433 Brilliant World History Topics, Essay Prompts & Examples

Writing an essay on world history is one of the most interesting and engaging tasks a student can do. However, brainstorming these topics for your paper can prove to be a real challenge. There are so many ideas concerning the history of the whole world. Especially, when there are no limitations on the period and geography of your title.

So, what is the best solution?

Find thought-provoking and comprehensive world history topics carefully prepared for you by IvyPanda ! The article is aimed to help with discovering the best ideas for your essay. Plus, you’ll find out how to choose a perfect topic.

We divided the list into four main sections. There are sections for essay questions, term paper, thesis, and research ideas. We’ll also explain how to start your world history paper and list various essay prompts.

  • ☀ What Are Some Good World History Topics?

💡 Most Interesting World History Topics to Write about

👍 good essay topics on world history, 🏆 best world history topic ideas & essay examples, ✅ simple & easy world history essay titles, 📑 good research topics about world history, 📌 interesting topics to write about world history, 😎 how to start a world history paper.

  • ✍ Essay Questions
  • 🧐 Research Paper Topics
  • ✒ Term Paper Topics
  • 📖 Thesis Topics

⭐ World History Essay Prompts

❓ world history essay questions, 🌞 what are some good world history topics.

Choosing your perfect world history topic is a fascinating process. When choosing the best topic you must take into account several pieces of advice:

1. The topic must correspond with the goal of your work.

The title is dependent on the required format. Basically, your assignment determines how you’re going to write and how your topic should look like.

Essay formats demonstrate it best:

The argumentative essay differs from an opinion essay by the number of necessary viewpoints. In an opinion essay, the author gives their own opinion about a historical event or persona. In an argumentative one, it is vital to list several opinions on the subject.

Cause and effect essays contain an explanation of the event itself and its historical consequences. Persuasive essays should create an impression on the reader. Compare and contrast works should analyze and contrast historical events, figures, eras, etc.

Tip for essay writing regardless of the essay type.

Topics for your research paper must be specific to research one subject. Also, it should be possible to divide your paper into logical sections. Titles for term papers and theses must contain themes and periods familiar, engaging to a student. Plus, they should correlate with the format of your educational facility.

2. Topics must be logical and coherent.

When discussing history, there should be no inconsistencies. Always re-read and proofread your works before submitting them.

3. Your topic can be unusual if it’s justified.

If your idea isn’t standard, this can be an advantage to your paper. You may look at a historical event from a different point of view or find something unexplored before.

  • Advantages & Disadvatages of Biography or Memoir as a Source Memoirs have subsequently been used in recording of past accounts as Fowale points out.[1] Memoirs express the truth in history due to the fact that they are primary sources of evidence and as such the […]
  • The History of Cars The next natural thing that the inventors of the wheel did was to design the axle so that it could fit into the hole made in the centre of the wooden wheel.
  • Compare and Contrast the Totalitarian Regimes of Germany and the Soviet Union The two regimes had one political party that normally suppressed all the others claiming to represent the interest of the vast majority of their population.
  • A History of Romantic Love The paper examines the history of love starting from the ancient times then to the medieval chivalry and finally the contemporary period.
  • Technology and Innovation: Western Civilization History The people living in the Western world were stuck in the innovation and technology that was available in the Medieval Age.
  • Marriage and Adultery Laws of Emperor Augustus The laws were enacted to deal with marriage avoidance, the preference for childless unions, marriage of lower class women by the Roman elite, and adultery, all of which threatened the continuity of the Roman aristocracy.
  • Criteria of Significance in History Studies In order to appreciate and contextualize the importance of the past, it is crucial to consider how deeply people were affected by an event.
  • World History: Is Competition Good? Proponents of competition assert that throughout history, the growth and development of human societies has always been a factor of competition.
  • Overview of the Scientific Revolution Periods The supporters of humanistic theory agree with the ideas of great influence of people on the development of science. The emergence of the Western culture has given rise to the development of new directions of […]
  • History: Cultural Exchanges in the Medieval Period Based on an appreciation of the contribution of international trade to the growth and development of the medieval world, this paper explores the role of spice, salt, sugar, and silk as important trade commodities of […]
  • Concept of Studying History The use of calendars, dating events, and dividing history into different periods are the major tools used in the study of the past occurrences which help explain the present and foresee the future. A good […]
  • Nationalism in the Ottoman Empire The battle of Nicopolis also saw the empire expand into other regions of the European continent but later, other conquests such as the battle of Ankara, the conquest of Constantinople and the invasion of Otranto […]
  • The Comparison of the Roman and the U.S. Senate First of all, one should mention that the institutions have to be responsible for limiting the power of political leaders. This is one of the tasks that the Roman Senate had to cope with.
  • Imperialism in India By 1858, the British regained control and immediately passed the Government of India Act, which allowed the British Crown administrators to run the country instead of the British East India Company.
  • East Meets West: Culture Differences He described the Japanese as the best people known among the heathens.[2] “Portuguese Views of Chinese”[3] is an account of the first impression the Portuguese had upon encountering the Chinese.
  • Historical Methodologies This approach sets to highlight the economic history of the society by examining the modes of production used in the society through time.
  • The Survival of the Sotho Under Moshoeshoe The survival of this group of people is attributed to the strong leadership of their king Moshoeshoe the Great that was necessitated by frequent cattle raids.
  • Historical Facts of Australia Among those events that Australia considers most important politically, economically as well as socially are the establishment of the colony of New South Wales, the Victorian Gold Rushes, the Federation in 1901 and the Second […]
  • The Process of Production The hit of the industrial revolution in Europe and America in the 18th century led to a lot of changes and advancement in the production industry.
  • The History of Catapults Technology Before 1850 Most of the other literatures detailing the use of the catapult claim that the inspiration came from the bow and sling, which is well known to be a popular weapon in the ancient times.
  • Reflecting the Horrors of War People learn more about the horrors of war through literature but do not infer from experience they gain; the only way they apply the knowledge about the war is the development of more sophisticated weapon […]
  • Overview on the World’s History The region of Mesopotamia gave birth to two of the most powerful ancient civilizations, Sumer and Babylonia, characterized by sophisticated division of authority and labor, the earliest forms of government and law, and a clear […]
  • Has Nationalism Been a Unifying or Divisive Force During the 19th and 20th Centuries? It can therefore be said that colonial rule gave rise to the two forces of unifying nationalism and divisive tribalism and that the appropriate and legitimate framework for decolonization was nationalism, which emanated from the […]
  • History: Role of Knowing the Past The present is a myriad of events in the past. As a historian, the study of these preserved artifacts is important in knowing about the past.
  • The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh: A Woman in World History Book James was a hard worker and thus in India, by the help of his wife, he strengthened his illegal trade. This was a terrible extremity to Elizabeth and her husband.
  • Technological Change in the Industrial Revolution Just to sample the impact technological changes had on the general demographical patterns of England and Wales, a technological invention to improve the smelting of Coke saw the shift in population growth from the South […]
  • A Brief History of Chili Other theories have also suggested that it first spread from Portugal to India and to the rest of the world. Several theories have come up to describe the origin and distribution of chili throughout the […]
  • Industrial Revolution Significance The Industrial Revolution started in 1760, while the French revolution started in 1789 and ended in 1799. The Industrial Revolution was established in England in 1760 and lasted until the late 1840s.
  • World History: The Roman Empire Understanding the document first requires one to understand the historical background of the Roman Empire: the formation of the Republic and its collapse.
  • Science and Technology in World History It was the beginning of a new way of thinking about the world and the universe and provided a framework for further advances in science and technology.
  • Money and Its Value Throughout the World History What is important is the value that people place on whatever unit they refer to as amoney.’ Money acts as a medium of exchange and an element of measurement of the value of goods and […]
  • The History of the Silk Road Islamization Muslims used the word ‘Islam’ to mean the submission of a community to the authority of another community; it did not mean the spread of their beliefs.
  • Historical Primary Sources: Discussing and Comparing The charters and fueros, as well as the Digger Pamphlet, proves that the relations between poor and rich people had their own peculiarities and principles in different centuries and defined the quality of life according […]
  • East Versus West The East usually refers to Asia and the Middle East while the West usually refers to Europe and the American continents. The East views the West with contempt in terms of how the Orient values […]
  • The Industrialization Era Aspects such as gender and race were rarely used to group people because a large proportion of the population was focused on taking advantage of industrialization.
  • Post-Cold War Challenges At the time when strained relations between the US and the Soviet Union ended, the financial systems of several countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, were in the process of collapsing.
  • History of the European Union The signing of the Lisbon Treaty on December 13, 2009, transformed the structure of the European Community, which was subsequently renamed the European Union.
  • Meaning of History The main idea of the paper is to consider different points of view and various attitudes to the history meaning. Greek approach is one of the perspectives of the history.
  • The Act of Torture in World History: Physical and Mental The concept and ethicality in terms of justifying torture are of crucial importance, especially nowadays in the light of the recent events regarding the terrorist attacks in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of Removals for the Indigenous Children The authors make accents on the formal aspects of women’s socio-political organizations in Australia and connect their development with the progress of social movements associated with the problem of human rights in Australia from the […]
  • Communism and Capitalism Through the History In this system, the means of product and service production is mainly carried out and owned by the individuals instead of the government while communism also known as fascism is contrary to this where production […]
  • Modernism, Modernization and Modernity in Australia, 1919-1939 The figure of the ‘flapper’ and her mode of dressing initiated Australians quest for pleasure and changes in moral and social values and attitudes.
  • Great Women Artists in the World History The first overreaching cause of the absence of great female artist throughout history was the subjugated position of women as a gender in the majority of societies.
  • How Did the Cold War Order of the Asia-Pacific Differ From That of Europe? The primary difference in the cold war order of the Asia-Pacific and that of Europe was instigated by the reason for security arrangements between the two regions.
  • Purposes of Historical Reenacting One must be very enthusiastic about this course and must reflect on the past and be seen to be happy since a re-enactor gets to immerse himself in the deep world of the past, learn […]
  • Australian Law and Native Title In particular, the Native Title became a custom will and at the same time, traditional law in order to bring equality and justice before the law.
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: The Causes and Effects The Cuban missile crisis of 1962 in which the Soviet Union, Cuba, and the United States were involved was the turning point of the states’ confrontation in the Cold War because of risks to develop […]
  • Role of Cricket in Australia During the 1930s In spite of the evolution of a uniquely Australian cricket in the country, the mark of imperialism and Anglo dominance remained.
  • Moral Treatment of the Mental Illness Before the 19th Century confinement and use of mechanical restraints was prevalent mode of treatment for the patients who were mentally ill in many parts of the world.
  • World History: Globalization in the 1970s-2000s The period of the 1970s 2000s is the most vivid for understanding the impact of the process of globalization and changes in the world order.
  • Impacts of Slavery and Slave Trade in Africa Slavery existed in the African continent in form of indentured servitude in the previous years, but Atlantic slave trade changed the system, as people were captured by force through raids before being sold to other […]
  • Seven Weeks’ War Through the Lens of Clausewitz’s Paradoxical Trinity Concept Bismarck considered Austria as a potential ally and there were no need to waste combat power when the object was to neutralize the force of Austria, which followed the principles of Clausewitz’s paradoxical trinity exactly, […]
  • The Early Modern Age and Today’s World The activities of this era resulted in the interaction of people from different backgrounds and linked most parts of the world together.
  • The Industrial Revolution and Beyond: Culture, Work, and Social Change The Industrial Revolution is the era of massive enormous technological advancements and social changes, which affected people to the extent which is often contrasted to the change from hunter and gathering to agriculture.
  • Enlightenment and Revolution: Europe, America, and India The main goals of enlightenment period were to gain freedom in all aspects of life like religion and government. They were based on the liberty and equality principles or else the rule of the people.
  • The Second Industrial Revolution and Its Social Consequence In as much as there was a lot of changes in terms of the institutions that were present; together with the environmental conditions surrounding the changes, the economic play was so relevant and of great […]
  • Patrick Manning’s Navigating World History Book In his book Navigating World History, Patrick Manning defines world history as a field of study that seeks to understand the connections and interactions between different regions and societies throughout human history.
  • November 25th as a Day in the World History In addition to that, November 25, 1963, was the day of the state funeral of John F. It was the day of an attempt to set New York on fire, the day of the world […]
  • The Great Wall Street Crash in the World History The 1929 stock market crash was a breakdown of stock prices that led to the worst economic declines in the United States. One of the causes of the event was the speculation on the stock […]
  • Chapters 9-10 of Women in World History by Hughes Women were in charge of domestic chores and the planning and coordination of family gatherings. Dalit women were among the poorest in India, with a high percentage of illiteracy.
  • Chapters 3-4 of Women in World History by Hughes In this chapter of the book Women in World History, the Mughal rule and its consequences for women in conquered lands are discussed.
  • Chapter 1-2 of Women in World History by Hughes In addition, the Chinese government restricted the position of widows since they were forced either to live in the household of their late husband and take care of the family or to remarry, leaving all […]
  • England’s Colonies. World History Issues The English government established the so-called Virginia Company that was invested by the king and investors, but the company failed, and the colonies found themselves under the rule of the English government.
  • Importance of the Economic System to the World History The economic system is the essential structure in which the world functions. Economic socialism is where limited ownership of the means of production and a system of prices, losses, and profits are not used as […]
  • Themes in U.S. & World History The need for the African Americans to be treated like lawful United States citizens has been noted in the years preceding the slave trade.
  • World History From 1800 to Present The convergence of people from different parts of the world at the Atlantic basin, which acted as a global cultural and intellectual exchange centre, led to a wealth of knowledge1. The main causative factor for […]
  • World History: Gunpowder Technology Its adoption in Europe marked a significant milestone in terms of state development, as the use of gunpowder technology catalyzed the emergence of centralized states and the abolition of feudalism.
  • Empires in World History: How Empires Kept Their Ethnically Disparate and Geographically Distant Populations Under Control The article’s relevance is in its descriptions of the various rebellions in the empire and the methods used to suppress and prevent them.
  • Industrial Revolution World History: Factors That Helped to Develop the Industrial Revolution Currently, in the 21st century, the vast majority of the world population no longer needs to think of how to produce enough rice to survive the winter.
  • World History in The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx Communism is the political and economic teaching which goal is to abolish private property and a profit-based economy and introduce public ownership and communal control of the resources instead.
  • Postcolonialism and Diaspora in the World History Colonialism is the political ideology that legalizes the invasion, occupation, and exploitation of a given land by stronger states which use their military powers thus displacing the powers of the original inhabitants of the land.
  • World History of 1890-1990 in Artifacts In the author’s eyes, every addition that man makes to the regulation of his environment to harness better productivity out of the environment brings certain implications with it that cannot be ignored and these implications […]
  • Islamic World History: Ottoman Empire & Qajar Iran In ancient times, leadership in some regions of the world was in the form of Empires and kingdoms that were ruled by Kings and queens.
  • Empires’ Success in Ancient World History They include The Roman empire, the Persian empire, Indian empire and the Parthian empire, there are also a lot of other empires that were also formed. The British empire was also able to withstand a […]
  • Early World History: Learning From Various Sources It is clear to everyone that the world had a long and complex way of transformation before it became similar to the world we live in now.
  • Events in the 1910s and Their Effect on the World History The most significant of these events was the sinking of the Lusitania after an attack by German U-boats, the Zimmerman telegraph that added insult to the injury caused to the U.S.by the sinking of the […]
  • Essential World History by Duiker & Spielvogel One of the greatest legacies of Greek civilization is their contribution to the development of arts and sciences. Christianity and its pacifism are also said to have killed the militantism of the Romans.
  • Historical Event: Hitler in the World History Taking into consideration the fact that the World War II and its appalling events are still remembered and feared of, I would really want to interfere with nature and erase from the history the day […]
  • Ideas of Lenin, Stalin, and Mao in World History To begin with, it is necessary to mention, that the Ideas of Lenin Stalin, and Mao have the same origin Marxism and the essence of communism stated in the communist manifesto by Marx.
  • French Revolution in World History The French revolution, in this part of the world at least, was the inspiration for all subsequent uprisings and revolts throughout Europe in the nineteenth century and its ideals, in part, are visible in many […]
  • Air Pollution and Its World History From the times of industrial revolution, smoke pollution was a concern and continues to be one with vehicles and industries replacing coal and wood.
  • Contributions of the Barbarians to Modern World History E, Charlemagne the Frankish King, Charles Martel of the Kingdom of Austrasia hailed for the Battle of Tours and many others.
  • World History to 1500: Civilizations and Monuments By the instant of the early era of the dynastic history of Egypt, individuals with adequate resources were hidden in mastabas which were in the form of bench structures.
  • Make-Up Throughout the World History In the Fiftiesweb website, the basis of any fifties make-up look is “peaches and cream complexion”. Make-up became more bold and daring in the 1960s.
  • Modern World History: Why Tsar Alexander II Great Man The reforms that Alexander II has carried out during the years of his reign allow him to be ranked as one of the great makers of modern Russia.”If the effect of Alexander’s reign is to […]
  • Warfare and Culture in the World History For example, the impact of the war in literature is reflected through a method that authors choose to portray the events.
  • Power Acquisition and Balance: Modern World History In contrast to the ideas of Communism, Marxism stressed the victory of capitalism over feudalism and emphasized its role in the development of the economy.
  • Ecological Imperialism in World History Therefore, the impact of the conquest of America is that it led to the introduction of new diseases to different countries.
  • Voyages in World History Away from the impeccable works of art that characterize the palace, the palace also reveals the cultural and political aspects of the empire.
  • Ottoman Empire in World History The main reason for this is the fact that Britain had stakes in India, Egypt, and the Mediterranean all of which were under significant impact from the Ottoman Empire. The stability of the empire was […]
  • World History From the 20th to the 21st Century The ideology presupposed the elimination of the institution of the market as it had led, according to Marx, to the erosion of society and its segregation.
  • Western Dominance Decline in World History The Western civilization has clearly left a mark on the evolution of the humankind, spawning the changes of a tremendous scale in all domains of life, including the cultural, the political, the economic, and the […]
  • Money Development and Its Stages in World History Being the most powerful state in the world, the USSR did not manage to get rid of money, using labor as a currency and the authoritarian power to make people work.
  • Educational Material on World History The high school world history curriculum designed by Georgia Department of Education for the World History course of the state of Georgia is targeted at providing students with a comprehensive overview and study of the […]
  • World History in the Songs The high emphatic accent is made by the author through the description of murdering children of the miners. Through this song, the author reveals the absence of legal rights of the employees at the time […]
  • New Imperialism’ Role in the World History On balance, it is possible to note that the new imperialism was concerned with the desire to get access to resources and new markets.
  • Mi’kmaq and Saudi Arabia’s Native Communities The history of the Mi’kmaq communities explains how they were created by Glooscap. The Mi’kmaq communities were also spiritual.
  • Waitangi Treaty History: Intentions, Expected and Results Signed on February, 6, in 1840, it was supposed to signify the recognition of the rights of the M ori people to own the land of New Zealand, as well as the acceptance of Europe […]
  • Understanding the Events Participants’ Values However, despite the obvious significance of the family background and the specifics of personality, the analysis of historical background is crucial for understanding the values and moral principles of the people, who organized the event […]
  • Colonial Period of Australia’s History Though colonial Australia is traditionally represented as the location for the European convicts to serve their sentence, whereas little light is shed on the conflict between the local people and the colonialists, the armed resistance […]
  • Communism Collapse in the USSR The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was one of the earliest communist societies to embrace the ideologies of communism. The collapse of communism in the USSR began in 1989 after the fall of the Berlin […]
  • New York and Bombay History From 1500 to the XX Century 4 In the case of New York, it is early settlers who initiated a range of economic activities, mostly related to trade, but for Bombay, the main economic activity of early settlers was not trade, […]
  • “Traditions and Encounters” by J. Bentley Migrations of tribes and nations around the region led to the spreading of knowledge in the spheres of farming and metallurgy.
  • Ireland History and Development 8 million people live in the Republic of Ireland while the rest inhabit Northern part of Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom.
  • The Christian Commonwealth of Byzantium The success of the Roman Empire’s eastern half depended on such aspects as the strategic geographical position of Constantinople as the capital city, the centralized authority based on the principle of caesaropapism, the power of […]
  • The Medieval and Renaissance Periods Description The medieval age lasted between the fifth and the fifteenth century in Europe and it started with the collapse of the Roman Empire.
  • Revolution in the Middle East In spite of the injustices experienced by the citizens in the Middle East, their leaders said that the countries were not similar to Tunisia.
  • World History: “Empire: A Very Short Introduction” by Stephen Howe It is irrefutable that the first chapter of the book is a vivid discussion of ancient territories and their influence in the development of modern empires.
  • History: Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site Under Authority records, you will find the document “The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site” The Fortress of Louisbourg document like any other historical manuscript seeks to create an understanding of the events that led […]
  • History in “Empire: A Very Short Introduction” by Stephen Howe In the very beginning of his book, the author emphasizes that the influences and connections between the empires and the territories they colonized and owned in the past keep lasting decades and even centuries the […]
  • The Mayan Civilization History In the 17th century, the kingdom dubbed the Mayan society comprised of influential cities that covered both north of Honduras and south of Mexico.
  • History: French Operations in Algeria 1954-1962 Fig 1: Map of Algeria with Tunisia on its North East Border The intense and brutal campaign undertaken by French forces to counter the FLN network of terror contributed to the failure of France in […]
  • World History: Enlightenment in Society A new intellectual force was realized in the fields of literature, science, art, and music during the German enlightenment era. It is also crucial to mention that additional emphasis was laid in the study of […]
  • History: Evolution of the Scientific Revolution The onset of the scientific revolution is associated with Copernican technical inventions of 1543 and the discovery of motion science by Galileo.
  • “History and Topography of Ireland” by Gerald of Wales Gerald of Wales states that the beginning of the Irish history happened with the arrival of Cesara, the daughter of Noah, to the shores of that land.
  • History: The Imperial Succession Problem The establishment of the imperial family in Russia was promulgated by Emperor Paul I in the fundamental laws of the Russian Empire.
  • Nomadic Pastrolism History During the thirteenth century, Chinggis Khan forged the tribes of the Mongol into an alliance that builds the largest empire in the world.
  • Australia’s Transformation and Change Between 1850-1945 There was a great number of people who traveled to Australia in search of gold, and this led to an even greater increase in the population.
  • Narragansett Indians Act of Submission 1644 The details of the act submission entail declaration of their loyalty to the King and offer their lives to the majesty.
  • History: The French Declaration of 1789 The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen is regarded as the main document produced by the French Revolution.
  • History of the Indian Castes The aim of this essay is to describe the system of castes in India as well as to characterize the diversity of Indian society. In general, the caste system in India represents the stratified hierarchy […]
  • The Communism History: Red Scare and McCarthyism Facts The quote means that the world was afraid of a new World war to happen; this is why the most powerful states of the planet became very suspicious of each other.”The climate of fear and […]
  • Political Background of the Nagasaki Bombing On the other hand, Japan was ready to negotiate for peace with the Allies, but the country’s top administration was uncomfortable with the call for ‘unconditional surrender.’ This paper explores the political background of the […]
  • Money as an Emerging Market Phenomenon According to the principle of finance, money has a higher value in the present as opposed to the future because it can earn interest, which makes it worthwhile.
  • Ordinary People’s Involvement in Politics In addition, the receptive nature and openness attitude of the Mongols eased the Europeans exploration of the Asian region in the 15th century.
  • Muslims Increase and the Spread of Islam Also, the paper will highlight the reasons that have hampered the spread of Islam in the US and in the modern world.
  • The Significance of Scientific Revolution in Our History People used religion to explain the happenings of and within the universe by viewing the universe as godly beginning with nothing to do with scientific development.
  • Scientific Thought Through the History In France, Voltaire and colleagues struggled to enlighten the society that strongly held the culture of church and monarchy.d’Alembert, Montesquieu, and Pierre were some of the arebellious’ who supported Voltaire in the campaign for freedom […]
  • Protestant Reformation and Enlightenment Certain ceremonies that demonstrated customary practices such as baptism and sacraments were abolished by the reformed churches, and this affected the lives of the people because the initial rituals used to shape the social lives […]
  • Concepts of the Penal Laws: The Popery Acts 1695-1756 Penal laws sought to continue the supremacy of the Church of England over Roman Catholics and nonconformist Protestants. Nevertheless, many Catholics in Ireland lost property and land at the expense of penal laws.
  • America and Britain Strategies The cultural, intellectual, and religious existence observed in most of the British colonies significantly changed from the fiscal 1700 to 1750.
  • Expeditions of Europeans Sailors to New Lands This chapter also reveals the impact of sailors and explorers and how their actions led to the exploitation of resources and the establishment of colonial administration in these territories.
  • Features of World Dominance in 1500 and 1800 Years During 1500-1800, religion influences the political situation, the development of social groups, the whole social situation within the country, and the culture and morality of the public.
  • Cortes and Machiavelli’s Type of Conquest Using Christianity as a decoy, he found his way up to the top and succeeded in overthrowing Montezuma, who had been previously doubtful of being outnumbered by Cortes’ men.
  • World History: the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal Empires Conquest of the new territories and taking over the lands of other tribes and people has been the main strategy of spreading power and influence of the Empires.
  • Feedback Control: An Invisible Thread in the History of Technology The invention of the mechanical clock towards the end of the 13th century led to a remarkable accuracy and reliability in the measurement of time.
  • History of Abolishing Slavery The abolishment of slavery in Britain empires and the involvement of the British in preaching against slavery contributed immensely towards the end of slavery in the United States and France.
  • The Post World War II Nuclear Arms Race Costs The nuclear arms race led to a monumental increase in the military expenditure of the US and the Soviet Union.
  • Transformation and Change in Australia In the year 1870, the expansion of the suburban settlement had absorbed the bulk of a rapid and sustained growth of the colonial population.
  • The Biggest Estate on Earth: How Aborigines Made Australia The Europeans came and took over the land of the Aboriginal people and even adopted their methods of farming. According to Tony Stephens who reviewed the book by Gammage, the author’s aim was to inform […]
  • Movement Against the British Rule in India Between 1920 and 1922 there was a non-cooperation movement that was organized by the Indians against the British rule. The movement also had an issue with the Indian soldiers that died during the World War […]
  • Ethnographic State in India He stated that their ignorance of the customs and beliefs of the Indian people had a hit against the British and that this had resulted to a distant loss of administrative power to British government.
  • Major Impacts of Consumerism in Contemporary World History This was spread to the rest of the world. Consumerism has necessitated the need to have advanced methods of doing business because products must be delivered to the market in mass, in time and of […]
  • “The Dead Hand” by David E. Hoffman After the end of the cold war and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, there were still huge amounts of nuclear weapons that left on the face of the earth.
  • The Case of American Involvement in the Philippines Insurrection and the French in Algeria Similarities The French military involvement in Algeria during the counterinsurgency displayed a couple of similarities and differences with the tactics that the American forces used in countering the insurgency in Philippine.
  • History of Empires in Past and Modern World During the 16th and 17th century, the Spanish empire was one of the strongest empires in the world. Later on, during the 19th and 20th century, the British Empire became the largest and strongest empire […]
  • Revolution: America and France Between 1775 and 1815, a revolution was witnessed in warfare that corresponded with the advent of American and French revolutions. Military personnel were made to take a new oath of commitment to France and unwilling […]
  • Constructing Boundaries: Five Famous Walls In this essay, I will discuss five walls, namely: The Hadrian wall The Great wall of China The Berlin wall which separated East Germany from west Germany Moroccan wall The Maginot line between the border […]
  • The Role of the Cold War in Shaping Transatlantic Relations in the Period 1945 to 1970 It was considered to give a connotation to the international structure throughout the cold war and could work as a dynamic aspect in generating the dynamics of the east-west conflict.
  • Contribution of Empiricism and Rationalism to the Emergence of the Scientific Perspective in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries This paper seeks to critically discuss the contribution of empiricism and rationalism to the emergence of the scientific perspective in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
  • Michigan Newspapers’ Biased Coverage of Jewish Persecution in Germany In the period of 1933-1939, which encompasses Hitler’s rise to power that saw a sustained persecution of Jews in Germany and the pogroms, which culminated in the Night of The Broken Glass, the reception of […]
  • The Relationship Between the Rubber Boom and the Second Industrial Revolution The practical use of rubber was not well developed until 1800s when the first rubber factory was built in the United Kingdom, France and the United States increasing the demand of the product in the […]
  • Issues that Affected the History of Australia and the Aborigines As a result of the diversity of the communities of the Aborigines, there are historical differences in the cultural practices of the people.
  • Lessons From the Great Depression and Postwar Global Economy: A Critical Analysis The economic slump that hit industrialized economies of the world, starting in the U.S.and later spreading to Europe, began in earnest in 1929 and lasted until about 1941, making it the longest and most ruthless […]
  • Lessons Learned From the History of the Marshall Plan About the Importance of the USA in the Process of European Integration Suffice to say most of the countries exceeded the developments targets by the end of the plan in 1952. To make this possible the US made it known to the Europeans that the efforts to […]
  • Key Factors That Led To Reversal of the Accelerating Acquisition of Nuclear Weapons in the Eighties The end of the 1980 marked a new beginning in world history, with insurmountable efforts getting a boost from the talk associated with the then President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
  • Misperceptions and the Cold War After the WW II, the America rose to become the most powerful nation in the world, however, the USSR perceived this negatively, which resulted into fierce rivalry between the two nations and the war hang […]
  • Cuban Missile Crisis Management The US administration of the time believed that Moscow’s activities in Cuba were a threat to International security, hence; the ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba enhanced a major security blow to the leadership of United […]
  • The Role of Sea Power in International Trade The historical influence that the marines or the navy has had on international trade and the complications in comparing measures of sea power has been issues of discussion in the past.
  • Schelling and Kahn on the Deterrence Power Schelling proposed that the power of deterrence in the nuclear age is pegged not only on the equality or balance of the nuclear-possessing countries, but on the “stability of the balance”.
  • Showdown Between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
  • History of Modern South Africa Began With the Discovery of Diamonds and Gold
  • The Problem of Slavery in Africa
  • French and Spanish Conquests
  • New Imperialism and Politics 1850 and 1914
  • Impacts of the First World on British Policies in India
  • Total War in Modern World History
  • History of Soviet Union and America in 20th Century
  • The First World War’s Aftermath
  • The Perfect Machine: Building the Palomar Telescope
  • The West: Encounters and Transformations
  • Influence of Japanese Culture in Hawaii
  • Aboriginal Imagery and Policy in Australia
  • The Colonial War in Southwest Africa
  • The First Industry Revolution: A Description of Impacts
  • The Onset of the Cold War
  • The Book The Age of Empire
  • Human Rights in History Teaching
  • The Social Labor Movement as an Important Political Force
  • Atomic Audit: Nuclear Posture Review
  • History: Imperialistic Inclinations of European Countries
  • Fischer on Historical Fallacies
  • Conquest and Colonization of America by Europeans Countries
  • Historical Political Event: The Marshall Plan
  • The Ottoman Military and Political Organization
  • Imperialism History and Legacy
  • Using Science and Technology as the Measure, When Did the Modern World Begin?
  • The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings by Olaudah, Equiano
  • King Leopold’s Ghost: European Power Crimes in Congo
  • Congo’s Brutal History of Conflict
  • Parallels Between the Revolutions of 1848 and Arab Revolutions
  • Beginnings of British Colonization of America
  • Conflicts in the World
  • Indifference Has Robbed Generations of Our History
  • Cold War Politics, Culture and Wars
  • Social Consequences of Industrial Revolution
  • Impact of the United States on Europe During 1945-1990
  • Documented Journalism: Black Death
  • Mexican and Russian Revolution: Comparative Analysis
  • The Origins of Fascism’s Brutal Ideology
  • The History of the 9/11 Decade
  • Industrial Revolution in Various Sectors of the Economy
  • Technological Catastrophe: Titanic in 1912
  • Factors That Explain Britain’s Total Domination of India During the First One Hundred Years of British Rule
  • Mad and Depressed Women in America
  • Economic Factors That Explain Britain’s Total Domination of India During the First One Hundred Years of British Rule
  • British Dominion in India
  • British Policy and the Indian Mutiny
  • Plantation and Settler Colonies
  • How New Imperialism Was Shaped
  • Ottoman Empire: The Tanzimat Period
  • Why the West Rules
  • The Consequences of Interaction in Cultures and Civilizations
  • Political Organizations Through the History
  • British Involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade
  • Major Historical Vents: Evolution or Revolution
  • Modernization Poised Between History and Prophecy
  • Would Macimilien de Robespierre Have Supported America’s War With Iraq?
  • How Did the Gold Rushes Change Colonial Australia?
  • The Impact of Racial Thought on the Aboriginal People in Relation to Australian History
  • World War II as the Most Devastating War in World History
  • The Merits and Pitfalls of Using Memoir or Biography as Evidence for Past Events
  • Imperialism and Modernization
  • The Protestant Church Reformation
  • Human Interactions in the Americas During the 16th and the 17th Century
  • Battles and Wars Through the History
  • Australian Aborigines Genocide
  • First Draft of Policeman of the World Paper
  • Comparing and Contrasting three Versions of Slavery
  • The Perils of Imperialism: Through the Lens of History
  • Western Industrialization Socio-Economic Impacts
  • History of Indigenous People in Australia
  • Why Were Some Countries More Successful in Responding to the Challenge of European Imperialism Than Others?
  • Revolution in Physics and Chemistry
  • The Ottoman Empire: A Political, Social, and Economic Description and Its Relationship to Western Europe
  • Picasso and His Paintings in the Modern World History
  • Concept of Imperial Powers in History
  • Colonization: Why Africa Suffers
  • The Role of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great in Modernizing Russia
  • Diffusion of Water as the Important Factor in the Development Egypt and in United States
  • The Great Depression’ Influence on the World
  • Islam, Democracy and the West Summary
  • Colonialism in North America
  • The Global Economic Recession of the United States
  • A Comparative Perspective: African Slave Trade and Spanish Rule in Peru
  • Turning the Course of History Back: The Questions Which Have Been Left Unanswered
  • Eurasian Region: Developing Global Trade
  • Influence of Imperialism on World Cultures
  • The Beginning of Modern World Based on Science and Technology
  • Comparison Between Chinese and Spanish Colonialism
  • Global Developments that Affect State Sovereignty and Territoriality
  • Origins of the Cold War
  • The Causes of the First World War
  • Chapter Review: The Epic First Voyage
  • NATO: From Creation to Current Status
  • History of the Australian Referendum During the 1967
  • The 1972 Munich Olympics
  • Calvino’s Perspective on the World History
  • World History: A Peace to End All Peace by David Fromkin
  • The Revolutionary Struggle in European Countries and America
  • Global Evolution in “Midaq Alley” by Mahfouz Naguib
  • The Atlantic Slave Trade: Causes, Operation, and Effects
  • Human Interaction and Cultural Exchange in the Sixteenth Century
  • Cultural Exchange Through Trade in the Sixteenth Century
  • Middle East Studies in Fromkin’s A Peace to End All Peace
  • The Cold War Between the United States and the Soviet Union
  • Impact of Industrialization and Colonization on Both the British and Indian People
  • Empire by Purchase or Lease
  • Influence of Nationalism and Communism on the Non-Western World
  • History of Indigenous Australians before the Arrival of the First Fleet
  • Age of Enlightenment: The Rebirth of Europe
  • The Major Causes of the Cold War Between the Soviet Union and the United States
  • Reasons of the Cold War Between the Soviet Union and the US
  • History of Law
  • The Issue of the Partitioning of India Into India and Pakistan in 1947
  • The Constant Change in Human History Since 1500
  • The Floating Threat: Somali Filibusters and the World Safety
  • Industrialism, Progress or Decline
  • Violence From Cultural Ideals, Politics, and Religion
  • How Capitalism Beat Communism/Socialism
  • History to the 18th Century
  • The Middle East and World History: 1850 – 2001
  • The Ottoman-Turks and the Third Empire: They Came, they Saw, They Conquered
  • The Ottoman Empire’s Policies Against Secessionist Minorities During the Period of 1820-1918
  • The American vs. French Revolution: Ideals Matter
  • History of NATO in 20th and 21th Centuries
  • Decolonization or Nationalistic Self-Determination Movements
  • David Birmingham’s “The Decolonization of Africa”
  • Ottoman and Safavid Empire
  • Historical Causes and Effects

📋 Ultimate World History Essay Topics List

Here you’ll find the historical topics we prepared for you. We divided the list into four sections to ease your studies.

✍ World History Essay Questions

Essay questions can help you to brainstorm ideas and write a comprehensive paper. Here you will find the best world history essay topics.

  • What defines a civilization?
  • How and why did the first civilizations appear in the Middle East? Explore geopolitical conditions that allowed these civilizations to thrive.
  • What led Greek and Phoenician civilizations to their initial success in the Mediterranean?
  • Why was the Mediterranean considered the center of the world in Antiquity?
  • What were the leading powers of the early Antiquity? Explore the reasons behind their success.
  • How did Ancient Rome rise to power on the Apennine peninsula?
  • Why did the Qin dynasty emerge victorious from the Warring States period in Ancient China?
  • How did Rome defeat Carthage? Explain how Romans eventually prevailed over the superior Carthaginian fleet.
  • How did the Roman military system evolve?
  • Why is the Han period considered the golden age in Chinese history?
  • What were the factors that led to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire?
  • How Chinese technology advanced during the Three Kingdoms period?
  • What events caused the fall of the Western Roman Empire? Explore why and how the Eastern Roman Empire survived in these uneasy times.
  • How can you describe the Early Middle Ages?
  • How did Islam arise in the Arabian peninsula?
  • What are the events that caused a split of Islamic religion into Sunnis and Shias? Delve into other branches of Islam that were created at that time.
  • How did Christianity rise in the Middle East?

The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity.

  • What events led to the division of the Roman Empire into the Western and Eastern?
  • Why were the Islamic conquests so successful?
  • Why was the Islamic world so prosperous in both riches and culture?
  • Why did Europe become obsessed with the idea of Crusades to the Holy Land?
  • How did the Crusades affect Christian and Muslim nations?
  • What were the consequences of the Black Plague?
  • How did Europe eventually rise from the Dark Ages into the Age of Renaissance? Analyze factors that define the Renaissance.
  • What events caused Europeans to begin the Age of Discovery?
  • What philosophical ideas led to the Age of Enlightenment?
  • What was the cause of the American Revolution? Explore the events that defined it.
  • What was the cause of the French Revolution? Explore the events that defined it.
  • How did Napoleonic wars shape XIXth century Europe and affected the modern world we live in?
  • What were the reasons behind the Cold War?
  • Why were there so many proxy wars in the XXth century? Dive into the details and reasons behind them.
  • Why did European nations increase their colonization efforts? Analyze and compare colonial nations and their impact on modern-day Africa.

Europeans explored and colonized for gold, glory, and God.

  • What was the general picture of the world at the dawn of the XXth century?
  • What ideologies emerged at the end of the XIXth century?
  • Why is World War I so important?
  • How is World War I connected to World War II?
  • What is a Bipolar World term? Investigate its origins and characteristics.
  • Why did the United States of America lose the Vietnam War? Explore the events that led to the withdrawal of the US forces from Vietnam.
  • Soviet-Afghan War: Soviets’ Vietnam? Explain why the Soviet Union was largely unsuccessful in the Soviet-Afghan War. Elaborate why many historians draw parallels between America’s defeat in Vietnam and the Soviets’ defeat in Afghanistan.
  • Why did the USSR fall apart? Explain the complications behind its political and economic system.

🧐 World History Research Paper Topics

World history is full of fascinating events. They should be analyzed and researched to discover new facts about them.

Below, you’ll find the best world history topics for research:

  • King Gilgamesh. His personality and deeds. Why is he still a popular character today?
  • The leading nations of the Bronze Age.
  • The personality of Julius Caesar and his effect on Rome .
  • Family institute in Ancient Rome. Dive into the ordinary life of Roman citizens and explore the structure of a Roman family.
  • Circus Maximus in Rome .
  • Jewish tribes and kingdoms of the Bronze Age.

Israel first appears shortly before the Bronze Age collapse.

  • The expansion of Indo-European languages.
  • Ancient Greek civilization history .
  • The dominance of Athens and Sparta over other Greek city-states.
  • Alexander the Great: Western civilization .
  • The kings of Ancient Egypt .
  • The origins of Roman imperialism . Explain how Rome conquered the world and the consequences of its dominance.
  • Engineering in the Roman Empire. Analyze what engineering solutions Rome used to dominate culturally, politically, and militarily.
  • The personality of Constantine the Great and his deeds.
  • The Dark ages as the golden ages of European History .
  • Abbasid Caliphate: The age of Muslim Enlightenment.
  • Women in World War II .
  • Denazification of Germany after World War II. Explore the means of Germany’s denazification efforts after World War II and their effectiveness.
  • Espionage of the Cold War. How the USSR and the USA spied on each other.
  • The anti-war movement and American views on the Vietnam War .
  • Iraq and Afghanistan wars impact on the USA’s economy .
  • The War of Spanish Succession. Talk about one of the crucial periods of European history and explain why Spain’s global power started to decline.
  • The Caribbean and the golden age of pirates in the XVIIIth century.
  • American Civil War and its impact on American society.
  • Japanese Revolution and the Meiji Restoration in Japan.
  • T.E. Lawrence and his efforts to create an independent Arab World. Explore the personality of Thomas Edward Lawrence and his life.
  • The effect of new ideologies on Europe and the Americas.

✒ World History Term Paper Topics

A term paper is a research done on a specific subject. Students are usually assigned to this task at the beginning or the middle of the semester. It should test their comprehension of a subject and their ability to analyze. However, choosing the right topics for world history can prove difficult.

Here you’ll find the best ideas for your research:

  • Region of Ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations.
  • The rise of Babylonian and Assyrian empires.
  • Cultural and trade connections between Rome and Ancient China.
  • Law and Order in Rome.
  • Life and death of Prophet Muhammad. His influence on the minds of Arab tribes.
  • Psychological impacts of Christianity and Islam on the Medieval world.
  • The era of Holy Crusades. Analyze their goals and impact.
  • Means of Warfare and violence in ancient times.
  • Life and Death in Ancient Egypt. Explain the life of different classes in the Old Kingdom, their religious beliefs, warfare, civil life, etc.
  • How did the conquests of Alexander the Great affect the ancient world?

Many of the cities that Alexander founded were named Alexandria.

  • Medicine and spiritualism in Ancient Rome.
  • Women’s roles in the societies of Early Antiquity.
  • Art in Rome and Greece. The pinnacle of human thought.
  • The birth of modern sports in Ancient Rome.
  • King Richard I and Saladin. A rivalry between great leaders. Analyze and compare the personalities of both Richard I and Saladin, describe their relationship.
  • The Black Death, the Late Medieval demographic crises, and the standard of living controversies.
  • Weapons and warfare of the Medieval Era. Analyze weapons and means of warfare in the Medieval Era, their use, and evolution.
  • Reconquista of Spain and Age of Discovery. Talk about these events and explain their connection.
  • Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Reasons behind its spread across the Empire.
  • Religious customs of the Roman Empire and its successors.
  • The rise of the Sassanid Empire. Its political system, military, and Parthian heritage.
  • The religion of Islam. Geopolitical reasons behind the rise of Islam in the Arabian peninsula.
  • The Borgia family. Their impact on Renaissance Italy.
  • Great Italian painters of the Renaissance. Study and analyze their characters, works, relations with influential families and the Pope.
  • Qing Empire: the last dynasty of China.
  • Technological military advancements of the XVII-XVIII centuries. Spanish Tercio and invention of the flintlock.
  • Rise of the Russian Empire and Peter I. Dive into events that lead to the creation of the Russian empire and Peter I character.
  • Liberty! The American Revolution . Dive into the exciting period of American history that defined the nation. Explore precursors and main events of the American Revolution.
  • The World Wars of the XXth century and their influence on the modern world.
  • The post World War II nuclear arms race .

📚 World History Thesis Topics

Writing a thesis is one of the most challenging and crucial tasks a student can have. For this paper, you spend years researching, writing, and perfecting your paper. So, choosing the right topic is essential.

See intriguing and well-composed major topics of world history worthy of your time and energy below:

  • The samurai of Japan: why were they so effective? Explore the rich and mesmerizing military history of Japan. Remember to talk about the rise of Feudalism and samurais, their role in Sengoku Jidai, and the abolition of this warrior class in the modern era.
  • Trail of Tears and the tragedy of Native American people. Explain why the United States government was forcefully relocating Native American tribes and the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Talk about the hardships on that journey.
  • History of Earth’s Electrification. Present a detailed overview of electricity’s history and scientists who contributed to its development.
  • The importance of the Crusades. Analyze their influence and the Christian and Muslim worlds.

Crusades were organized by western European Christians.

  • The Gold Rush of the XIXth century. Analyze the roots of the Gold Rush around the world and the USA. Discuss how miners seeking their fortune contributed to San Francisco’s rapid growth and creation of the Californian Dream .
  • The Automobile. A case study of the automotive industry. Discuss the first car prototypes and their creators who pioneered the industry. Remember to talk about the first automotive companies and their innovations.
  • Oil. The Black gold of the XXth century. Talk about the discovery of oil and how it eventually became a strategic resource. Explore fiery competition between the first oil tycoons.
  • African American involvement in the Vietnam War. A case study. Talk about African Americans in the Vietnam War and the extent of inequality they had to deal with.
  • The tragedy of Afghan wars. How the Soviet’s invasion of Afghanistan led to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Dive into Afghanistan’s history to analyze their perseverance against foreign occupation. Talk about the CIA and Saudi involvement in the Soviet-Afgan war, the creation of the mujahideen and the Taliban.
  • Trench warfare in World War I. Provide detailed characteristics, origins, and reasons behind the trench warfare doctrine in World War I.

In World War I, trenches became a fundamental part of the strategy.

  • The impact of World War II on the global political landscape. Analyze the political and economic consequences of the Second World War.
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis. A case study of the biggest Soviet-American standoff. Analyze political motifs behind one of the darkest events in human history and use sources on nuclear warfare to speculate what would have happened, if the situation had had not deescalated.
  • Vietnam Anti War of the 1960s. Describe anti-war movements across the United States in the 1960s and the hippie counterculture as a way to oppose the war.

Now you’ve chosen one of the topics on world history to write about. But how do you start the actual paper? How to compose an entertaining and informative essay? How to get both a good mark and respect from your professor?

If you follow several simple and solid rules listed below, you’ll have no problem beginning a good paper. Each piece of advice is explained in detail for your convenience.

Essay structure consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

To start a comprehensive paper:

  • Determine what ideas you want to discuss in a paper. Think about the key ideas you want to mention in your essay. They will determine the general outline of your work, making it easier for the reader to follow.
  • Find good evidence (use reliable sources). Reliable and comprehensive sources are crucial for a historical paper. Try to be skeptical of its neutrality and remember to cross-check everything. Search for reliable secondary and primary sources and carefully check the facts if the data is ambiguous. You’ll never find a completely unbiased source, as every historian has some personal opinion on the subject.
  • Make an outline. Even when you don’t struggle with the body of your paper, outline your work. You will waste less energy with a general plan.
  • Introduce your topic. Make your introduction concise and explicit. You should catch the reader’s attention with a hook. Avoid using vague statements and facts.
  • Compose a clear thesis statement. A good thesis determines whether your whole work is going to succeed or not. Make sure you answer the main question of your paper and present your perspective on a subject. After stating your thesis, elaborate on it in every paragraph.
  • Analyze the information. So many students tend to make the mistake of retelling instead of analyzing the event. Of course, some context is necessary to give the idea of an event but never go too far with it. Analyze the found information before writing it down.
  • Don’t abuse your sources and quote reasonably. If the majority of your work consists of excerpts from your sources, you are in trouble. Quotes cannot exceed 10-15% of the total word count. Use them within reason to prove your point. Remember, your analysis is the key aim of your paper.
  • Start beforehand. Never postpone your term/thesis/research paper. The sooner you start—the better.
  • Use writing prompts. Find examples or prompts to rely on, writing a history paper for the first time. You can use our prompts to start your essay.

A writing prompt provides a potential topic idea of an essay.

  • Alexander the Great’s conquests should be accredited to his father Philip II, as he was the original creator of the mighty Macedonian phalanx. Do you agree with that statement? What can you say about Philip’s actions to modernize his army and state? Plan and write an essay in which you compare and contrast.
  • The fall of the Roman Empire was inevitable. Internal complications played a bigger role in Rome’s downfall than external ones. Do you agree with that statement? What can you say about Rome’s political system in the Late Antiquity?
  • Tatar-Mongol Yoke of Russia was a centuries-long symbiosis of the two cultures. Russians gained more things than lost from the Yoke. Do you agree with that statement? What can you say about Russian state affairs under the Yoke?
  • The Fall of Constantinople sparked the Age of Discovery and Renaissance in Europe. Do you agree with that statement? Describe Europe’s reaction to the Fall of Constantinople.
  • If France and Britain did not cripple Germany with reparations after the end of World War I, the Second World War would not have happened. Do you agree with that statement? Talk about the aforementioned reparations and why they played a role in Germany’s ideological radicalization.

Writing prompts can help you to develop your writing style and turn into a more mature writer.

Thank you for reading our article. We sincerely hope that this ultimate list of world history topics will assist in preparing and writing your perfect paper. Share it with other people who might need some guidance for their studies.

  • How Versailles Treaties Shaped World History?
  • What Are the Six Major Time Periods of World History?
  • What Are the Seven Concepts of World History?
  • How the Middle Ages Changes in History Impacted World History?
  • How the Arab Spring Changed the World History?
  • How Did the Renaissance Influence Europe and World History?
  • How Can a Discipline of World History Remain Relevant?
  • Why Is the Year 1968 Considered as Unique Year in World History?
  • What Is President Truman’s Impact on World History?
  • Where Does the World History Begin?
  • What Is American Revolution’s Effects on World History?
  • What Are the Sources of World History?
  • Why Is the Black Death Pandemic Was Important for World History?
  • Who Is Called the Father of World History?
  • Why Is the French Revolution Has So Much Impact on World History?
  • What Were the Consequences of Roman Empire’s Fall for World History?
  • What Is the Difference between Global History and World History?
  • What Role Did Cross-Cultural Trade Play in World History?
  • What Is the Balance of Power in the Context of World History?
  • Were Gender Issues Always a Problem in World History?
  • What Are the Five C’s of World History?
  • What Do Polyethnicity and National Unity Mean in World History?
  • What Place Did the Turks Take in World History?
  • What Is the Rise of the West in World History in 1500-1850?
  • What Does Consumerism Mean in World History?
  • What Are the Axial Civilizations in World History?
  • What Are the Five Theories of World History?
  • What Was the Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh in World History?

🔗 References

  • World History Topics: Newspapers.com
  • 100 Good Research Paper Topics for History Class: Jule Romans, Owlcation
  • Hot Topics in World History: World History Center, University of Pittsburgh
  • Writing a Good History Paper: Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Writing a Thesis and Making an Argument: History, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The University of Iowa
  • How to Write a Research Paper: David R. Caprette, Rice University
  • How to Write a Research Question: The Writing Center, George Mason University
  • Guidelines For Term Papers: Donald Simanek’s Page
  • Beginning the Academic Essay: Patricia Kain, for the Writing Center at Harvard University
  • How To Write Academic Papers, A Comprehensive Guide: The College Puzzle.html
  • Before You Start Writing That Paper
: Student Learning Center, Berkeley University of California
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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30 Most Popular World History Essay Topics in 2020-2021

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

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

How to Choose the Essay Topic in World History

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

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

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

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

Now, the topics. Off we go!

Top 30 World History Topics for Essays

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

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

How to Make World History Writing Interesting?

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

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

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

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

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

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118 World History Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

History essays are a great way to explore and understand the past, as well as to develop critical thinking and writing skills. However, coming up with a compelling topic for your essay can sometimes be a challenge. To help you out, here are 118 world history essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

  • The impact of imperialism on African societies
  • The causes and consequences of the French Revolution
  • The role of women in the American Civil War
  • The spread of Buddhism in ancient China
  • The decline of the Roman Empire
  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution on European society
  • The rise of fascism in Italy and Germany
  • The Korean War: Causes and consequences
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis
  • The partition of India and Pakistan
  • The role of propaganda in World War II
  • The impact of the Black Death on Europe
  • The role of religion in the Spanish conquest of the Americas
  • The Vietnam War: Causes and consequences
  • The fall of the Soviet Union
  • The impact of World War I on European society
  • The Arab-Israeli conflict
  • The role of women in the French Revolution
  • The rise of the Mongol Empire
  • The impact of the Atlantic slave trade
  • The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire
  • The impact of the Protestant Reformation
  • The role of women in the Russian Revolution
  • The rise of the Ottoman Empire
  • The Salem Witch Trials
  • The impact of the transatlantic slave trade
  • The role of women in the American Revolution
  • The partition of Palestine
  • The impact of the Great Depression
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall
  • The role of women in the Civil Rights Movement
  • The rise of the British Empire
  • The impact of the French Revolution on European society
  • The role of propaganda in the Cold War
  • The impact of the Russian Revolution
  • The rise of the Roman Empire
  • The impact of the Crusades
  • The role of women in the Industrial Revolution
  • The impact of the Vietnam War on American society
  • The fall of the Qing Dynasty
  • The impact of the Spanish Inquisition
  • The role of women in the Mexican Revolution
  • The rise of the Mughal Empire
  • The impact of the War of 1812
  • The fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate
  • The impact of the American Revolution on British society
  • The role of women in the French Resistance
  • The rise of the Inca Empire
  • The impact of the Hundred Years' War
  • The fall of the Khmer Empire
  • The impact of the Korean War on Korean society
  • The role of women in the Iranian Revolution
  • The rise of the Aztec Empire
  • The impact of the Russian Revolution on European society
  • The fall of the Roman Republic
  • The impact of the Spanish-American War
  • The role of women in the Suffrage Movement
  • The rise of the Byzantine Empire
  • The impact of the Spanish Civil War
  • The fall of the Ottoman Empire
  • The impact of the Mexican-American War
  • The role of women in the Women's Liberation Movement
  • The rise of the Gupta Empire
  • The impact of the Opium Wars
  • The fall of the Inca Empire
  • The impact of the Indian Mutiny
  • The role of women in the Indian Independence Movement
  • The rise of the Song Dynasty
  • The impact of the Crusades on European society
  • The fall of the Vijayanagara Empire
  • The impact of the Boxer Rebellion
  • The role of women in the Chinese Revolution
  • The rise of the Tang Dynasty
  • The impact of the War of the Roses
  • The fall of the Maurya Empire
  • The impact of the Sepoy Mutiny
  • The rise of the Safavid Empire
  • The impact of the War of Spanish Succession
  • The fall of the Seljuk Empire
  • The impact of the American Revolution on Native American societies
  • The role of women in the Haitian Revolution
  • The rise of the Timurid Empire
  • The impact of the War of the Austrian Succession
  • The fall of the Parthian Empire
  • The impact of the Portuguese conquest of India
  • The rise of the Kushan Empire
  • The impact of the War of the Spanish Succession
  • The fall of the Sassanid Empire
  • The impact of the Portuguese conquest of Brazil
  • The rise of the Maratha Empire
  • The impact of the War of 1812 on British society
  • The fall of the Mughal Empire
  • The impact of the Portuguese conquest of Africa

These 118 world history essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of historical events, people, and cultures. Whether you're interested in ancient civilizations, modern revolutions, or the impact of imperialism, there's sure to be a topic here that piques your interest. So pick a topic, do some research, and start writing your next world history essay today!

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200 Interesting World History Topics to Write About

world history topics

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

Choose Our World History Research Paper Topics

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

Interesting World History Topics

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

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

World History Research Paper Topics

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

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

AP World History Topics

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

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

Art History Ideas

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

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

World History Project Topics

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

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

World History Debate Topics

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

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

World History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

World History Topic Ideas for High School

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

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

World History Before 1500 Paper Topics

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

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

20th Century World History Research Paper Topics

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

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

Good World History Research Paper Topics

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

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

Ancient World History Research Paper Topics

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

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

European History Ideas

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

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

Modern World History Topics

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

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

World History Research Topics for College

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

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

War History Ideas

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

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

Ancient History Topics

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

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

Controversial World History Topics

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

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

Chinese History Topics

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

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

Difficult World History Paper Topics

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

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

United States History Topics

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

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

French Revolution Topics

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

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

Easy World History Topics to Write About

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

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

History Topics From Columbus to the 1800s

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

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

Medieval History Paper Topics

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

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

19th Century World History Research Topics

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

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

Napoleon Research Paper Topics

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

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

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

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278 Interesting History Essay Topics and Events to Write about

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

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

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

Before you read further:

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

Top 10 History Essay Topics

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

How to Pick the Best History Essay Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate List of Historical Events to Write about

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

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

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

History essay fact about Genghis Ghan.

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

Old photos and letter.

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

Audience on a concert.

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

Old plane fly above hills.

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

Confucius quote.

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

Other History Essay Topics

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

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

The analysis of historical events is subjective.

Most importantly:

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Historical Essay FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Prewriting: Techniques to Get Started – Outlining: University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Understanding the Subjective Nature of History
  • Writing Cause and Effect Papers
  • One Hundred Good Research Paper Topics for History Class
  • History Topics
  • Modern History Resources
  • Research Paper Topics About United States History
  • The Importance of History Essay
  • The Foundation of History
  • What is History Essay Examples
  • Index: American History
  • World History: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • Historical Topics: Library of Congress
  • American History: Smithsonian Institution
  • Political History: Historians.org
  • Primary Sources on History: Gale
  • History of the UN: United Nations
  • Ancient History Encyclopedia: Index
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150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

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  • A Research Guide
  • Essay Topics

120 History Essay Topics

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

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

History Persuasive Essay Topics:

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics:

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

History Informative Essay Topics:

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

History Cause Effect Essay Topics:

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

History Narrative Essay Topics:

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

History Opinion Essay Topics:

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

History Evaluation Essay Topics:

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

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History help

Global History Essay Topics

Looking for an essay topic on global history? Check out this list of 150 potential topics covering a wide range of historical periods and geographical locations. From the rise and fall of empires to the impact of religion on history, there’s something here for everyone. And you can always count on our history essay writer to guide you on your way to writing the essay, which will give you the best mark in the class!

100 Global History Topics

  • The Crusades
  • The Black Death
  • The Mongol Empire
  • The Renaissance
  • The Reformation
  • The Age of Exploration
  • The French Revolution
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • The American Revolution
  • The Korean War
  • The Vietnam War
  • The Cold War
  • The Gulf War
  • The War on Terror
  • The Arab Spring
  • The Syrian Civil War
  • The Ukraine Crisis
  • The European migrant crisis
  • The Brexit referendum
  • The rise of ISIS
  • The Charlie Hebdo shooting
  • The November 2015 Paris attacks
  • The Orlando nightclub shooting
  • The November 2016 U.S. presidential election
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline protests
  • The Battle of Aleppo
  • The Battle of Mosul
  • The Rohingya refugee crisis
  • The Las Vegas mass shooting
  • The Parkland school shooting
  • The 2018 FIFA World Cup
  • The Syrian chemical weapons attack
  • The 2018 U.S.-Mexico border separation policy
  • The 2018 Men’s FIFA World Cup
  • The 2020 coronavirus pandemic
  • The 2020 U.S. presidential election
  • The Black Lives Matter movement
  • The #MeToo movement
  • The 2017 Unite the Right rally
  • The 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting
  • The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing
  • The 2017 London Bridge attack
  • The Finsbury Park mosque attack
  • The 2017 Charlottesville car attack
  • The Christchurch mosque shootings
  • The Sri Lanka Easter bombings
  • The 2019 Delhi riots
  • The 2019–20 Hong Kong protests
  • The 2020 Beijing coronavirus outbreak
  • The 2020 George Floyd protests
  • The 2020 Belarusian protests
  • The 2020 United States presidential election
  • The January 6, 2021 storming of the United States Capitol
  • The COVID-19 pandemic
  • The 2020–21 Australian bushfires
  • The 2020–21 Western Saharan protests
  • The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
  • The 2020 Yemen war
  • The 2020 Ethiopian–Somali conflict
  • The 2020 Kivu Ebola outbreak
  • The 2019–2021 Cameroonian protests
  • The 2020 global economic recession
  • The 2021 storming of the United States Capitol
  • The 2021 Myanmar coup d’Ă©tat
  • The 2021 military coup in Zimbabwe
  • The 2020–21 Russian protests
  • The 2020–2021 Kuwaiti protests
  • The 2021 Sudanese coup d’Ă©tat
  • The 2020–2021 Libyan conflict
  • The 2020 Minsk Agreement
  • The Second Libyan Civil War
  • The 2014 Libyan Civil War
  • The 2011 Egyptian Revolution
  • The 2010–2011 Tunisian Revolution
  • The 2009 Iranian Green Movement
  • The Iranian Revolution
  • The 2006 Lebanon War
  • The Second Intifada
  • The September 11 attacks
  • The Iraq War
  • The War in Afghanistan
  • The Israeli–Palestinian conflict
  • The Northern Ireland conflict
  • The Troubles
  • The Falklands War
  • The Iran–Iraq War
  • The Yemeni Civil War
  • The First Libyan Civil War
  • The Lebanese Civil War
  • The Iranian Green Movement
  • The Green Revolution

Interesting Global History Research Paper Topics

  • How did the Cold War shape the world we live in today?
  • What were the most important causes of World War I?
  • How did the Industrial Revolution change the world?
  • What were the causes and effects of the French Revolution?
  • How did the American Revolution impact the world?
  • What were the most important events of the 20th century?
  • What is the history of the United Nations?
  • What are the origins of the European Union?
  • How did the Cold War affect Europe?
  • What is the history of the Berlin Wall?

Global history regents thematic essay topics

  • The rise and fall of empires
  • The impact of religion on history
  • The role of geography in history
  • The importance of trade in history
  • The impact of war on history
  • The role of technology in history
  • The impact of art and culture on history
  • The importance of political systems in history
  • The impact of economic systems on history
  • The role of social movements in history
  • The importance of science and medicine in history
  • The role of education in history
  • The role of women in history
  • The role of minorities in history
  • The role of youth in history
  • The impact of environmental factors on history
  • The role of pandemics in history
  • The impact of natural disasters on history
  • The role of technology in warfare
  • The impact of colonialism on history
  • The role of migration in history
  • The impact of population growth on history
  • The role of climate change in history
  • The impact of globalization on history
  • The role of media in history
  • The role of consumerism in history
  • The role of terrorism in history
  • The role of organized crime in history
  • The role of the internet in history
  • The role of artificial intelligence in history

Advanced topics global history

  • The rise and fall of civilizations
  • The impact of religion on civilizations
  • The role of geography in civilizations
  • The importance of trade in civilizations
  • The impact of war on civilizations
  • The role of technology in civilizations
  • The impact of art and culture on civilizations
  • The importance of political systems in civilizations
  • The impact of economic systems on civilizations
  • The role of social movements in civilizations
  • The importance of science and medicine in civilizations
  • The role of education in civilizations
  • The role of women in civilizations
  • The role of minorities in civilizations
  • The role of youth in civilizations
  • The impact of environmental factors on civilizations
  • The role of pandemics in civilizations
  • The impact of natural disasters on civilizations
  • The impact of colonialism on civilizations

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete guide to the ap world history exam.

Advanced Placement (AP)

feature_apworldhistoryexam.jpg

Before you start studying for the AP World History exam, you should get the inside scoop on its format and content. The types of questions you'll see might differ from your expectations. It's especially smart to practice writing essay outlines based on past questions before you're faced with fresh prompts on test day.

In this article, we'll go through the structure, content, and question types on the AP World History exam and provide some helpful tips for acing it !

How Is the AP World History Exam Structured?

The AP World History exam is three hours and 15 minutes and consists of two sections, each of which contains a Part A and a Part B. Here's a basic overview of these sections before we get into the nitty-gritty below:

  • Section 1, Part A: Multiple Choice
  • Section 1, Part B: Short Answer
  • Section 2, Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)
  • Section 2, Part B: Long Essay

It should be noted that the AP World History exam has undergone some big changes for the 2019-20 school year . Instead of covering thousands of years of human history and development, now it will cover only the years 1200 to the present ; as a result, the exam has been renamed AP World History: Modern (an AP World History: Ancient course and exam are in the works).

Section 1 Format

Section 1 on the AP World History exam lasts a total of 95 minutes and consists of two parts:

  • Part A: Multiple Choice
  • Part B: Short Answer

This chart shows what you can expect for each part of Section 1 on the World History exam:

Part A lasts 55 minutes and counts for 40% of your total AP World History score. Each question on this part comes with four possible answer choices (labeled A-D). Since there are no penalties for wrong answers, it's in your best interest to fill in an answer for every question.

Most multiple-choice questions come in sets of three to four questions and require you to analyze primary and secondary sources as well as data in the form of graphs, charts, maps, etc.

Part B lasts 40 minutes and counts for 20% of your final AP score. For this section, you must write three short answers (you'll get four prompts in total, but you choose one of two prompts to write on for your third essay). You'll have different sources, or stimuli, for each short-answer prompt:

  • Short Answer 1: Includes one secondary source
  • Short Answer 2: Includes one primary source
  • Short Answer 3/4 (choose one prompt): No stimulus for either option; prompt 3 focuses on the years 1200-1750, while prompt 4 focuses on the years 1750-2001

Section 2 Format

Section 2 on the AP World History test lasts 100 minutes and, like Section 1, consists of two parts:

  • Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)
  • Part B: Long Essay

Here's a brief overview of the format of Section 2 of the World History exam:

Part A in Section 2 lasts one hour and counts for 25% of your total score. For the Document-Based Question, or DBQ, you'll get seven documents offering different viewpoints on a certain historical development. You must write an essay with an argument supported by this historical evidence.

Part B, which is the Long Essay, lasts for just 40 minutes and counts for 15% of your AP score. This part of the test requires you to write a full-fledged essay in response to one of three prompts (you choose which one you want to write on). Unlike the DBQ, you're not given any direct historical evidence to use in your essay; you must come up with it yourself to support your argument.

Here are the three types of prompts you can choose from for the Long Essay:

  • Prompt 1: Focuses on the years 1200-1750
  • Prompt 2: Focuses on the years 1450-1900
  • Prompt 3: Focuses on the years 1750-2001

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What Kind of Content Is Covered in AP World History?

Content on the AP World History exam is divided into six overarching themes and nine distinct units . Knowing these categorizations can help you get a better sense of what kinds of historical trends you will be asked to examine (this is especially helpful when writing free-response essays!). The units are roughly divided up into overlapping periods of time.

Below, we introduce the current themes and units, as described in the 2019-20 AP World History: Modern Course and Exam Description .

The 6 Themes in AP World History

Let's start by looking closely at the six major themes covered on the AP World History exam.

Theme 1: Humans and the Environment

The environment shapes human societies, and as populations grow and change, these populations in turn shape their environments.

Key points:

  • Demography and disease
  • Patterns of settlement

Theme 2: Cultural Developments and Interactions

The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.

  • Religions and cultures
  • Belief systems, philosophies, and ideologies
  • Science and technology
  • The arts and architecture

Theme 3: Governance

A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.

  • Political structures and forms of governance
  • Nations and nationalism
  • Revolts and revolutions
  • Regional, transregional, and global structures and organizations

Theme 4: Economic Systems

As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.

  • Agricultural and pastoral production
  • Trade and commerce
  • Labor systems
  • Industrialization
  • Capitalism and socialism

Theme 5: Social Interactions and Organization

The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.

  • Gender roles and relations
  • Family and kinship
  • Racial and ethnic constructions
  • Social and economic classes
  • Slavery and abolition

Theme 6: Technology and Innovation

Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.

  • Intellectual innovation
  • Transportation technologies and trade
  • Modes of production and machinery
  • Communication

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The 9 Units in AP World History

Here, we'll go over the nine units of the AP World History course and exam. But before we describe each one in depth, here's a quick overview of how these units are tested:

Source: AP World History Course and Exam Description, 2019-20

Unit 1: The Global Tapestry (1200-1450)

  • Developments in East Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450
  • Developments in Dar al-Islam from c. 1200 to c. 1450
  • Developments in South and Southeast Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450
  • State Building in the Americas
  • State Building in Africa
  • Developments in Europe from c. 1200 to c. 1450
  • Comparison in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450

Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (1200-1450)

  • The Silk Roads
  • The Mongol Empire and the making of the modern world
  • Exchange in the Indian Ocean
  • Trans-Saharan trade routes
  • Cultural consequences of connectivity
  • Environmental consequences of connectivity
  • Comparison of economic exchange

Unit 3: Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

  • Empires expand
  • Empires: administration
  • Empires: belief systems
  • Comparison in land-based empires

Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections (1450-1750)

  • Technological innovations from 1450 to 1750
  • Exploration: causes and events from 1450 to 1750
  • Columbian exchange
  • Maritime empires established
  • Maritime empires maintained and developed
  • Internal and external challenges to state power from 1450 to 1750
  • Changing social hierarchies from 1450 to 1750
  • Continuity and change from 1450 to 1750

Unit 5: Revolutions (1750-1900)

  • The Enlightenment
  • Nationalism and revolutions in the period from 1750 to 1900
  • Industrial Revolution begins
  • Industrialization spreads in the period from 1750 to 1900
  • Technology of the Industrial Age
  • Industrialization: government's role from 1750 to 1900
  • Economic developments and innovations in the Industrial Age
  • Reactions to the industrial economy from 1750 to 1900
  • Society and the Industrial Age
  • Continuity and change in the Industrial Age

Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization (1750-1900)

  • Rationales for imperialism from 1750 to 1900
  • State expansion from 1750 to 1900
  • Indigenous responses to state expansion from 1750 to 1900
  • Global economic development from 1750 to 1900
  • Economic imperialism from 1750 to 1900
  • Causes of migration in an interconnected world
  • Effects of migration
  • Causation in the Imperial Age

Unit 7: Global Conflict (1900-Present)

  • Shifting power after 1900
  • Causes of World War I
  • Conducting World War I
  • The economy in the interwar period
  • Unresolved tensions after World War I
  • Causes of World War II
  • Conducting World War II
  • Mass atrocities after 1900
  • Causation in global conflict

Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization (1900-Present)

  • Setting the stage for the Cold War and decolonization
  • The Cold War
  • Effects of the Cold War
  • Spread of communism after 1900
  • Decolonization after 1900
  • Newly independent states
  • Global resistance to established order after 1900
  • End of the Cold War
  • Causation in the age of the Cold War and decolonization

Unit 9: Globalization (1900-Present)

  • Advances in technology and exchange after 1900
  • Technological advances and limitations after 1900: disease
  • Technological advances: debates about the environment after 1900
  • Economics in the Global Age
  • Calls for reform and responses after 1900
  • Globalized culture after 1900
  • Resistance to globalization after 1900
  • Institutions developing in a globalized world
  • Continuity and change in a globalized world

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Sample AP World History Test Questions

Let's go through examples of each of the four types of questions you'll see on the AP World History exam. All sample questions come from the 2019-20 World History Course and Exam Description .

Multiple-Choice Question Example

body_ap_world_history_mc_question_sample

Most multiple-choice questions come in sets of three to four questions that ask you to respond to a particular source, or stimulus, such as a primary source, a secondary source, or data in the form of a map, chart, or table.

In this sample question, you're being asked to read and interpret two separate passages . You must have background knowledge of economic trends in the late 20th century to be able to select the correct answer here (which is answer choice C ).

Short-Answer Question Example

body_ap_world_history_short_answer_sample_question

This short-answer question is accompanied by a secondary source. In each short-answer question on the test, each part (A-C) should only require a one- to two-sentence answer . You'll then get 1 point per correct response (so the max you can earn on one short-answer question is 3 points).

Here's how you could earn full credit for this question, per the official scoring guidelines .

(A) Sample Answers

  • Hakuseki's argument was influenced by Confucianism.
  • Hakuseki's argument that sovereign is Heaven to the subjects and the father is Heaven to the child was influenced by Confucian beliefs.
  • Hakuseki's argument that only the emperor is supposed to serve the Lord of Heaven reflects the beliefs of Confucianism.

(B) Sample Answers

  • One important difference is that most Christian missionaries and Muslim Sufis traveled across the world and spread their religion without being banned by other governments.
  • One important difference between the circumstances of the religious encounter in eighteenth century Japan and other religious encounters in the period 1450–1750 is that religious interactions in this period more frequently led to the development of syncretic belief systems such as Vodou or SanterĂ­a than the outright banning of the preaching of a religion.
  • One important difference between the Tokugawa shogunate banning the preaching of Christianity and most other religious interactions in the period 1450–1750 is that some governments, such as the Mughal Empire under Akbar, encouraged religious tolerance and interaction.

(C) Sample Answers

  • The Mughal emperors of India and the African kings of Kongo attempted to restrict European merchants to certain towns and trading posts.
  • The Ming and Qing emperors of China confined the Portuguese merchants to Macao and placed legal restrictions on converting to Christianity.
  • Although the Safavid Empire allowed European merchants to settle in some cities and even serve as advisors at court, preaching Christianity was strictly forbidden.

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Document-Based Question Example

body_ap_world_history_dbq_sample

You'll get seven documents with your DBQ (not shown in the sample above), and you must use at least six of these as evidence in your response. The DBQ is worth up to 7 points .

Here's what you'd need to do to earn full credit for this sample DBQ, per the scoring guidelines .

Looking for help studying for your AP exam? Our one-on-one online AP tutoring services can help you prepare for your AP exams. Get matched with a top tutor who got a high score on the exam you're studying for!

Long Essay Question Example

body_ap_world_history_long_essay_sample_question

For the Long Essay, you'll get three possible prompts to choose from. This question is an example of an Option 2 prompt with a focus on the years 1450-1900 —in this case, the 19th century. You can earn up to 6 points for your essay.

Here's what you'd need to do to earn full credit for this sample, per the official scoring guidelines :

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How Is the AP World History Exam Scored?

Now that you've seen what questions look like on the AP World History test, let's quickly go over exactly how the exam is scored. Like all other AP tests, you will get a final scaled score for AP World History on a scale of 1-5 . This is a cumulative score that combines your raw scores from each of the four parts of the test (Multiple Choice, Short Answer, DBQ, and Long Essay).

Keep reading to see how each part of the AP World History test is scored.

Multiple Choice

Raw scoring for the multiple-choice section is simple: you earn 1 point for each multiple-choice question you answer correctly . Since there are 55 questions, the max number of points you can earn here is 55. Remember that this part counts for 40% of your total score .

No points are taken off for incorrect answers, so be sure to fill in every answer bubble!

Short Answer

Each short-answer question is worth 3 points—one for each task (labeled A-C) you must complete. Because there are three short-answer questions, this means you can earn a total of 9 raw points for all your responses. The short-answer portion counts for 20% of your final AP score .

Document-Based Question

The DBQ is worth 25% of your final score and is graded on a 7-point rubric , as shown below:

The Long Essay is worth just 15% of your overall score and is graded on a 6-point rubric :

The Best Way to Prep for the AP World History Exam: 3 Tips

Here are a few of the most important prep tips for AP World History. If you want more advice, take a look at our article on the best study strategies for this exam .

Tip 1: Make Connections to Themes (and Memorize Examples)

World History is a course that covers a ton of information, so much so that it can be hard to think of specific examples that relate to your arguments in essay questions. You should be able to elaborate on one or two concrete events from each period that relate to each theme of the course.

As long as you can preserve this bank of information in your mind, you'll be able to support your answers to any essay questions the test throws at you.

Tip 2: Use Outside Information Selectively

Providing specific historical examples in your essay lets you show your mastery of the material, but you need to be cautious. This test is less about how much you know and more about how well you understand the connections and underlying themes that connect historical facts.

Each fact you mention must have a specific purpose and should tie directly into what the question is asking and what you've stated in your argument.

Tip 3: Learn to Read Multiple-Choice Questions Carefully

You can get into some trouble if you don't understand exactly what the multiple-choice questions are asking on this exam. You'll only find the correct answer if you stick to the specifics of the question. Otherwise, you could get tripped up by choices that are accurate statements about history but inaccurate answers to the question being asked.

Practice your skills in selecting answers that directly pertain to the evidence presented in the question.

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Summary: What to Know About the AP World History Exam

The AP World History exam is a three-hour and 15-minute test that consists of 55 multiple-choice questions, three short answers, one DBQ, and one essay.

Questions address six major historical themes and nine units, with periods stretching back to the year 1200 CE. While this is undoubtedly a lot of information to study, it's important to realize that long-term trends are more important than small details.

You can do extremely well on the World History test, as long as you master the major events of each period and understand their essential causes and effects .

What's Next?

Looking for some practice materials for the World History exam? Then check out this detailed guide to all the AP World History practice tests available online .

It's a smart idea to practice your writing skills on DBQs before any AP history test. Learn about the best places to find DBQ examples and how you can write an excellent response .

Which AP classes should you take in high school besides World History? Our expert guide will help you decide based on your goals, academic interests, and schedule.

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

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

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

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

  • 🚧 History Essay Challenges
  • 📜 Top 15 Topics
  • ✊ Revolution Topics
  • đŸ—ș Regional Topics
  • đŸ€Ž Key Figures Topics
  • đŸłïžâ€đŸŒˆ Key Movements
  • 📿 Topics on Traditions
  • đŸ‘ïžâ€ Topics on Mysteries
  • 📝 Historical Topics – 2024

📱 History Persuasive Essay Topics

  • 👉 Choosing a Topic
  • ♟ Writing Strategies

🚧 History Essay Topics Main Challenges

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

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

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

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

📜 Top 15 History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

⚔ History Essay Topics on War

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

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

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

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

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

Intercountry Wars

The image depicts the main reasons of international conflicts.

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

Religious Wars

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

✊ History Essay Topics on Revolution

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

Political Revolutions

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

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

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

Social Revolutions

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

đŸ—ș World History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

US History Essay Topics

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

8 Founding Fathers of the United States.

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

Latin America History Essay Topics

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

European History Essay Topics

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

Asian History Essay topics

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

A crossbow was invented in Asia.

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

Russian History Essay Topics

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

African History Essay Topics

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

Australian History Essay Topics

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

Who came to Australia before Captain James Cook?

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

đŸ€Ž History Essay Topics on Key Figures

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

Central Figures of Ancient History

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

Central Figures of Medieval Ages

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

Central Figures of Modern Period

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

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

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

Central Figures of Contemporary History

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

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

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

đŸłïžâ€đŸŒˆ Argumentative History Topics on Significant Movements

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

Political Movements

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

Social Movements

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

Picture showing examples of different social movements.

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

Art Movements

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

Religious and Spiritual Movements

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

📿 Interesting History Essay Topics on Traditions

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

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

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

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

đŸ‘ïžâ€ Essay Topics on Historical Mysteries

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

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

📝 Historical Topics to Write About – 2024

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

👉 History Essay Topics: How to Choose

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

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

♟ Strategies for Historical Argument Topics

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

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

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

And we are done here.

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

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

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

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

Good luck, friends 🍀

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

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

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Navigating Historical Debates: History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Table of content

The Importance of Studying History

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

The Art of Writing an Argumentative History Essay

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

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

History Argumentative Essay Topics: Your Guide to an Engaging Argument

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

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

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

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

Conclusion: Your Historical Argument Awaits

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

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World History Research Paper Topics

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In this comprehensive guide, we explore the fascinating world of world history research paper topics , designed to assist history students in their academic pursuits. Delving into the annals of human civilization, this page offers a diverse array of research paper topics categorized into 10 distinct themes, each presenting a captivating journey through time. From ancient civilizations and medieval Europe to modern global interactions and cultural movements, these topics provide a rich tapestry of subjects to explore and analyze. Emphasizing the importance of topic selection, the guide provides 10 tips to help students make informed choices that align with their interests and academic objectives. Furthermore, it equips aspiring historians with 10 essential tips for crafting compelling world history research papers that showcase critical thinking and scholarly excellence. For those seeking professional assistance, iResearchNet’s custom world history research paper writing services are presented, featuring a host of advantages and personalized support. As history enthusiasts embark on their academic journey, we invite them to unravel the tapestry of world history, exploring the intricacies of our shared human heritage and shaping a deeper understanding of the world’s past.

100 World History Research Paper Topics

World history is an expansive realm, brimming with diverse cultures, societies, and epochal events that have shaped human civilization. For history students embarking on research papers, this page offers an extensive compilation of world of world history research paper topics thoughtfully divided into 10 categories, each providing an intriguing window into the annals of time.

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Ancient Civilizations:

  • Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilization
  • Ancient Egypt: Pyramids, Pharaohs, and Society
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Trade and Urban Planning
  • Ancient Greece: Democracy and Philosophical Contributions
  • Roman Empire: Expansion and Decline
  • Ancient China: The Qin Dynasty: Unification and Terracotta Army
  • Ancient India: The Maurya Empire: Emperor Ashoka’s Reign and Buddhist Legacy
  • Ancient Africa: The Kingdom of Kush: Civilization Along the Nile River
  • Ancient Americas: The Maya Civilization: Architecture, Mathematics, and Calendar
  • Ancient Mesoamerica: The Aztec Empire: Society and Rituals

Medieval and Renaissance Europe:

  • The Crusades: Religious Conflict and Cultural Exchange
  • The Black Death: Social and Economic Impact
  • The Italian Renaissance: Art, Science, and Humanism
  • The Age of Exploration: European Expansion and Global Encounters
  • The Reformation: Religious Reforms and the Power of the Church
  • Medieval Japan: Feudal System and Samurai Culture
  • Medieval China: The Song Dynasty: Innovations and Maritime Trade
  • Medieval Middle East: The Islamic Golden Age: Science, Philosophy, and Art
  • Medieval Africa: The Mali Empire: Mansa Musa’s Hajj and Economic Prosperity
  • Medieval Americas: The Inca Empire: Engineering Marvels and Governance

Modern Global Interactions:

  • The Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Revolutions and Enlightenment Thinkers
  • The French Revolution: Causes, Events, and Consequences
  • Industrial Revolution: Economic Transformations and Social Impact
  • The American Revolution: Independence and Constitutionalism
  • The British Empire: Colonization and Legacy
  • Imperial China: The Qing Dynasty: Opium Wars and Decline
  • Imperial India: The British Raj and Indian Independence Movement
  • Modern Japan: Meiji Restoration and Westernization
  • Colonial Africa: Scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference
  • Latin American Revolutions: Bolivar, San Martin, and Independence Movements

Cultural and Intellectual Movements:

  • The Harlem Renaissance: African American Art and Literature
  • The Enlightenment in Latin America: Independence Movements
  • The Bauhaus Movement: Modernist Architecture and Design
  • Surrealism: Artistic Expression of the Unconscious Mind
  • Chinese Cultural Revolution: Mao Zedong’s Ideological Campaign
  • The Civil Rights Movement: Struggles for Equality and Desegregation
  • Feminist Movements: Suffrage and Gender Equality
  • The Beat Generation: Literature, Poetry, and Counterculture
  • Postcolonial Literature: Identity, Resistance, and Representation
  • Cultural Revolution in Iran: Ayatollah Khomeini and Islamic Revolution

Empires and Dynasties:

  • The Mongol Empire: Conquests and Legacy
  • The Byzantine Empire: Continuity and Survival
  • The Safavid Empire: Persian Renaissance and Religious Identity
  • The Gupta Empire: Golden Age of Indian Science and Mathematics
  • The Tang Dynasty: Cultural Flourishing and Silk Road Trade
  • The Ottoman Empire: Sultans, Janissaries, and Decline
  • The Mughal Empire: Akbar the Great and Artistic Patronage
  • The Spanish Empire: Conquistadors and Colonial Rule
  • The Russian Empire: Tsars and Westernization
  • The Austro-Hungarian Empire: Multiculturalism and Nationalism

Global Conflicts and Wars:

  • The Peloponnesian War: Athenian and Spartan Rivalry
  • The Hundred Years’ War: England and France Conflict
  • The Napoleonic Wars: European Conflicts and Napoleon’s Ambitions
  • The Korean War: Divided Peninsula and Cold War Tensions
  • The Vietnam War: Anti-War Movement and Long-term Impact
  • World War I: Causes, Events, and Aftermath
  • World War II: The Holocaust and Global Consequences
  • The Cold War: Superpower Rivalry and Nuclear Arms Race
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: US-Soviet Confrontation in the Caribbean
  • The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Origins and Continuing Struggles

Revolutions and Independence Movements:

  • The Haitian Revolution: Slavery and Independence
  • The Mexican Revolution: Social and Political Transformations
  • The Russian Revolution: Fall of the Romanovs and Bolshevik Rule
  • The Chinese Revolution: Rise of the Communist Party and Mao Zedong
  • The Iranian Revolution: Ayatollah Khomeini and Islamic Republic
  • The Indian Independence Movement: Gandhi’s Nonviolent Resistance
  • The Nigerian Civil War: Biafra’s Secession and Conflict Resolution
  • The Algerian War of Independence: FLN and French Colonialism
  • The American Civil Rights Movement: Martin Luther King Jr. and Equality
  • The Apartheid Movement in South Africa: Mandela, Soweto, and Freedom

Explorers and Expeditions:

  • Christopher Columbus: The Discovery of the New World
  • Ferdinand Magellan: The First Circumnavigation of the Globe
  • Vasco da Gama: Voyage to India and the Maritime Spice Trade
  • Captain James Cook: Pacific Voyages and Exploration of Australia
  • Marco Polo: Travels to the East and the Silk Road
  • Zheng He: Ming Dynasty’s Great Navigator and Diplomat
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition: Exploring the American West
  • Roald Amundsen: First to Reach the South Pole
  • Amelia Earhart: Pioneering Aviator and Her Disappearance
  • Neil Armstrong: The First Moon Landing and Space Exploration

Pre-Columbian Civilizations:

  • The Aztec Empire: Society and Rituals
  • The Inca Empire: Engineering Marvels and Governance
  • The Maya Civilization: Astronomy and Calendar System
  • The Moche Civilization: Art and Ceremonial Centers
  • The Chaco Culture: Ancestral Puebloans and Architecture
  • The Cahokia Mounds: Mesoamerican Influence in North America
  • The Tiwanaku Empire: Andean Civilization and Stone Monuments
  • The Ancestral Puebloans: Cliff Dwellings and Sustainable Farming
  • The Olmec Civilization: Cultural Influence and Artistic Legacy
  • The Nazca Lines: Geoglyphs in the Peruvian Desert

Ancient China:

  • The Qin Dynasty: Unification and Terracotta Army
  • The Han Dynasty: Silk Road and Cultural Achievements
  • The Tang Dynasty: Golden Age of Poetry and Literature
  • The Song Dynasty: Technological Innovations and Economic Growth
  • The Yuan Dynasty: Mongol Rule and Cultural Exchange
  • The Ming Dynasty: Exploration and Zheng He’s Voyages
  • The Qing Dynasty: Opium Wars and Decline
  • Confucianism: Philosophy, Ethics, and Political Influence
  • Daoism (Taoism): Nature, Balance, and Harmony
  • Buddhism in China: Spread, Syncretism, and Cultural Impact

With these thought-provoking world history research paper topics, history students can embark on enlightening journeys through time, unearthing captivating narratives that have shaped the human story and expanded our understanding of the world’s rich and diverse past. Whether delving into ancient civilizations, exploring cultural movements, or analyzing global conflicts, these topics provide an opportunity to connect with the past and gain valuable insights into the complexities of our shared history.

World History: Exploring the Range of Topics

World history is an intriguing tapestry that weaves together the diverse threads of human civilization. As we delve into the past, we encounter a multitude of cultures, societies, and historical events that have shaped the trajectory of human development. From the rise and fall of empires to the intellectual revolutions that transformed thought and the conflicts that reshaped borders, the canvas of world history is vast and vibrant, offering an extensive range of research paper topics that entice history students to embark on explorative journeys through time.

  • The Journey through Ancient Civilizations : The study of ancient civilizations opens the door to some of the most awe-inspiring and enigmatic epochs in human history. Topics in this category offer a glimpse into the cradle of civilization, where great empires emerged, and remarkable achievements were made. Scholars can delve into the mystery of the pyramids in Egypt, decipher the cuneiform script of Mesopotamia, explore the urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization, contemplate the philosophical musings of ancient Greek thinkers, and unravel the intricate political mechanisms of the Roman Empire. Each civilization represents a unique tapestry, providing fertile ground for researchers to explore a variety of aspects, from architecture and religion to governance and social structures.
  • Unraveling the Threads of Medieval and Renaissance Europe : The medieval period witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the flourishing of art and culture, and the spread of knowledge across Europe. Research paper topics in this category encompass the tumultuous era of the Crusades, which saw the collision of civilizations, and the transformative impact of the Black Death on society. The Italian Renaissance brought about a resurgence of art and humanism, igniting intellectual revolutions that reverberated throughout Europe. Meanwhile, the Age of Exploration expanded the boundaries of human knowledge, with explorers charting new territories and cultures. Topics in this category offer an opportunity to delve into the complex interplay of politics, religion, and cultural exchange that shaped the medieval and Renaissance periods.
  • Modern Global Interactions: From Enlightenment to Modernity : The age of enlightenment ushered in an era of intellectual ferment, fueled by the desire to challenge traditional authority and embrace reason, science, and individual rights. Research paper topics in this category delve into the ideological underpinnings of revolutions, such as the French Revolution, which forever altered the political landscape of Europe. The industrial revolution marked a period of immense economic growth and societal transformation, laying the groundwork for the modern world. As the empires expanded their influence, interactions between nations intensified, resulting in conflicts such as World War I and II, shaping the course of the 20th century. Scholars can explore the profound societal changes brought about by these events, the rise of nationalism, and the quest for global stability in the face of geopolitical tensions.
  • Cultural and Intellectual Movements: Art, Literature, and Ideas : Cultural and intellectual movements have played a pivotal role in shaping societies and challenging prevailing norms. Research paper topics in this category offer an opportunity to delve into the vibrant creativity of the Harlem Renaissance, celebrating the artistic contributions of African Americans. Surrealism invites exploration into the realms of the unconscious and dreams, reflecting the psyche of the 20th-century mind. Meanwhile, the Civil Rights Movement signifies the unyielding spirit of activism, seeking justice, and equality. Topics in this category span an array of artistic and literary movements, philosophical ideas, and social changes that have left indelible marks on the human experience.
  • Empires and Dynasties: The Rulers and the Ruled : The rise and fall of empires are entwined with the stories of great rulers and the lives of the people they governed. From the vast Mongol Empire, led by figures like Genghis Khan, to the mighty Byzantine Empire, known for its continuity and survival, each dynasty leaves a legacy that influences subsequent generations. The Safavid Empire in Persia flourished with a renaissance of art and culture, while the Gupta Empire in India witnessed an era of scientific and mathematical brilliance. Scholars can explore the intricacies of governance, economic systems, and cultural achievements that characterized these empires and dynasties, shaping the societies they ruled over.
  • Global Conflicts and Wars: Struggles and Transformations : Wars and conflicts have been defining moments in history, altering political landscapes, and redrawing the boundaries of nations. Research paper topics in this category examine pivotal events, such as the Peloponnesian War, which brought about the decline of ancient Greek city-states, and the Hundred Years’ War, which shaped the relationship between England and France. The modern era witnessed devastating conflicts, from World War I and II, the Korean War, to the Vietnam War, which continue to shape geopolitical dynamics. Scholars can explore the social, political, and economic ramifications of these conflicts, as well as the ideologies that fueled them and the legacies they left behind.
  • Revolutions and Independence Movements: Quest for Change : Revolutionary movements have been catalysts for profound social and political transformations. The Haitian Revolution challenged the institution of slavery, resulting in the establishment of the first independent black republic. In Latin America, revolutionary figures like Simon Bolivar and JosĂ© de San Martin spearheaded the fight for independence from colonial powers. Topics in this category allow researchers to delve into the motivations and ideologies that drove these movements, the challenges faced, and the long-term impact on the societies they sought to liberate.
  • Explorers and Expeditions: Expanding Horizons : The Age of Exploration marked a period of bold adventurers setting sail to chart uncharted territories, discovering new lands, and encountering diverse cultures. Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Zheng He embarked on expeditions that expanded the known world. Topics in this category offer an opportunity to explore the motivations and consequences of these explorations, the interactions between explorers and indigenous peoples, and the lasting impact on global trade and cultural exchange.
  • Pre-Columbian Civilizations: Lost Worlds of the Americas : The Americas were home to a rich tapestry of civilizations long before the arrival of European explorers. Research paper topics in this category allow scholars to delve into the fascinating civilizations of the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, and more. From their complex social structures and religious practices to architectural marvels and astronomical knowledge, these pre-Columbian cultures offer a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity and achievements of indigenous peoples.
  • Ancient China: Dynasties and Philosophies : China’s history spans a myriad of dynasties, each contributing to its rich cultural heritage. Research paper topics in this category delve into the profound impact of dynasties such as the Qin and Han, witnessing the unification of China and the flourishing of arts and culture. The Tang Dynasty left an enduring legacy of poetry and literature, while the Ming Dynasty saw great explorations led by the famous navigator Zheng He. Scholars can explore the philosophical underpinnings of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, which have profoundly shaped Chinese thought and society.

In conclusion, world history presents a vast array of research paper topics that beckon history students to embark on journeys through time. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, from cultural movements to global conflicts, each topic offers a unique perspective on the human experience and the forces that have shaped the world we live in today. As we explore the intricate tapestry of world history, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of human societies and the interconnections that have molded our shared global heritage. The depth and breadth of world history research paper topics provide students with endless opportunities to unearth captivating narratives, challenge existing interpretations, and contribute to our collective understanding of the past.

Whether one’s interests lie in the awe-inspiring wonders of the ancient world or the intricacies of modern geopolitics, world history research paper topics offer something for every curious mind. As history students embark on their academic journey, they are encouraged to choose topics that resonate with their passions and intellectual curiosity. To assist in this process, the following section provides guidance on how to select world history research paper topics that will not only captivate readers but also showcase the students’ analytical and critical thinking abilities.

How to Choose a World History Topic

Selecting a compelling and relevant research topic is a crucial step in the journey of crafting an exceptional history paper. The process of choosing a topic can be both exciting and challenging, as it requires striking a delicate balance between personal interest, academic significance, and the availability of credible resources. To help history students navigate this undertaking successfully, let’s delve deeper into ten valuable tips on how to choose world history research paper topics that will not only captivate readers but also showcase the students’ analytical and critical thinking abilities.

  • Explore Your Interests : The study of world history encompasses a vast range of periods, regions, and themes. Begin by exploring your own interests within this vast landscape. Consider historical eras or topics that intrigue you the most. Perhaps you are fascinated by ancient civilizations, drawn to the tumultuous era of revolutions, or curious about the interactions between cultures during the Age of Exploration. The more passionate you are about the subject, the more engaged and committed you will be during the research and writing process.
  • Focus on Specificity : Rather than opting for broad and generic topics, narrow down your focus to specific aspects or events within a broader historical context. For example, instead of choosing “The Industrial Revolution,” you could focus on “The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Working Class in 19th-century England.” By narrowing your topic, you allow for more in-depth analysis and provide a unique perspective on familiar subjects.
  • Consider Unexplored Areas : World history is a treasure trove of untold stories and lesser-known events. Take the opportunity to explore uncharted territories within historical research. Seek out topics that have been underrepresented or under-researched. These unexplored areas may offer fresh insights and novel perspectives, making your research paper stand out and contribute to the field.
  • Research Availability : Before finalizing your research topic, ensure that there are sufficient credible sources and academic materials available to support your investigation. Adequate research materials not only substantiate your arguments but also enrich the depth of your analysis. Access to primary sources, archives, and academic journals specific to your chosen topic will contribute to the academic rigor of your research.
  • Relevance and Significance : Choose a topic that holds relevance and significance not only in its historical context but also in the present day. Investigate how the chosen topic relates to contemporary issues and challenges. Highlighting the enduring impact of historical events or phenomena can help readers understand the relevance of the past to the present and the future.
  • Consult with Professors and Experts : Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your history professors or academic advisors. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and suggestions for potential research paper topics based on their expertise. Their knowledge of the field can help you refine your ideas and identify fruitful areas of research.
  • Analyze Primary Sources : If possible, incorporate primary sources into your research. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original documents from the past. These sources offer direct perspectives from historical actors and can add authenticity and depth to your research. Engaging with primary sources demonstrates your ability to conduct thorough historical research.
  • Connect with Current Debates : World history is an ever-evolving field with ongoing debates and discussions among scholars. Engage with current historiographical debates, controversies, or unresolved questions related to your chosen topic. Demonstrating awareness of these debates will elevate the significance of your research and stimulate discussions on diverse perspectives.
  • Consider Global Connections : Many historical events and phenomena have global connections or transnational implications. Explore topics that highlight the interconnectedness of world history. Investigate how events and ideas from one region impacted others, leading to a more comprehensive analysis of historical developments.
  • Brainstorm and Refine : Choosing the right research paper topic is a process that requires time and thoughtful consideration. Don’t rush the selection process. Take the time to brainstorm ideas, conduct preliminary research, and refine your choices. Seeking feedback from peers or instructors can also provide valuable perspectives and enhance the quality of your final research topic.

In conclusion, selecting the right world history research paper topic is a critical step that sets the stage for an enriching and fulfilling academic journey. By exploring personal interests, focusing on specificity, and considering the availability of credible resources, students can discover research paper topics that not only ignite their curiosity but also contribute to the broader discourse of world history. A well-chosen topic serves as the foundation for a compelling and insightful research paper that sheds new light on the past, enhances historical understanding, and connects the complexities of history to the present and future.

How to Write a World History Research Paper

Crafting a well-structured and insightful world history research paper is a rewarding endeavor that allows students to delve deep into the annals of time and contribute to the broader understanding of human civilization. As history students embark on this academic journey, it is essential to approach the writing process with careful planning, thorough research, and effective communication of ideas. In this section, we will explore ten essential tips to guide students on how to write a world history research paper that will leave a lasting impression on readers and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of the past.

  • Conduct In-Depth Research : The foundation of a successful world history research paper lies in thorough research. Begin by gathering a wide range of credible sources, including books, academic journals, primary documents, and reputable online databases. Take meticulous notes and keep track of all your sources to ensure accurate citations.
  • Develop a Clear Thesis Statement : Your thesis statement is the backbone of your research paper. It should succinctly convey the main argument or claim of your paper. A well-crafted thesis statement sets the tone for the entire paper and guides the reader on what to expect.
  • Create a Detailed Outline : Organize your research and thoughts into a coherent outline. This roadmap will serve as a guide throughout the writing process, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and a well-structured paper. Divide your research paper into clear sections, such as introduction, literature review, methodology (if applicable), main body, and conclusion.
  • Provide Context and Background : In the introduction, provide necessary context and background information to orient your readers. Explain the significance of the chosen topic and its relevance to the broader historical narrative. Engage your readers from the outset by highlighting the importance of your research.
  • Engage with Scholarly Debates : Situate your research within existing scholarly debates and historiographical discussions. Show an understanding of various perspectives on your topic and how your research contributes to the ongoing discourse. By engaging with scholarly debates, you showcase your ability to critically analyze and synthesize existing research.
  • Utilize Primary and Secondary Sources : Incorporate a mix of primary and secondary sources to support your arguments. Primary sources provide direct evidence from the past, such as letters, diaries, official documents, and artifacts. Secondary sources offer scholarly interpretations and analysis. Strive for a balance between these types of sources to provide a well-rounded perspective.
  • Analyze and Interpret Evidence : Avoid merely presenting historical facts; instead, critically analyze and interpret the evidence to support your thesis. Draw connections between sources, contextualize events, and offer insightful conclusions. Your ability to analyze evidence will demonstrate the depth of your historical understanding.
  • Craft Strong Topic Sentences : Begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence that outlines the main point of the paragraph. Well-crafted topic sentences keep your research paper focused and maintain a cohesive flow of ideas. Each paragraph should contribute to the overall argument of your paper.
  • Address Counterarguments : Acknowledging and addressing counterarguments demonstrates intellectual rigor and an understanding of the complexity of historical issues. Anticipate potential objections to your thesis and provide compelling counterpoints to strengthen your position.
  • Revise and Edit Thoroughly : After completing the initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your research paper meticulously. Check for coherence, clarity, grammar, and proper citation formatting. Pay attention to the overall organization and structure of your paper. Seeking feedback from peers or professors can provide fresh perspectives and help refine your work.

In conclusion, writing a world history research paper requires careful planning, in-depth research, and effective communication of ideas. By conducting thorough research, developing a clear thesis statement, and creating a detailed outline, you set the stage for a compelling and well-structured paper. Engaging with scholarly debates, analyzing evidence, and crafting strong topic sentences enhance the quality of your research. Addressing counterarguments showcases your critical thinking skills and strengthens your argument. Lastly, thorough revision and editing are essential to ensure that your research paper meets academic standards and effectively conveys your historical insights.

Through the process of writing a world history research paper, students not only contribute to the body of historical knowledge but also develop essential skills in research, analysis, and effective communication. As you embark on this academic journey, remember that every word and idea you put on paper adds to the rich tapestry of human history and expands our understanding of the world’s diverse and interconnected past. Embrace the challenge, and let your research paper be a testament to the curiosity and passion that drive historians to explore the depths of time and unravel the mysteries of our shared heritage.

iResearchNet’s Custom Research Paper Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the significance of academic excellence and the value of well-crafted research papers in the field of world history. Our custom world history research paper writing services are designed to cater to the specific needs of history students who seek professional assistance in their academic endeavors. As a leading provider of academic writing solutions, we take pride in offering top-notch services that empower students to excel in their studies and achieve their scholarly goals.

  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers : At the core of our custom world history research paper writing services are our expert writers. We handpick highly qualified writers with advanced degrees in history or related fields. Our team of writers encompasses specialists in various historical periods and global regions, ensuring that we can match each student with a writer who possesses expertise in their chosen research topic.
  • Custom Written Works : Every research paper we deliver is 100% custom-written to meet the unique requirements and specifications of each student. We adhere to strict academic standards and ensure that all papers are original, plagiarism-free, and tailored to the specific research question.
  • In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled researchers who are adept at conducting in-depth research on a wide range of historical topics. They have access to extensive databases, academic journals, and primary source materials, enabling them to gather comprehensive and credible information to enrich the content of each research paper.
  • Custom Formatting : Formatting plays a crucial role in the presentation of a research paper. Our writers are well-versed in various formatting styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. They ensure that each paper adheres to the specified formatting guidelines, including citations and references.
  • Top Quality : We are committed to delivering top-quality research papers that meet the highest academic standards. Our team of editors reviews each paper meticulously to ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence. We strive for excellence in every aspect of the writing process.
  • Customized Solutions : At iResearchNet, we recognize that every student’s research paper requirements are unique. Our writers work closely with each student to understand their research objectives, preferences, and academic level. This personalized approach enables us to provide customized solutions that address individual needs.
  • Flexible Pricing : We understand that students may have varying budget constraints. Our pricing structure is flexible and designed to accommodate different budgets without compromising on the quality of our services. We offer competitive pricing to make our custom world history research paper writing services accessible to students.
  • Short Deadlines : Time constraints can be challenging for students, especially when faced with tight research paper deadlines. At iResearchNet, we offer expedited services with short turnaround times, ensuring that students can receive their custom-written papers promptly.
  • Timely Delivery : We value punctuality and understand the importance of meeting deadlines. Our writers are committed to delivering research papers on time, allowing students to submit their work within the stipulated timeframe.
  • 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist students with any inquiries, concerns, or updates regarding their research papers. We prioritize open communication and ensure that students can reach out to us at any time.
  • Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of our clients. All personal information and communication are handled with the utmost discretion, and we do not disclose any client details to third parties.
  • Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform for students to track the progress of their research papers. Through our system, students can stay updated on the status of their orders and communicate directly with their assigned writers.
  • Money Back Guarantee : Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. If, for any reason, a student is not satisfied with the delivered research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee to ensure their peace of mind.

In conclusion, iResearchNet’s custom world history research paper writing services are dedicated to providing students with the support and assistance they need to excel in their academic pursuits. Our expert writers, in-depth research capabilities, custom formatting expertise, and commitment to top quality ensure that students receive research papers that are academically sound, original, and tailored to their unique research questions. With flexible pricing, short turnaround options, and 24/7 customer support, we strive to make our services accessible to students from all walks of life. At iResearchNet, we take pride in contributing to the success of history students and empowering them to unravel the rich tapestry of world history through their research papers.

Order Your Custom World History Research Paper!

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the annals of time, exploring the captivating narratives and enigmatic mysteries of world history? Look no further! At iResearchNet, we invite you to unravel the rich tapestry of human civilization with our custom world history research paper writing services. Whether you are a passionate history student or a seasoned scholar seeking professional assistance, our team of expert degree-holding writers is here to guide you on this enlightening expedition.

iResearchNet is your gateway to unraveling the captivating narratives and hidden treasures of world history. Our custom world history research paper writing services offer personalized guidance, in-depth research, and top-quality content to empower you in your academic pursuits. Embrace the adventure of exploring the past, discover new perspectives, and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of human civilization. With iResearchNet, you can step into the footsteps of history and leave your mark on the grand tapestry of human experience. Embrace the journey with us and embark on an academic adventure that will shape the future through the lens of the past. Let the voyage begin!

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world history essay topics

World Historian Student Essay Competition

Congratulations to Joshua Hangartner of La Jolla Country Day School, the winner of the 2023 World Historian Student Essay Competition for his essay, "World History: A Vehicle for Understanding Ourselves."

2023 World Historian Student Essay Competition Winner: Joshua Hangartner (La Jolla Country Day School)

  • The WHA is pleased to announce that Joshua Hangartner of La Jolla Country Day School (La Jolla, CA) is the winner of the 2023 World Historian Essay Competition for his outstanding essay, "World History: A Vehicle for Understanding Ourselves." Focusing on its broad and deep complexities, Mr. Hangartner ably demonstrates how World History's vast and complex scope connects us personally to the sweeping historical themes that shaped the present day and serves as a "uniquely powerful tool" that allows us to discover ourselves in an incredibly complicated world. Congratulations, Joshua!

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international competition open to students enrolled in grades  K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs. Membership in the World History Association is not a requirement for submission. Past winners may not compete in the same category again.  Finalist essays will be checked against AI internet components and will be automatically disqualified should stock answers be detected.

The World History Association established this $500 prize to recognize young scholars. A one-year membership in the WHA will also be included with each prize.

Each competitor will submit an essay that addresses one of the following topics and discuss how it relates to you personally and to World History:  Your view of a family story related to a historical event or your personal family cultural background, or an issue of personal relevance or specific regional history/knowledge, such as "My ancestor walked with Abraham Lincoln from Illinois to fight in the Black Hawk War of 1832." 

The committee will judge papers according to the following criteria:

  • clear thesis;
  • elaboration on the thesis with specific, concrete, personal example(s);
  • evidence of critical-thinking, such as synthesis and evaluation, when reflecting on the essay question;
  • organization and fluency; and
  • overall effectiveness of the student’s ability to communicate his or her personal connection with the study of world history—in other words, how well has the student described the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history?

To view some of our past winning essays, please click on the links below.

2023 Paper Prize Winner

2019 Paper Prize Winner

2018 Paper Prize Winner

2017 Paper Prize Winner

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Length & format.

Length:  Submissions for the  K–12  World Historian Award should be approximately 1,000 words.

Formatting:  Number all pages except for the title page. All pages are to be double-spaced. Use 12-point Times New Roman Font. Margins are to be 1 inch left and right, and top and bottom.

Submissions must be composed in Microsoft Word.

The author’s identity is to appear nowhere on the paper.

A separate, unattached page should accompany the paper, identifying the author, title of paper, home address, telephone number, e-mail address, and name of school.

Papers that do not adhere to these guidelines will be disqualified.

Entries must be emailed or postmarked by the annual deadline of 1 May.

Winning papers will be announced during the summer.

The  WHA  reserves the right to publish in the  World History Bulletin  any essay (or portion thereof) submitted to the competition. It will do so solely at its discretion, but full acknowledgment of authorship will be given. If someone’s essay is published in whole or in part, the author will receive three (3) copies of the  Bulletin.

E-mail submission

Send the following materials as separate attachments (formatted in  MS  Word) in the same e-mail, with the subject line  World Historian Student Essay :

  • the paper, and
  • a page with identifying information (author, title of paper, home address, telephone number, e-mail address, and name of school).

E-mail to:  Susan Smith <[email protected]> .

Postal submission

Send five copies of the paper and five copies of the page with identifying information. In the lower left hand corner on the front of the envelope write:  World Historian Student Essay.

Susan Smith Maple Grove Senior High 9800 Fernbrook Lane  N. Maple Grove,  MN  55369-9747

WORLD HISTORIAN STUDENT ESSAY COMPETITION COMMITTEE:

  • Susan Smith, chair
  • Paul Richgruber

PAST WINNERS

  • Joshua Hangartner, La Jolla Country Day School (La Jolla, CA) "World History: A Vehicle for Understanding Ourselves"
  • Amanda Zhao, Pacific Ridge School (Carlsbad, CA) “History: An Ode to the Bricks of Progress”
  • Akram Elkouraichi, Yonkers Middle High School (Yonkers, NY) “The Realization of Impermanence: Ephemerality in World History as a Conceptual Framework”
  • Steven Chen, Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School (Vancouver, BC, Canada) “A Human Story: World History as an Optimist”
  • Juliana Boerema, Cary Christian School (Cary, North Carolina) “Brilliant Painting: How the Study of World History Changes Perspective”
  • Ahmad Aamir, Lahore Grammar School (Lahore, Pakistan) “Learning from History: Cooperation, Belief, Scholarship, & Words”
  • Vivian Liu, International School of Beijing (Beijing, China) “History: Bread of the World”
  • Vanessa Yan, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School (Bradenton, Florida) “World History: The Great Macroscope”
  • Rachel Hughes, Webber Academy (Calgary, Canada), “Fostering a Universal Understanding of World History is the Key to a Brighter Tomorrow”
  • Campbell Munson, The Episcopal School of Dallas, “How History Has Affected My Worldview: Economies, Migration, Causality and Disease”
  • Jacob Cooper, North Oconee High School (Bogart, Georgia), “World History: The Basis for Self-Determination, Democracy, and Religion“
  • Luke J. Hamilton, Sword Academy (Bridgeport, Nebraska), “The Present: Living History”
  • David Kim, Wydown Middle School ( St.  Louis), “History: The Shadow of the World”
  • Elizabeth Mello, Dartmouth High School (Dartmouth, Massachusetts), “Out of Many Threads, One Cloth”

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Home — Essay Samples — History — World History

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Essays on World History

When it comes to choosing a topic for your World History essay, the possibilities are endless. World History is a vast and diverse field, spanning thousands of years and encompassing countless events, cultures, and individuals. With such a wealth of material to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on a topic that is both interesting and manageable. However, with a little thought and consideration, you can find a topic that will allow you to explore a fascinating aspect of World History while also meeting the requirements of your assignment.

Consider Time Period

One of the first considerations when choosing a World History essay topic is the time period you want to focus on. World History encompasses a vast expanse of time, from the earliest civilizations to the present day. You may want to narrow your focus to a specific era, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, or the modern era. By selecting a specific time period, you can delve deeply into the events, people, and cultures of that era, providing a rich and detailed analysis in your essay.

Focus on Geographic Region

Another option is to choose a topic that focuses on a particular geographic region. World History encompasses the entire globe, and each region has its own unique history and culture. You may want to explore the history of a specific country or region, such as China, India, Africa, Europe, or the Americas. By focusing on a particular region, you can examine the events and developments that shaped its history, as well as the interactions and exchanges that occurred between different regions.

Consider Thematic Topics

In addition to time period and geographic region, you may also want to consider thematic topics for your World History essay. Thematic topics allow you to explore broader trends and patterns in World History, such as the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, the development of trade and commerce, or the impact of technology on society. By selecting a thematic topic, you can analyze the underlying forces and dynamics that have shaped the course of World History, providing a comprehensive and insightful analysis in your essay.

Refine Your Focus

Once you have identified the general parameters of your World History essay topic, it's important to refine your focus even further. Consider the specific aspects of your chosen time period, region, or theme that interest you the most. For example, if you have chosen to focus on ancient Rome, you may want to explore a specific aspect of Roman society, such as politics, religion, art, or daily life. If you have chosen to explore the history of China, you may want to focus on a particular dynasty, such as the Qin, Han, Tang, or Ming. By narrowing your focus to a specific aspect of your chosen topic, you can delve deeply into the details and nuances of that subject, providing a focused and nuanced analysis in your essay.

Consider Availability of Sources

In addition to considering your own interests and passions, it's also important to consider the availability of sources and research materials for your chosen topic. Before finalizing your topic, take some time to explore the existing literature and scholarship on your subject. Are there enough primary and secondary sources available to support your research? Are there any gaps or limitations in the existing scholarship that you can address in your essay? By considering the availability of sources and research materials, you can ensure that your chosen topic is both feasible and well-supported, allowing you to produce a high-quality and well-researched essay.

Consider Broader Significance

Lastly, when choosing a World History essay topic, it's important to consider the broader significance and relevance of your chosen topic. How does your topic relate to larger themes and issues in World History? What insights and perspectives does your topic offer that can contribute to our understanding of the past? By choosing a topic that has broader significance and relevance, you can ensure that your essay will be engaging and meaningful to your readers, as well as contribute to the ongoing dialogue and scholarship in the field of World History.

Choosing a World History essay topic can be a challenging and rewarding process. By considering the time period, geographic region, thematic focus, availability of sources, and broader significance of your chosen topic, you can find a subject that will allow you to explore a fascinating aspect of World History while also meeting the requirements of your assignment. With a little thought and consideration, you can find a topic that will inspire and engage you, as well as provide a valuable contribution to the field of World History.

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