposition and violence, the civil rights movement resulted in crucial reforms in the law and public practice, ensuring legal protection for African Americans’ rights and freedom.

Martin Luther King’s Assassination

Martin Luther King Jr., the Baptist minister, was killed on April 4, 1968, in Memphis. Since the mid-1950s, King headed the civil rights movement to eliminate segregation and achieve critical civil rights for African Americans. His assassination led to national mourning that paved the way for an equal housing bill, the last noteworthy legislative achievement of the civil rights era.

☝️ Good US History Topics by Period

One of the best ways to study history is to examine it from a chronological perspective. Therefore, we organized the topics by the period. Below, you’ll find US history research paper topics before 1877 and after that year.

🏗️ American History Before 1877: Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

🌻 US History Research Paper Topics After 1877

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

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

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

🏙️ 20th Century US History Topics

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

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

Here you go:

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

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

The reference point of slavery in America is considered to be 1619, when the White Lion brought 20 enslaved Africans to Jamestown, Virginia. In the 18th century, 6.5 million enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas to labor on tobacco, rice, and indigo plantations. This forced migration deprived the African continent of some of its most healthy and ablest people.

Here are the top 5 topic ideas on slavery in US history that you may find helpful:

• What effects does slavery still have on modern American society?
• Life on the plantation: the living conditions of enslaved people.
• The failure of industrialization in the slave economy.
• How did slavery lead to the Civil War in the United States?
• Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation: its value and outcomes.

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

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

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

Long before Christopher Columbus reached the American continent, this expansive territory was inhabited by Native Americans. Their history in the United States has been characterized by opposition, near extinction, and, most recently, revival. Despite all the adversities Native Americans have endured for centuries, they have preserved their culture.

Check these research topics about native Americans:

• The peculiarities of Native American culture.
• Assimilation of America’s Indigenous people: the core goals.
• How has NAGPRA influenced Native American religious practices?
• The Long Walk of the Navajo and its contribution.
• How is the portrayal of Native Americans in the media distorted?

🙌 Most Interesting American History Topics

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

🧐 US History Regent Topics

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

✊ Black History Essay Topics

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

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

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

Looking for a perfect research paper topic on armed conflicts in American history? Do not panic! Below, you will find more details on this theme!

American Civil War

The Civil War erupted in 1861 due to contradictions between Northern and Southern states. They disagreed about slavery, states’ rights, and westward expansion. Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860 led seven southern states to secede and establish the Confederate States of America. The war ended with the Confederate surrendering in 1865. This catastrophic conflict claimed 620,000 lives and left much of the South in ruin.

World War I and World War II

Between World Wars I and II, the United States showed up on the global stage as a superpower, wielding military, economic, humanitarian, and cultural power. While some Americans were worried about the US’s new role, many saw it as an opportunity to encourage free markets and democracy for global peace and prosperity.

The Cold War

The Cold War was unlike other wars: there was no direct battle between the US and the USSR. Instead, it was defined by nuclear weapons accumulation, espionage, and proxy conflicts. The Cold War considerably influenced international relations and the geopolitical landscape.

The US participation in the Korean War was driven by an urge to suppress communism. President Truman was deeply worried that if South Korea fell to the North, it could trigger a domino effect, affecting other countries in the region, including Japan. Japan was critical to American trade, so its loss would be dangerous to the US economy. That was the most essential cause for America’s engagement in the conflict.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a divisive conflict pitting North Vietnam against the combined forces of South Vietnam and the United States. It cost the lives of over 3 million humans, more than half of whom were Vietnamese civilians. Despite Nixon’s 1973 Paris Peace Accords, opposition to the Vietnam War remained divided. Ultimately, Communist forces seized South Vietnam in 1975 and formed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

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

We have created a list of argumentative essay topics to help you study various facets of American history from your perspective:

• Racial segregation of public schools violates the US Constitution.
• Does the US need a federal data privacy law?
• The Space Race positively impacted US technological advancements.
• Should the US have used force to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba?
• The Pearl Harbor attack could have been prevented.
• Was the 2000 presidential election fair?
• The US should not have remained neutral in World War II.
• Was the Mexican-American war an unscrupulous land grab?
• The American Revolution significantly changed the status of black Americans.
• Did the New Deal policies efficiently end the Great Depression?

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

• British Colonization of the Americas
• Slavery and racism in the United States
• The Puritans Influence on the American Society
• The pilgrims and the puritans
• The Causes of the Vietnam War
• Why Was Martin Luter King Assassinated?
• American Moon Landing

Stuck on writing a good paper on US history? Here are some US history essay prompts you may find helpful:

• Colonies of Massachusetts and Virginia: similarities and differences . In your essay, compare and contrast the reasons for settlement, the degree of cooperation versus competition, and the economy and religion of both colonies. Then, explain how these similarities and differences shaped American history.
• The ideological and political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. Dwell on critical events and conflicts of the Cold War, including the Space Race, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the proxy wars in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Highlight how these events and conflicts exemplified the broader ideological and political struggle.
• Analyzing the role of slavery in sparking the Civil War. Investigate how the spread of slavery and related economic and social conflicts between the North and South resulted in armed struggle. Also, focus on specific events and political debates that exacerbated these tensions.
• The evolution of American business practices during industrialization. You can concentrate on the evolution of American business during industrialization. Examine the shift from small-scale production to large corporations. Explain how new technologies and management styles transformed the business landscape and lives of ordinary workers.
• The economic outcomes of the American Revolution . In your work, analyze the economic disruptions caused by the Revolutionary War. In addition, you can explore its principal benefits, including new trade opportunities and long-term economic growth for the newly independent United States.
• The formation and influence of the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruction . Examine the motivations, strategies, and lasting impact of the KKK on Reconstruction and American society. Elaborate on its symbols and founders to make your paper more informative.
• Exploring the main concepts and figures of the Black Power movement . Analyze the movement’s core principles, like self-reliance, cultural identity, and economic empowerment. Discuss the methods and strategies used by Black Power leaders and evaluate their long-term impact on the fight for racial equality in the United States.
• What Are Major Events in the US History?
• What Started the US History?
• What Is the Most Important Piece of the US History?
• What Is the US History Summary?
• What City Was the First Capital in the US History?
• What Was the First American State in the US History?
• What Are Some Controversies in the US History?
• How Far Was the New Deal a Turning Point in the US History up to 1941?
• How the Airplane Industry Changed US History?
• What Was President Reagan Known For in the US History?
• How Reagan’s Ideology Shaped the US History?
• Why Is the Reagan Revolution in the US History?
• How Richard Nixon Influenced the US History?
• What Vietnam War Showed About US History?
• Did the Concept of Imperialism Exist in the US History?
• Why Did the Wars in the Middle East Go Down in the US History as Unnecessary?
• What Is the Most Popular Ideology in the US History?
• How Does the US History Describe George W. Bush?
• How Did the Use of Nuclear Weapons in Japan Affect the US History?
• What Are Some Horrible and Forgotten Events in the US History?
• Is Donald Trump the Second Worst President in the US History?
• What Was the Biggest Political Miscalculation in the US History?
• Who Is the Most Overrated First Lady in the US History?
• How Well Do US History Teachers Really Know About the US History?
• Who Was the Wimpiest President in the US History?
• Who Are Some of the Great Asian Americans in the US History?
• What Was the Most Corrupt Time in the US History?
• What Was the Bloodiest Single Day Battle in the US History?
• Who Is the Greatest Hero in the US History?
• How Did King Philip’s War Change the US History?

The Advanced Placement course in US history investigates various aspects of American history in more depth than regular classes do. It requires students to analyze historical sources, form critical judgments, and conduct reasoned discussions.

Here are some APUSH research paper topics on US history:

• The impact of the encomienda system on the lives of Native Americans.
• Mercantilism: definition and the key requirements.
• Analyzing the Boston Massacre as a catalyst for the Revolution.
• The Boston Tea Party and its contribution to the rise of American identity.
• The economic arguments for and against the Tariff of 1828.
• The Cult of Domesticity and its long-term influence on American gender roles.
• Exploring the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation.
• The root causes leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• Roosevelt’s foreign policy: the primary outcomes.
• The economic boom of the Gilded Age and its impact on industrial growth.

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

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

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

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

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

These digital tools are worth checking out:

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

🔗 References

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

IvyPanda. (2024, September 27). 190 US History History Topics to Write About. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/

"190 US History History Topics to Write About." IvyPanda , 27 Sept. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '190 US History History Topics to Write About'. 27 September.

IvyPanda . 2024. "190 US History History Topics to Write About." September 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "190 US History History Topics to Write About." September 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "190 US History History Topics to Write About." September 27, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/us-history-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Affiliate 💸

Get started free

Research Paper

132 Brilliant US History Research Paper Topics

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

Feb 16, 2024

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

Table of Contents

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

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

Passion-Driven Engagement

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

Research Topic with Impact

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

Balancing Passion and Significance

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

Otio: Your AI Research and Writing Partner

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

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

2. Extract key takeaways

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

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

Related Reading

• Research Paper Thesis Examples • Best Research Paper Topics • How To Write A Research Paper Outline • Research Topics For High School • History Research Paper Topics • Examples Of Research Topics • How To Write A Research Report • Topics For History Research Paper • How To Choose A Research Topic • Controversial Research Paper Topics • How To Write A Research Paper Fast • English Research Paper Topics • Tips For Writing A Research Paper • Best Topics For Research Paper • Scientific Research Paper Topics • Research Paper Ideas For English • What To Include In Introduction Of Research Paper • Research Paper Draft

1. The Impact of the Louisiana Purchase on American Expansion

2. The Causes and Consequences of the American Revolutionary War

3. The Role of Women in the American Civil War

4. The Harlem Renaissance and Its Influence on African American Culture

5. The Trail of Tears: Forced Relocation of Native American Tribes

6. The Battle of Gettysburg: Turning Point of the Civil War

7. The Causes and Effects of the Great Depression

8. The Manhattan Project: The Development of the Atomic Bomb

9. The Underground Railroad and the Abolitionist Movement

10. The Vietnam War: Reasons for US Involvement and its Impact

11. The Expansion of Railroads in the West and its Effects on Native Americans

12. The Boston Tea Party: Catalyst for the American Revolution

13. The Watergate Scandal: Impact on American Politics and Public Trust

14. The Women's Suffrage Movement: Struggles and Achievements

15. The Impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on American Industrialization

16. The Civil Rights Movement and its Impact on Racial Equality

17. The Dust Bowl: Causes, Effects, and Government Responses

18. The Spanish-American War: Acquiring Overseas Territories

19. The Salem Witch Trials: Hysteria and its Aftermath

20. The Red Scare and McCarthyism: Communist Threats in America

21. The Industrial Revolution: Transformation of American Society

22. The Emancipation Proclamation: Impact on Slavery and the Civil War

23. The American Indian Movement: Advocacy for Native American Rights

24. The Gold Rush: Migration and Economic Boom in the West

25. The Cold War: Superpower Rivalry and the Arms Race

26. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: Labor Reform and Workplace Safety

27. The Space Race: Competing for Technological Supremacy

28. The New Deal: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Response to the Great Depression

29. The Salem Witch Trials: Examining the Role of Religion and Gender

30. The American Revolution: Perspectives from British Loyalists

31. The Civil War: Impacts on Southern Economy and Society

32. The Vietnam War: Anti-War Movement and Protests

33. The Oregon Trail: Pioneers and Challenges of Westward Expansion

34. The Japanese Internment during World War II: Violation of Civil Liberties

35. The Battle of Little Bighorn: Clash of Cultures

36. The Great Migration: African Americans Moving North in Search of Opportunities

37. The War of 1812: Causes, Outcomes, and Legacy

38. The Women's Liberation Movement: Fighting for Gender Equality

39. The Mexican-American War: Expansion and Border Disputes

40. The Roaring Twenties: Cultural and Social Changes in America

41. The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Legislation for Equality and Desegregation

42. The Spanish Flu: Pandemic and its Impact on Society

43. The Stonewall Riots: Birth of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

44. The Seneca Falls Convention: Launching the Women's Rights Movement

45. The Battle of Antietam: Bloodiest Day in American History

46. The Atomic Age: Nuclear Power and the Arms Race

47. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP): Breaking Gender Barriers in World War II

48. The Homestead Act: Settlement of the American West

49. The Cuban Missile Crisis: Closest the US and USSR came to Nuclear War

50. The Indian Removal Act: Andrew Jackson and Native American Removal

51. The Birth of the National Parks System: Preserving America's Natural Wonders

52. The Civil Rights Act of 1968: Fair Housing and Ending Housing Discrimination

53. The Haymarket Riot: Labor Unrest and the Fight for Workers' Rights

54. The Dust Bowl: Environmental Disaster and Agricultural Crisis

55. The Women's Land Army during World War II: Agricultural Labor on the Home Front

56. The Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court Case: Legalizing Segregation

57. The Black Panthers: Advocacy for Black Liberation and Self-Defense

58. The California Gold Rush: Boomtowns, Lawlessness, and Migration

59. The Bonus Army Protest: Unemployment and Veterans' Rights

60. The Korean War: Forgotten Conflict or Crucial Cold War Moment?

61. The Homestead Strike: Labor Conflict and Union Power

62. The Bracero Program: Mexican Guest Workers in the United States

63. The Women's Army Corps (WAC): Women in the Military during World War II

64. The Teapot Dome Scandal: Corruption in the Harding Administration

65. The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement

66. The Santa Fe Trail: Trade and Cultural Exchange in the Southwest

67. The Zoot Suit Riots: Racial Tensions and Youth Subcultures during World War II

68. The New York Draft Riots: Opposition to Conscription during the Civil War

69. The Battle of Midway: Turning Point in the Pacific Theater of World War II

70. The Gulf of Tonkin Incident: Escalation of the Vietnam War

71. The Wounded Knee Massacre: End of Native American Resistance

72. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: Building the Panama Canal

73. The National Organization for Women (NOW): Feminist Activism in the 1960s

74. The Battle of Saratoga: French Alliance and Victory in the Revolutionary War

75. The Post-9/11 Patriot Act: Balancing Security and Civil Liberties

76. The Tulsa Race Massacre: Destruction of Black Wall Street

77. The Battle of Vicksburg: Union Control of the Mississippi River

78. The Pullman Strike: Labor Unrest and Government Intervention

79. The American Colonization Society: Promoting Emigration of Free Blacks to Africa

80. The Cuban Revolution: Fidel Castro and the Rise of Communism in the Caribbean

81. The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson's Victory in the War of 1812

82. The American Red Cross: Clara Barton and Humanitarian Aid

83. The Invasion of Grenada: US Military Intervention in the Caribbean

84. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Granting Rights to Native Americans

85. The Salem Witch Trials: Impact on Colonial Society and Justice System

86. The Freedom Riders: Challenging Segregation in Interstate Travel

87. The Reconstruction Era: Rebuilding the South after the Civil War

88. The Homestead Act of 1862: Opportunities and Challenges for Settlers

89. The Battle of Bunker Hill: Early Revolutionary War Conflict

90. The American Federation of Labor (AFL): Labor Unions and Workers' Rights

91. The Bonus March: Veterans' Protest and Government Response during the Great Depression

92. The Election of 1800: Peaceful Transfer of Power and the Rise of Political Parties

93. The United Farm Workers (UFW): Cesar Chavez and the Fight for Agricultural Labor Rights

94. The Louisiana Exposition: Celebrating America's Progress and Expansion

95. The Indian Reorganization Act: Promoting Tribal Self-Government

96. The Harlem Renaissance: Artistic and Literary Movement of the 1920s

97. The Battle of Fort Sumter: Opening Salvo of the Civil War

98. The Bricker Amendment: Congressional Attempts to Limit Presidential Power

99. The Americanization Movement: Assimilation of Immigrants in the Early 20th Century

100. The Battle of Trenton: George Washington's Surprise Attack in the Revolutionary War

101. The Immigration Act of 1924: Restricting Immigration based on National Origins

102. The Sugar Act: Taxation and Colonial Resistance

103. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): Environmental Conservation and Job Creation during the Great Depression

104. The Battle of Manila Bay: US Victory in the Spanish-American War

105. The Treaty of Versailles: Impact on Post-World War I America

106. The Battle of Hamburger Hill: Controversial Vietnam War Assault

107. The Dawes Act: Assimilation and Allotment of Native American Lands

108. The American Anti-Slavery Society: Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad

109. The Invasion of Panama: Removing Manuel Noriega from Power

110. The Battle of Yorktown: British Surrender and End of the Revolutionary War

111. The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty: Negotiating the Panama Canal's Construction

112. The National Industrial Recovery Act: Government Regulation during the Great Depression

113. The Battle of Chancellorsville: Confederate Victory and Stonewall Jackson's Death

114. The American System: Economic Development and Nationalism in the Early 19th Century

115. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Concluding the Mexican-American War

116. The Battle of Bull Run: First Major Battle of the Civil War

117. The Sedition Act of 1918: Restricting Free Speech during World War I

118. The Battle of Shiloh: Bloodiest Battle in the Western Theater of the Civil War

119. The Treaty of Paris (1783): Ending the Revolutionary War and Recognizing American Independence

120. The Battle of Stalingrad: Soviet Victory and Turning Point in World War II

121. The Freedmen's Bureau: Assisting Newly Freed Slaves during Reconstruction

122. The Marshall Plan: US Aid for European Economic Recovery after World War II

123. The Battle of the Alamo: Symbol of Texan Independence and Sacrifice

124. The American Temperance Society: Prohibition Movement and its Impact

125. The Battle of Fort McHenry: Inspiration for the Star-Spangled Banner

126. The Federalist Papers: Advocating for the US Constitution's Ratification

127. The Battle of the Somme: World War I's Brutal Trench Warfare

128. The American Protective Association: Nativist Movement and Opposition to Immigration

129. The Battle of Chosin Reservoir: US Marine Corps' Heroic Stand in the Korean War

130. The National Recovery Administration: FDR's Effort to Combat the Great Depression

131. The Battle of Fredericksburg: Union Defeat and Confederate Victory in the Civil War

132. The Quasi-War: Undeclared Naval Conflict with France in the Late 18th Century

• Research Paper Outline Template • Research Paper Introduction Example • Research Paper Conclusion Example • How Long Should A Research Paper Be • How To Quickly Write A Research Paper • Tips For Writing Research Papers • 7 Steps In Writing A Research Paper

The Importance of Structuring Your Research Paper

Introduction.

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

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

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

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

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

Thesis statement.

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

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

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

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

Conducting Thorough Research

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

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

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

Organizing Your Ideas and Outline

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

Start with a clear introduction, including your thesis statement.

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

Use subheadings within each section to further categorize your ideas.

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

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

Writing the Main Body

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

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

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

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

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

Crafting Effective Topic Sentences

Topic sentences.

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

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

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

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

Incorporating Counterarguments

Counterarguments.

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

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

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

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

Writing a Strong Conclusion

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 23, 2024

Research Project Guide

How To Analyze Quantitative Data In 9 Simple Steps

Oct 22, 2024

How To Find Academic Sources In 4 Simple Ways

Join over 80,000 researchers changing the way they read & write

Chrome Extension

© 2024 Frontdoor Labs Ltd.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Refund Policy

Join over 50,000 researchers changing the way they read & write

Join thousands of other scholars and researchers

Try Otio Free

© 2023 Frontdoor Labs Ltd.

197 Fascinating US History Research Topics To Top The Class

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

Classic US History Research Topics

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

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

Neo-Classical US History Research Topics

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

Read More:  Social Work Research Topics

American History Research Topics For High School

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

Explore some more  history research paper topics

US History Research Topics for College

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

Read More:  Nursing Research Topics

Political US History Research Topics

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

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

US Industry History Research Topics

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

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

International Relations: History of US Research Topics

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

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

History of Hollywood Research Topics

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

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

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

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

Search on OralHistory.ws Blog

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

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

Table of content

The Importance of History Learning

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

The Art of Research Writing

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

Crafting your Research Paper Topic

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

Colonial Period

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

Research Paper Topics for the Colonial Period

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

Revolutionary Era

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

Research Paper Topics for the Revolutionary Era

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

Nineteenth Century

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

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

Twentieth Century

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

Research Paper Topics for the Twentieth Century

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

Final Thoughts

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

📎 Related Articles

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

Worried About Plagiarism?

Get 20% Off

on Plagiarism & AI Check Services!

• msstate.edu
• MSU Directory

Library update: Recent database changes

• Mississippi State University Libraries
• Research Guides
• Academic Subjects, Departments, and Programs

History Research Guide

• Research Questions

Topic to Research Question

Previous interpretations.

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

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

Qualities of good historical questions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting your interpretation to previous work by other historians:

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

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

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

Adapted from: Brown, " Writing about History ."

• << Previous: Home
• Next: Finding Secondary Sources >>
• Last Updated: May 1, 2024 1:02 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.msstate.edu/history

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

• Choosing A Topic
• Find Articles
• History Databases

History Database for Topic Exploration

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

Reference Sources

Why use reference books? Reference books provide you with:

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

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

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

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

Selected Subject Headings

Select Sources for Topic Exploration

• << Previous: Home
• Next: Find Books >>
• Last Updated: Aug 15, 2024 2:24 PM
• URL: https://libguides.msjc.edu/c.php?g=96463

Early American History Research Paper Topics

Exploring a variety of early American history research paper topics is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of the foundations of the United States. This page presents a comprehensive guide for students studying history, providing a vast range of topics, practical advice on how to select and approach them, and an in-depth article examining the richness of early American history as a field of study. In addition, iResearchNet’s custom writing services are introduced, offering professional support to students who wish to dive into this compelling subject area. Through this combination of resources, students are empowered to create a captivating and academically rigorous research paper on early American history.

100 Early American History Research Paper Topics

In this section, we will explore a comprehensive list of early American history research paper topics. These topics are divided into 10 categories, each offering a diverse range of subjects for exploration. Whether you are interested in politics, social dynamics, cultural developments, or economic aspects, there is a topic that will captivate your interest. Delve into the rich tapestry of early American history and uncover fascinating research paper topics that will broaden your understanding of this critical period.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Politics and Government:

• The influence of colonial charters on the development of early American governance
• The evolution of colonial assemblies and the rise of self-government
• Examining the impact of the Albany Plan of Union on colonial unity
• The role of colonial legislatures in shaping early American political culture
• The significance of the Stamp Act Congress in the lead-up to the American Revolution
• Analyzing the creation and ratification of the Articles of Confederation
• Exploring the debates surrounding the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution
• The impact of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers on American political thought
• Investigating the origins and consequences of the Alien and Sedition Acts
• Examining the influence of early political parties on the formation of American democracy

Social and Cultural Transformations:

• The interactions between Native American tribes and European settlers in the early colonial period
• The role of religion in shaping early American society and culture
• Exploring the impact of the Great Awakening on religious practices and social values
• Analyzing the institution of slavery and its effects on early American society
• The emergence of religious toleration and religious freedom in the colonies
• Investigating the social dynamics and gender roles in early American communities
• The influence of Enlightenment ideas on the intellectual and cultural development of early America
• Examining the role of education and the establishment of early American universities
• The cultural assimilation of different immigrant groups and their contributions to early America
• Exploring the development of early American literature, art, and architecture

Economic and Trade:

• Analyzing the impact of the Columbian Exchange on the economies of early America
• The role of mercantilism and the Navigation Acts in shaping colonial trade policies
• Investigating the development of the triangular trade and the Atlantic slave trade
• The rise of colonial industries and the growth of regional economies
• The impact of the American Revolution on trade and commerce
• The significance of the Embargo Act of 1807 in early American economic history
• Exploring the role of early American banks and financial institutions
• Analyzing the economic consequences of westward expansion and the Louisiana Purchase
• Investigating the emergence of early American capitalism and the growth of the market economy
• Examining the effects of the War of 1812 on early American trade and industry

Native American History:

• The interactions between Native American tribes and European colonizers
• Exploring the impact of disease on Native American populations
• Investigating the role of Native American alliances in shaping the outcome of colonial conflicts
• The effects of land dispossession and forced removal on Native American communities
• The cultural, social, and political resilience of Native American tribes in the face of colonization
• Examining the cultural exchange and adaptation between Native Americans and European settlers
• The role of Native American leaders and warriors in early American conflicts
• Exploring the impact of the Indian Removal Act on Native American sovereignty
• The effects of reservation policies and assimilation efforts on Native American communities
• Investigating contemporary Native American activism and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition

Revolutionary War and Independence:

• The causes and catalysts of the American Revolution
• Analyzing the role of key individuals, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, in the Revolutionary War
• The impact of foreign assistance, particularly from France, on the outcome of the Revolution
• The experiences of soldiers and civilians during the Revolutionary War
• Investigating the ideological foundations of American independence and the Declaration of Independence
• Examining the impact of Revolutionary War battles, such as Saratoga and Yorktown
• The effects of the Treaty of Paris (1783) and the establishment of the United States
• Exploring the challenges of nation-building and creating a system of government after the Revolution
• The significance of the Federalist Papers in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution
• Investigating the debates over individual rights and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution

Slavery and Abolition:

• The origins and development of slavery in the early American colonies
• Exploring the experiences of enslaved individuals and the resistance against slavery
• Investigating the impact of the American Revolution on the institution of slavery
• The role of early abolitionist movements and individuals in the fight against slavery
• Analyzing the economic, social, and political implications of the cotton gin and the expansion of slavery
• The Underground Railroad and the network of abolitionist activities
• Examining the impact of the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 on the slavery debate
• The significance of the Dred Scott case and its role in deepening sectional tensions
• Investigating the role of African Americans in the Civil War and the fight for emancipation
• The effects of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment on the abolition of slavery

Early American Women:

• Exploring the experiences of women in colonial America
• The role of women in early American politics and social movements
• Analyzing the impact of the American Revolution on women’s rights and gender roles
• Investigating the contributions of early American women writers, artists, and intellectuals
• The emergence of women’s suffrage movements in the 19th century
• Examining the role of women in education and the establishment of female seminaries
• The experiences of enslaved women and their resistance against oppression
• Exploring the impact of the Seneca Falls Convention and the Declaration of Sentiments
• Investigating the intersectionality of race and gender in early American women’s history
• The effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction on women’s rights and social status

Immigration and Ethnicity:

• Analyzing the patterns of immigration to early America and the motivations of different immigrant groups
• The experiences of Irish immigrants and their role in early American society
• Investigating the contributions of German immigrants to early American culture and industry
• Exploring the experiences of Italian, Polish, and Eastern European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• The impact of Chinese and Asian immigration on early American history
• Examining the challenges faced by immigrant communities and the establishment of ethnic enclaves
• Analyzing the nativist movements and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in the early 19th century
• The effects of immigration policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Immigration Act of 1924
• Investigating the experiences of African American migrants during the Great Migration
• Exploring the cultural contributions of different immigrant groups to early American society

Early American Military History:

• Analyzing the conflicts between European powers for control of North America
• The role of Native American tribes in early American military engagements
• Investigating the French and Indian War and its impact on the balance of power in North America
• Examining the strategies and tactics of American Revolutionary War commanders
• The significance of key battles, such as Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Trenton
• The experiences of soldiers and civilians during the War of 1812
• Analyzing the Mexican-American War and its consequences for American expansion
• The role of military leaders, such as Andrew Jackson and Winfield Scott, in early American conflicts
• Investigating the impact of the Civil War on military tactics and technology
• Examining the effects of the Spanish-American War and the emergence of the United States as a global power

Religion and Early American Society:

• Exploring the religious diversity of early American colonies
• Analyzing the role of Puritanism in shaping the social and cultural landscape of New England
• Investigating the religious revival movements of the Great Awakening and their impact on early American society
• The religious tensions and conflicts in the Salem Witch Trials
• Examining the establishment of religious freedom and the separation of church and state
• The role of religious denominations, such as Quakers, Baptists, and Methodists, in early American society
• Analyzing the impact of religious missionaries on Native American communities
• Exploring the religious dimensions of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements
• Investigating the religious aspects of the Second Great Awakening and its influence on American culture
• The role of religion in shaping early American moral and ethical values

This comprehensive list of early American history research paper topics provides a wide range of subjects for students to explore and delve into the fascinating world of colonial America. From politics and social dynamics to economics, culture, and religion, there is a topic to pique the interest of every history enthusiast. By choosing a research paper topic from these categories, students can engage with the rich historical context and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics that shaped early America. So, embark on this intellectual journey and uncover the untold stories and hidden gems of early American history through your research paper.

Early American History: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

Early American history is a captivating and pivotal period that laid the foundation for the United States as we know it today. From the arrival of European explorers to the establishment of the thirteen colonies, this era is filled with significant events, influential figures, and cultural transformations that shaped the course of the nation’s history. For students studying history and embarking on research papers, early American history offers a vast and diverse range of fascinating topics to explore. In this article, we will delve into the rich tapestry of early American history and highlight the variety of research paper topics available, providing students with a glimpse into the complexities and significance of this era.

Cultural Encounters and Interactions

One intriguing aspect of early American history is the encounters and interactions between different cultural groups. The arrival of European explorers in the Americas brought together diverse societies, including indigenous peoples, European settlers, and African slaves. Researching the cultural exchange during this period can shed light on the complexities of early American history. Topics to consider include the impact of European exploration on indigenous populations, the cultural resilience of Native American tribes, the influence of African cultures on colonial societies, and the development of a distinct American identity shaped by these encounters.

Exploring the various forms of cultural exchange can provide insights into the dynamics of power, cultural adaptation, and resistance that defined early American history. Students can delve into specific case studies, such as the interactions between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, the fur trade and its impact on Native American communities, or the cultural assimilation of enslaved Africans in the colonies. By examining these encounters, students can analyze the complexities of cross-cultural interactions and their long-lasting consequences.

Social and Economic Dynamics

Understanding the social and economic dynamics of early American society is essential for comprehending the development of the colonies. The colonial period was characterized by diverse economic systems, such as the plantation economy in the South and the mercantile economy in the North. Exploring the economic, social, and political aspects of this period can provide insights into the factors that influenced the growth and transformation of colonial society.

Students can explore the economic systems of early America by examining topics such as the role of indentured servitude, the establishment of cash crops like tobacco and rice, the development of trade networks, and the emergence of cities as economic centers. They can also investigate the social hierarchies that shaped colonial society, including the distinctions between social classes, the role of gender and family dynamics, and the impact of religious beliefs on daily life.

Political Movements and Revolutionary Ideals

The quest for political autonomy and the seeds of revolution began to take root in the colonies during this period. Investigating the political landscape and revolutionary ideals can provide valuable insights into the motivations and aspirations of early American colonists. Students can explore the ideas and ideologies that shaped the revolutionary spirit, the events that fueled the desire for independence, and the key figures who played significant roles in the American Revolution.

Research paper topics could include the influence of Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Thomas Paine, on revolutionary ideology, the causes and consequences of key events like the Boston Tea Party and the Stamp Act, and the significance of founding documents like the Declaration of Independence in shaping the nation’s identity. Additionally, students can examine the challenges faced by the colonists, the strategies employed in the fight for independence, and the formation of early American governments.

Struggles for Equality and Identity

The colonial period also witnessed struggles for equality and the formation of cultural and social identities. Researching the experiences of marginalized groups, such as women, African Americans, and Native Americans, provides a deeper understanding of social dynamics and the complexities of early American society. By exploring their perspectives and contributions, students can gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of these groups in shaping the nation.

Topics in this area could include the role of women in colonial society and their involvement in political movements, the institution of slavery and its impact on African American communities, the experiences and resistance of Native American tribes to colonial expansion, and the development of distinct regional and national identities. Students can analyze primary sources, such as diaries, letters, and newspapers, to uncover the voices of those who have often been marginalized in traditional historical narratives.

Early American history is a captivating period filled with rich narratives, significant events, and diverse cultural interactions. Exploring the range of research paper topics in early American history allows students to delve into the complexities and significance of this era. By examining cultural encounters, socioeconomic dynamics, political movements, struggles for equality, and the formation of identity, students gain a deeper understanding of the events, people, and ideas that laid the foundation for the United States. As they embark on their research journeys, they will uncover the untold stories, legacies, and lessons from early American history, gaining a broader perspective on the nation’s past and its enduring impact on the present. By delving into these research paper topics, students have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing exploration and understanding of early American history.

Choosing Early American History Research Paper Topics

Selecting the right research paper topic is crucial to the success of your project. It sets the foundation for your investigation and determines the depth and breadth of your research. In the field of early American history, there are numerous fascinating topics to explore, each offering its own unique insights and opportunities for discovery. In this section, we will provide expert advice on choosing early American history research paper topics, helping you navigate the vast array of options and select a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals.

• Narrow down your focus : Early American history spans a vast period and covers a wide range of events, people, and themes. To choose an effective research paper topic, it is essential to narrow down your focus. Consider specific time periods, such as the colonial era, the American Revolution, or the early republic. Alternatively, you can concentrate on specific regions, such as New England, the Southern colonies, or the frontier. By narrowing your focus, you can delve deeper into the subject matter and provide a more comprehensive analysis.
• Follow your passion : Passion is a key ingredient for a successful research paper. Select a topic that genuinely interests you and ignites your curiosity. Whether it’s exploring the lives of influential figures like Benjamin Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, investigating the impact of religious movements, or delving into the experiences of marginalized groups, choose a topic that resonates with your intellectual and personal interests. Your enthusiasm will fuel your research and enable you to produce a more engaging and insightful paper.
• Identify knowledge gaps : Research is driven by the desire to expand knowledge and uncover new perspectives. As you consider potential research paper topics, identify knowledge gaps or underexplored areas in early American history. Look for topics that have received less scholarly attention but offer significant potential for exploration and discovery. This could involve examining lesser-known events, shedding light on marginalized voices, or challenging existing interpretations. By addressing these gaps, your research can make a unique and valuable contribution to the field.
• Utilize primary and secondary sources : To develop a strong research paper, it is essential to utilize both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources provide firsthand accounts, documents, and artifacts from the period under study, while secondary sources offer analysis and interpretations by historians. When selecting a research topic, consider the availability of primary and secondary sources related to your chosen subject. Access to reliable and diverse sources will ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive investigation.
• Consider interdisciplinary approaches : Early American history intersects with various disciplines, including literature, sociology, anthropology, political science, and more. Consider adopting an interdisciplinary approach when selecting your research topic. This allows you to explore connections and influences between different aspects of early American history and other fields of study. For example, you might analyze the representation of early American history in literature or examine the social and cultural impact of political ideologies. By integrating multiple perspectives, you can offer a more nuanced analysis of your chosen topic.
• Engage with historiographical debates : The field of early American history is rich with historiographical debates—ongoing discussions and disagreements among historians. These debates provide an excellent opportunity for research and analysis. Consider choosing a topic that aligns with a particular historiographical debate. By examining the different interpretations and arguments put forth by historians, you can contribute to the ongoing dialogue and present your own analysis and conclusions.
• Consult with your instructor or advisor : Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your instructor or advisor when selecting your research paper topic. They can provide valuable insights, recommend relevant sources, and help you narrow down your focus. Discuss your interests and ideas with them to receive feedback and suggestions for refining your topic. Their expertise and experience will ensure that your research is focused, relevant, and academically rigorous.

Choosing the right research paper topic is a critical step in the process of studying early American history. By narrowing down your focus, following your passion, identifying knowledge gaps, utilizing primary and secondary sources, considering interdisciplinary approaches, engaging with historiographical debates, and seeking guidance from your instructor or advisor, you can select a compelling and meaningful topic for your research paper. Remember, the topic you choose should not only align with your academic goals but also ignite your curiosity and passion. Embrace the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of early American history and contribute to the ongoing exploration and understanding of this pivotal era.

How to Write an Early American History Research Paper

Writing a research paper in the field of early American history requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective organization. By following a systematic approach, you can navigate the complexities of the subject matter and produce a well-structured and insightful paper. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write an early American history research paper, from formulating a thesis statement to presenting your findings and conclusions.

• Formulate a compelling thesis statement : A strong thesis statement serves as the foundation of your research paper. It succinctly states the main argument or purpose of your study. When formulating your thesis statement, ensure that it is specific, focused, and debatable. It should reflect the central theme or question that your paper aims to explore. For example, your thesis statement could address the impact of the American Revolution on the development of early American society or analyze the influence of religious beliefs on colonial governance. Make sure to refine and revise your thesis statement as you progress in your research.
• Conduct extensive research : Thorough research is essential for producing a comprehensive and well-supported research paper. Utilize a combination of primary and secondary sources to gather relevant information and evidence. Primary sources may include historical documents, letters, diaries, newspapers, and firsthand accounts from the period. Secondary sources, such as scholarly articles and books, provide analysis and interpretations by historians. Consult reputable databases, archives, and libraries to access a wide range of sources. Take detailed notes, organize your findings, and keep track of your sources for proper citation.
• Organize your paper : Effective organization is key to presenting your research in a logical and coherent manner. Begin by creating an outline that outlines the main sections and subtopics of your paper. Typically, an early American history research paper includes an introduction, literature review, methodology (if applicable), main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ensure that each section flows smoothly and supports your thesis statement. Use clear headings and subheadings to guide your reader through the paper. Consider the chronology of events or thematic categories to structure your arguments.
• Analyze and interpret primary sources : Primary sources provide valuable insights into the historical context and perspectives of early American history. Analyze and interpret these sources to support your arguments and shed light on the topic you are investigating. Pay attention to the biases, limitations, and possible interpretations of the sources. Engage critically with the primary materials and draw connections between different sources to develop a nuanced understanding of the subject matter. Quote or paraphrase relevant passages, providing proper citations to give credit to the original authors.
• Engage with secondary sources and historiography : Secondary sources offer scholarly analysis and interpretations of early American history. Engage with these sources to situate your research within the existing historiography. Identify key debates, arguments, and perspectives within the field and critically assess their relevance to your research topic. Use secondary sources to support or challenge your arguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the existing scholarship. Provide in-text citations and include a comprehensive bibliography to acknowledge the contributions of other historians.
• Present your findings and analysis : In the main body paragraphs of your research paper, present your findings and analysis in a clear and organized manner. Develop coherent arguments supported by evidence from your research. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph and ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs. Provide detailed explanations and interpretations of your sources, demonstrating your ability to critically analyze the historical material. Incorporate relevant examples, data, or statistics to strengthen your arguments.
• Craft a compelling conclusion : The conclusion of your research paper should summarize your main findings, restate your thesis statement, and provide a sense of closure to your paper. Reflect on the significance of your research in the context of early American history. Discuss any implications or broader insights that your study may have uncovered. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead focus on synthesizing your research and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
• Revise, edit, and proofread : Revision is a vital step in the writing process. Review your research paper for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported, and your ideas are effectively communicated. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Pay attention to formatting guidelines and ensure proper citation of all sources. Consider seeking feedback from peers, instructors, or academic writing centers to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Writing an early American history research paper requires a systematic and disciplined approach. By formulating a compelling thesis statement, conducting extensive research, organizing your paper effectively, analyzing primary and secondary sources, engaging with historiography, presenting your findings and analysis, and crafting a compelling conclusion, you can produce a well-structured and insightful research paper. Remember to revise, edit, and proofread your work to ensure its clarity and academic rigor. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the field of early American history and advance our understanding of this important era.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges that students face when tasked with writing a research paper on early American history. The extensive research, critical analysis, and writing skills required can be daunting, especially when juggling multiple assignments and commitments. That’s why we are here to help. With our professional writing services, you can unleash your potential and achieve academic success in your early American history research papers. Let’s explore how iResearchNet can be your trusted partner in this journey.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our writing team consists of expert degree-holding writers with extensive knowledge and experience in early American history. They are well-versed in the key events, figures, and themes of this era, allowing them to provide accurate and insightful analysis in your research papers. Our writers possess advanced degrees in history or related disciplines, ensuring that your papers are crafted by subject matter experts who understand the nuances of early American history.
• Custom Written Works : At iResearchNet, we value originality and authenticity. All our research papers are custom-written from scratch based on your specific requirements and instructions. We understand the importance of producing unique and plagiarism-free papers, and we guarantee that every document we deliver is original and tailored to your needs. You can be confident that your research paper on early American history will be one-of-a-kind and of the highest quality.
• In-Depth Research : Research is at the core of any successful history paper. Our writers are skilled researchers who know how to access a wide range of credible sources to gather the necessary information for your early American history research paper. They have access to reputable databases, archives, and libraries, allowing them to conduct in-depth research and include the most relevant and up-to-date sources in your paper. You can trust that your research will be thorough and comprehensive.
• Custom Formatting : Proper formatting is essential in academic writing. Whether your university requires APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard style, our writers are well-versed in these formatting guidelines. They will ensure that your research paper adheres to the specific requirements of your institution and the chosen citation style. From in-text citations to the bibliography, your paper will be formatted correctly and consistently.
• Top Quality : At iResearchNet, we are committed to delivering top-quality research papers. Our writers follow rigorous quality control processes to ensure that every paper meets the highest academic standards. They meticulously proofread and edit each document to eliminate errors and improve clarity. Our focus on quality extends to the content, structure, and overall coherence of the research paper. Rest assured that your early American history research paper will demonstrate excellence in every aspect.
• Customized Solutions : We understand that each research paper is unique, and we offer customized solutions to meet your specific needs. Whether you need assistance with topic selection, thesis formulation, research guidance, or complete paper writing, we can tailor our services to your requirements. Our flexible approach allows you to choose the level of support that suits your needs, ensuring that you receive the necessary guidance and assistance throughout the research paper writing process.
• Flexible Pricing : We strive to make our services affordable and accessible to students. Our pricing structure is flexible, allowing you to choose the services that fit within your budget. We offer transparent pricing, and there are no hidden fees or additional charges. You will receive a quote based on the specific requirements of your early American history research paper, enabling you to make an informed decision about our services.
• Short Deadlines : We understand that students often face tight deadlines. At iResearchNet, we offer short turnaround times to accommodate urgent research paper requests. Whether you need your early American history research paper in a few days or even within three hours, we have writers who can work efficiently and deliver your paper on time. Our fast and reliable service ensures that you can meet your deadlines without compromising on quality.
• Timely Delivery : Punctuality is crucial in academic assignments. We prioritize timely delivery to ensure that you receive your completed early American history research paper within the agreed-upon timeframe. Our writers are committed to meeting deadlines, allowing you to submit your paper on time and avoid any academic penalties. We value your time and understand the importance of prompt delivery.
• 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have. Whether you need clarification on our services, want to track the progress of your research paper, or have any other questions, our friendly and knowledgeable support representatives are ready to help. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and ensuring a smooth and positive experience throughout the writing process.
• Absolute Privacy : At iResearchNet, we prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. We have robust security measures in place to protect your personal information and ensure that your interactions with our platform remain confidential. We adhere to strict privacy policies and will never disclose your personal details or the nature of the services you have requested. You can trust us to handle your information with the utmost care and professionalism.
• Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform that allows you to easily track the progress of your early American history research paper. You can communicate with your assigned writer, monitor the status of your order, and exchange messages or additional instructions conveniently. Our streamlined process ensures effective collaboration and transparency throughout the writing process.
• Money Back Guarantee : We are confident in the quality of our services and the expertise of our writers. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we will work with you to address any concerns and ensure that you are fully content with the outcome.

When it comes to writing a research paper on early American history, iResearchNet is your reliable partner. With our team of expert writers, customized solutions, commitment to top quality, flexible pricing, fast turnaround times, 24/7 support, absolute privacy, easy order tracking, and money-back guarantee, we are dedicated to helping you unleash your potential and achieve academic success. Place your trust in iResearchNet’s writing services and embark on a rewarding journey of producing outstanding early American history research papers.

Unleash Your Potential with iResearchNet’s Writing Services

Are you struggling with your early American history research paper? Do you feel overwhelmed by the extensive research, critical analysis, and writing skills required to excel in this subject? Don’t worry, because iResearchNet is here to help. Our writing services are designed to support students like you in unleashing their potential and achieving outstanding results in their early American history research papers. Let’s explore how iResearchNet can be your trusted ally in this exciting academic journey.

Now is the time to unleash your potential in early American history. With iResearchNet’s writing services, you can overcome the challenges of writing a research paper and achieve outstanding results. Our tailored solutions, expert writers, thorough research, customized approach, commitment to academic excellence, timely delivery, confidentiality, and 24/7 customer support make us the ideal partner for your early American history research papers. Place your trust in iResearchNet and embark on a rewarding journey of academic success. Let’s unlock the secrets of early American history together.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

Module 7: The Early Republic (1790-1820)

Developing research questions, learning objectives.

• Identify effective research questions that are not too narrow or broad
• Generate substantive, open-ended questions about the past

Imagine the following conversation with your friend:

Friend : “The funniest thing ever happened today!” You : “What happened?” Friend : “Oh my goodness…you wouldn’t even believe it. I don’t even know where to start.” You : “Okay, now I  need  to know. Where were you? Did it happen to you or to someone else?” Friend : “Someone else. It saw it on the way to class.” You : “Well, what happened? Who was it?” Friend : “This guy had turned around to talk to his friend and kept walking—directly into the fountain.” You : “Did he fall in?” Friend : “Yes, he started falling, and when he reached out for something to catch his fall, he grabbed a girl next to him and pulled her in, too!”

And you can imagine even more questions to follow—How did she react? Were they soaked afterwards? Did anyone help? Did they say anything?

In conversation with someone, it’s natural to ask questions to learn more. The more questions you ask, the more details you have, and the better equipped you’ll be to fully visualize what happened. Much in the same way that actively engaging in a conversation helps you paint a picture about a situation, you can also ask questions to learn more information about a research topic.

Research Questions

Developing a research question is the first, and, arguably, the most crucial step in creating a research-based project, whether it be a traditional academic research paper, a podcast, or a video presentation. A well-framed research question will allow you to focus on the matter at hand and approach it in a logical way. A poorly framed research question will make your project extremely difficult to complete, if not impossible. Let’s take a deeper look into developing the research question.

Watch this video to see how developing a research question can set you up for successful research.

You can view the  transcript for “Developing a Research Question” here (opens in new window) .

Developing a Research Question

Your research question guides your research. Your research project will answer your research question. But how do you develop a research question? If your project is for a class in the history of the early United States, you may be assigned a specific research question, for example, “What were the causes of the Whiskey Rebellion?” But what if your assignment requires you to develop your own research question? Where do you start?

First, consider the general topic. (If the assignment requires you to focus on the history of the early U.S. republic, then a topic about World War II will not work.) Then, look for some aspect of that general topic that is interesting to you. A research project that interests you is much easier (and more fun!) to complete than one that bores you. For example, if your topic is the early U.S. republic, you could generally look into the expansion of the United States Navy, or the growing concerns enslavers had about slave rebellion. Both are appropriate, but one might be far more interesting to you.

Once you arrive at a general topic, consider a few defining questions. Defining questions help take a broad topic and narrow it down to create a focal point. If your topic was the American Revolution you might ask the following general defining questions:

• Who did America fight?
• Who won the war?
• When was the war?
• What caused the war?
• Where was the war fought?

These are very general questions, and you already know most of these answers, but they do allow you to think more deeply about the general topic as you work toward developing your research question.

For this exercise, imagine that your instructor has assigned you a research project on an enslaved person’s revolt during the 18th and 19th centuries—a topic about which you know very little, so you will begin by asking five defining questions. They can be quite general, but they will allow you to probe the topic a bit more deeply. For example, you might ask “Where did the enslaved people revolt?” Use the space below to jot down ideas for your clarifying questions.

Now, let’s do some preliminary research on your topic. Here your course textbook or a review of a Wikipedia article can provide you with enough general information to ask a more specific, focused research question. You want to develop a good research question that focuses your research and sets you up for success in the finished product. Let’s first look at what constitutes a “bad” research question.

Is your question easily answered with a few simple facts? For example, if the question is: “Who was the first secretary of the United States Treasury?” then it will be difficult to develop a full project because that question is way too narrow. It can be answered in one sentence: “Alexander Hamilton was the first secretary of the United States Treasury.” Your instructor probably expects more than one sentence for your research project.

But even if the research question is not easily answered in one sentence, a question can still be too narrow. If your general topic is Alexander Hamilton, and the question you ask is: “How did Alexander Hamilton’s childhood education affect his view of public credit?” you will likely have a very difficult time finding sources to investigate and answer the question. This is a great tip to keep in mind. If you cannot find sources to answer your question, then that is a very clear indication the question is too narrow or otherwise problematic.

A research question can also be too broad. For example, “What was the impact of the Louisiana Purchase?” would be too broad, and would likely require hundreds of pages to answer. You would need to address the impact of the purchase on the expansion of slavery and the debates associated with slavery, evaluate the environmental impact of westward expansion, examine how Native Americans were affected, discuss how Napoleon used the purchase price to carry out wars in Europe, evaluate the significance of the port of New Orleans to the future of the United States, etc. This is likely well beyond the scope of your project. If you begin your research and are overwhelmed with sources, that is a good indication your topic is too broad.

See how well you can identify which research questions are either too narrow or too broad in this activity:

So the goal, then, is to hit the “sweet spot” in developing a research question. You want a question neither too narrow nor too broad. You want a question with boundaries that keep you on track. Let’s take a broad question and narrow it down to a workable and good research question. One way to do this is to use the 5Ws to narrow down the question.

• Who? : who is the individual or group of individuals we are investigating?
• What? : what aspect of the “who” are we investigating?
• When? : what is the timeframe of our investigation?
• Where? : what is the geographical focus of our investigation?
• Why? : why is this investigation important or meaningful?

Answering the questions posed by the 5Ws can help you narrow down the types of things you are curious about and lead you to your research question.

For closed captioning, open the video on its original page by clicking the YouTube logo in the lower right-hand corner of the video display. In YouTube, the video will begin at the same starting point as this clip, but will continue playing until the very end.

You can view the transcript for this segmented clip of “Using the 5Ws to Develop a Research Question” here (opens in new window) .

Let’s assume that your general topic is slave revolt. Here we want to apply the 5Ws.

• Who? : Enslaved persons
• What? : Revolt
• When? : The early republic, 1790-1820
• Where? : The U.S. South
• Why? : Did slave revolt have an impact on the treatment of enslaved persons?

And now we need to frame the 5Ws into one, answerable research question.

How did the revolt of enslaved persons in the U.S. South during the early republic impact laws about slavery?

We now have placed boundaries with a question that will keep us on track as we move forward with the research. We know we are examining how the law changed as a result of slave revolt between 1790 and 1820 in the U.S. South. Books on slave revolt in Cuba are not relevant. Articles on slave revolt in the 1730s are not relevant. Books on slave revolt in the North are not relevant. Boundaries on your question allow you to manage the project without being overwhelmed and arrive at an answer.

For this exercise, select one of the following topics and apply the 5Ws. Then, craft a research question that applies to the topic you selected.

Topics options:

• Hamilton’s Report on Public Credit
• The Battle of Tippecanoe
• Corps of Discovery

Research question :

Research Projects other than the Research Paper

Traditionally, when we think of research projects, we think of research papers, and the idea that a good research question makes for a good research paper. That is true, but the principles for evaluating a research question can be applied to multiple projects. Perhaps your instructor in this class, or another class, assigns a poster project, where you must present data in a concise format such as a poster. Doing so without clearly defining the topic will be difficult, and when you are given an assignment that requires you to be brief and concise, a clear research question is vital to meeting the expectations.

The importance of crafting a solid research question applies to other types of assignments such as a video presentation or podcast as well. Podcasts are unique in that your presentation is not written but auditory. When we read something in which the topic wanders or is otherwise confusing, it is easy to go back and reread the material to make sense of what the author is trying to convey. That is not easy to do with a podcast (think about all the times you have hit the rewind button, only to go back too far, or not far enough). In a podcast, you want to stay on track throughout the narrative arc. A well-crafted research question will help you to stay focused, but it will also help shape and refine the focus of your podcast.

Creating a Podcast

Imagine your assignment is to create a podcast on a topic in U.S. history before the Civil War. Without a strong research question, that will be a very long podcast! Where do you even begin? Working through the techniques we have learned here will get you off to a great start:

• Pick a general topic that is interesting to you.
• Conduct preliminary research.
• Consider the 5Ws.
• Craft your research question, and then begin looking for the answers.
• Refine your question as you compile your research.
• Create an outline for your podcast, then fill in the specifics with a script, interview questions, or more details. For podcasting tips, visit this NPR website .

Remember that a research question can evolve and change while you work on your project. For example, if you were creating a podcast about some aspect of slave revolts, after some initial searching, you might have a research question of, “How did the revolt of enslaved persons in the U.S. South during the early Republic impact laws about slavery?”

While you conduct research, you may find interesting stories, news articles, or details about slave codes that lead you to adjust your question. For example, during your research, you will likely learn about the 1811 German Coast Uprisings in New Orleans—the largest uprising in North America with between 200 and 500 enslaved participants. They marched twenty miles in two days, burning and destroying some plantation homes and crops until White people in the area gathered a militia and promptly killed over forty of the enslaved participants. Over the next two weeks, White planters and officials interrogated, tried, executed, and decapitated an additional 44 escaped enslaved Blacks who had been captured. Executions were generally by hanging or firing squad. Heads were displayed on pikes to intimidate other enslaved persons. This is all shocking and new information to you and you decide to focus your research specifically on this uprising. Your new research question may be, “What were the reactions to the German Coast Uprisings in Louisiana in 1811?” Your podcast could answer this question in some way. Note that podcasts come in a variety of formats—it could be an interview, a conversation between co-hosts, a narrative, or something else altogether. No matter the format, having a guiding question that you ultimately answer during the podcast will give you a stronger delivery.

Imagine your assignment is to create a podcast on U.S. history before the Civil War. What topic would you choose? Write a research question that could help you focus on a specific topic or event for your podcast. There is no correct answer, but you can jot down your ideas in the space below.

• Historical Hack: Developing Research Questions. Authored by : Sarah Franklin for Lumen Learning. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Developing a Research Question. Provided by : Steely Library NKU. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWLYCYeCFak . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• 1811 German Coast Uprising. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1811_German_Coast_uprising . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• Defining Questions. Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1coreq/chapter/defining-questions/ . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• Using the 5Ws to Develop a Research Question. Provided by : New Literacies Alliance. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex4FaIaOjlA&t=134s . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

HIST 105 - US History since 1877 - V. Winn

Research topics.

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

Need suggestions for your research?

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

• Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
• Chinese Workers
• Expansionism and Spanish-American-Cuban-Filioino War
• U.S. Policies in Caribbean, and Central America
• United State and the Mexican Revolution
• U.S. Entrance into World War I
• The Twenties and Rise of New Technology
• Women's Suffrage
• << Previous: Home
• Next: Databases >>
• Last Updated: Oct 14, 2024 9:16 AM
• URL: https://kckcc.libguides.com/HIST105

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Harris, Trump Voters Differ Over Election Security, Vote Counts and Hacking Concerns

Just 20% of voters are highly confident the supreme court would be politically neutral if it rules on legal issues in 2024 election, table of contents.

• Other findings: Voters’ plans for casting ballots, confidence in Supreme Court to be politically neutral if it must resolve 2024 election challenges
• Confidence in poll workers, state election officials
• Are the parties committed to fair and accurate elections?
• GOP confidence in absentee ballot counts remains low
• 2. Confidence in voting access and integrity; expectations for whether and when the election results will be clear
• How easy will it be to vote this year?
• Acknowledgments
• The American Trends Panel survey methodology

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans’ views of voting and their expectations around the 2024 presidential election.

For this analysis, we surveyed 5,110 U.S. adults – including 4,025 registered voters – from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, 2024. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), a group of people recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses who have agreed to take surveys regularly. This kind of recruitment gives nearly all U.S. adults a chance of selection. Surveys were conducted either online or by telephone with a live interviewer. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other factors. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for this report , the topline and the survey methodology .

With voting underway in the 2024 presidential race, majorities of American voters are at least somewhat confident that the election will be run smoothly, that votes will be counted accurately and that ineligible voters will be prevented from casting ballots.

But supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have sharply different expectations for how this year’s election may unfold. In many cases, these differences are as wide as they were in the lead-up to the 2020 election .

Harris supporters are more optimistic about the way the election will be run: 90% say they are at least somewhat confident that elections across the United States will be administered well. This compares with 57% of Trump supporters who are confident the election will be run smoothly.

This pattern in views extends to other aspects of the presidential race:

• Harris supporters are more confident than Trump supporters that, after all the votes are counted, it will be clear who won (85% vs. 58%).
• Harris supporters are much more confident that mail-in ballots will be counted as voters intend (85% vs. 38%).
• Harris supporters also are more confident that election systems across the U.S. are secure from hacking and other technological threats (73% vs. 32%).

The latest national survey by Pew Research Center, conducted among 5,110 U.S. adults (including 4,025 registered voters) from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, 2024, finds that voters who support Harris are more confident in the way the 2024 election will unfold than President Joe Biden’s supporters were four years ago.

And those who support Trump are deeply skeptical about the way the election will be conducted – expressing even less confidence on some election issues than his supporters did four years ago.

Wide partisan gaps in election confidence since 2020

In 2018, Republican candidate supporters were 8 percentage points more likely than Democratic candidate supporters to say that year’s midterm election would be run well. By 2020, Biden’s supporters were 22 points more likely than Trump’s to expect the election to run smoothly. The gap this year is even wider: 33 points between Harris and Trump supporters.

Harris, Trump supporters differ on whether votes will be counted accurately 

As was the case four years ago, Trump supporters are particularly skeptical that absentee and mail-in ballots will be counted as voters intend.

Harris supporters are more than twice as likely as Trump supporters to say they are very or somewhat confident that absentee and mail-in ballots will be counted accurately (85% vs. 38%).

By contrast, sizable majorities of both coalitions (93% of Harris supporters, 77% of Trump supporters) are at least somewhat confident that in-person votes will be counted accurately.

However, far more Harris (57%) than Trump (24%) supporters are very confident this will happen.

There is broad confidence among voters overall that local poll workers and state election officials will do a good job during the upcoming election.

Yet Harris supporters are more likely than Trump supporters to express a high degree of confidence in these administrators.

Read more on views of election administration and vote counting in Chapter 1

Related: Key facts about U.S. poll workers

Voters’ views of illegal voting, access to voting

Roughly nine-in-ten among both Trump and Harris supporters are confident that eligible voters will be able to cast a ballot if they want to.

But there are bigger divisions on whether people who are ineligible to vote will be prevented from doing so.

Today, 87% of Harris voters are at least somewhat confident that ineligible voters will be prevented from casting ballots. Just 30% of Trump supporters say this.

Most voters are at least somewhat confident that it will be clear which candidate won the election after all the votes are counted. But here again, Harris backers (85%) are much more likely than Trump supporters (58%) to express confidence that the winner will be clear.

Do voters think election systems in the U.S. are safe from hacking?

Overall, 52% of voters are at least somewhat confident that U.S. election systems are secure from hacking and other technological threats. Nearly as many voters (47%) are not confident about this.

• 73% of Harris supporters say they are confident that election systems are secure. This is higher than the share of Biden supporters who said this in the weeks before the 2020 election (53%).
• The pattern is reversed among Trump supporters: 32% now say election systems are secure from hacking and other technological threats, down from 60% four years ago.

A smaller share of voters plan to cast ballots by mail compared with 2020. Four years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a record share of voters cast ballots by mail in the presidential election . Today, a much smaller share of voters plan to vote by mail (39% then, 28% today). But as in 2020 amid the Biden-Trump matchup , Harris supporters are about twice as likely as Trump supporters to say they plan to cast a ballot via mail.

Read more on voters’ expectations around voting in Chapter 3

Trump backers who plan to vote by mail are more confident that mail-in ballots will be counted accurately. Though most Trump supporters plan to cast a ballot in person, 17% say they plan to vote absentee or by mail. These voters express far more confidence in the accuracy of mail-in ballots than do those who plan to vote in person (67% vs. 31%).

Most voters are not confident the Supreme Court would be politically neutral if it had to resolve legal challenges related to the 2024 election. Overall, just 20% of voters are extremely or very confident the court would remain politically neutral if it had to resolve any legal challenges that stemmed from the 2024 election. But Trump voters express more confidence than Harris voters do (34% vs. 6%).

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivery Saturday mornings

Sign up for The Briefing

Weekly updates on the world of news & information

• Election 2024
• Election System & Voting Process
• Supreme Court
• U.S. Democracy

Most Voters Say Harris Will Concede – and Trump Won’t – If Defeated in the Election

How voters expect harris’ and trump’s policies to affect different groups in society, in tight u.s. presidential race, latino voters’ preferences mirror 2020, americans in both parties are concerned over the impact of ai on the 2024 presidential campaign, americans view walz more positively than vance, but many aren’t familiar with either vp nominee, most popular, report materials.

• Questionnaire

901 E St. NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, computational social science research and other data-driven research. Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts , its primary funder.

© 2024 Pew Research Center