History Research Paper Ideas

Imagine being a history teacher. Year after year, dozens or even hundreds of students submit nearly identical papers on wars, presidents and other notable historical events and figures. As a student, make your paper stand out by selecting a topic that is not as common.

Wars

History is written by conquerors and winners. Research your paper from the vantage point of the losing side. For example, write about the American Revolution from the perspective of the British.

Cultures

Forego writing about popular and dominant cultures and write about little-known nations or people. Go the extra mile and write about a culture that has been eradicated by war, famine, or other depravity.

People

Many students choose to glorify the heroes and prominent figures from history. For a contrast, write about a villain, such as Benedict Arnold, or a relatively unknown person, such as Muhammad Naguib, the first president of Egypt.

Places

Write about the history of an unusual country or location. An example could be Monaco, a country that measures less than a square mile in size. Discuss how and why the country was established. Detail historical highlights and discuss the current state of affairs in the country.

Families

If the topic is broad enough, write a historical paper on your family history. Research your family tree and discuss where and how your ancestors lived.

References

• History Writing Guide
• Choose a Topic