Interesting History Research Paper Topics

Settling on history research paper ideas is often accompanied by some hesitation. Every student wants to find that perfect topic that ticks all their boxes. While that’s a sound approach, it isn’t necessarily straightforward. That’s why this guide is here to help!

To ensure your success, we’ve outlined history paper topics that will captivate your interest, align with your course, and have abundant sources to support your study. These topics will equip you with a diverse range of compelling subjects for history research papers to jumpstart your journey toward academic excellence.

So, if you still need to decide on your topic, read on, and let’s begin.

Great history topic ideas for you

Students are often required to perform a significant study on a specific historical event, person, or era and present an interpretation of their findings in history research papers. Gathering and assessing primary and secondary materials, such as books, articles, records, and artefacts, is part of the research process. A research paper about history should deliver a well-researched, intelligent, and convincing argument based on the data acquired.

Keeping these in mind, we’ve compiled 75 topics for history papers you can choose from.

American history research paper topics

1. The American revolution: its causes, consequences, and legacy
2. The Civil War and its impact on the nation
3. The civil rights movement and the struggle for equality
4. The Cold War and its impact on the American society
5. The great depression and its effect on modern America
6. The founding fathers and the constitution of the United States
7. The rise of the United States as a super country and leading world power
8. How American democracy spread across Europe
9. The roaring twenties: its culture, politics, and legacy
10. The Vietnam War: its causes, consequences, and legacy
11. The American West: its mythology and reality
12. The origin and evolution of the US navy

European history research paper topics

13. The renaissance and its influence on European culture
14. The reformation and its impact on European society
15. The French revolution and its consequences
16. The industrial revolution and its effects on European society
17. The rise of nationalism in Europe
18. World War I and its impact on Europe
19. World War II and its effects on European politics and society
20. The Minoan civilization: its history and archaeology
21. The Hellenistic period: its culture and legacy
22. Ancient Rome: its architecture, engineering, and infrastructure
23. The history and rise of the great cathedrals of Europe
24. The rise, impact, and fall of the Roman Empire

World history topics for research paper

25. The age of exploration and its consequences
26. The rise and fall of ancient civilizations
27. The spread of religion and its impact on world history
28. The rise and fall of empires
29. The global impact of the industrial revolution
30. The impact of colonialism and imperialism on world history
31. The Cold War and its impact on regional and world politics
32. The Russian revolution and its effects on Europe
33. The holocaust and its consequences
34. The Enlightenment and its impact on European thought
35. The legionnaires: rise and impact

Ancient history research paper topics

36. Ancient Greece: its politics, culture, and society
37. The Roman Empire: its rise, fall, and legacy
38. Ancient Egypt: its religion, culture, and achievements
39. The rise, rule, and fall of the Mayan civilization
40. The Aztecs: their religion, society, and conquest
41. The role of women in ancient societies
42. The impact of ancient philosophers on modern thought
43. The age of colonialism and its effects on indigenous peoples
44. The African slave trade and its legacy
45. The Chinese revolution and its impact on world history

World history before 1500 paper topics

46. The great dynasty of Mesopotamia and the Egyptian civilization
47. Ancient India: its religion, society, and culture
48. Ancient China: its dynasties, philosophy, and culture
49. The Greeks and Persians: their conflicts and interactions
50. The Silk Road: history, trade, and cultural exchange
51. The Silk Road: its impact on trade and culture
52. The rise and spread of Islam and its impact on world history
53. The Crusades: their causes, consequences, and legacy
54. The Neolithic revolution: its causes, consequences, and legacy
55. Ancient Persia: its empire, religion, and culture

Art history research paper topics

56. The Renaissance artists and their works
57. The Baroque Era: its style and influence
58. The Impressionist Movement and its legacy
59. The role of art in ancient societies
60. The evolution of the art of the ancient Greeks and Romans
61. The impact of Modern Art on Contemporary Culture
62. The evolution of photography as an art form
63. The Surrealist Movement and its legacy
64. The Bauhaus school and its influence on modern design
65. African art: its cultural significance and influence on modern art

History research paper topics for college students

66. The role of women in American history
67. The impact of technology on modern society
68. The evolution of democracy and its impact on society
69. The Environmental Movement and its impact on society
70. The changing role of religion in society
71. The civil rights movement and its transforming effect on the American society
72. The changing face of immigration and emigration in the United States
73. The Civil War reconstruction: its challenges, policies, and legacy
74. The women’s Suffrage Movement and its impact on American society
75. The American education system: its history, challenges, and reforms

There are numerous quality topics for history research papers. The topics listed here can be a starting point for your research. So, pick one and unlock your inspiration for writing.