When it comes to intersting things to write about in history, there are endless possibilities. Because of that fact, it’s a bit overwhelming to get started. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next historical writing project, here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. The Iowa cornfields: How one Midwestern state came to dominate the American corn industry
For centuries, the Midwest has been known as the “breadbasket of America.” But within that vast region, there is one state in particular that has come to dominate the corn industry: Iowa. In your article, you can explore how Iowa came to be known as the “corn capital of the world” and what effect this has had on the state’s economy and culture.
2. The legacy of Ancient Greece: How one civilization shaped the modern world
Many of us know that Ancient Greece was a great civilization. But did you know that its impact on the world extends far beyond classical architecture and philosophy? You can write about some of the ways in which Ancient Greece has shaped our modern world.
3. The rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire: A history of one of the world’s most powerful empires
For centuries, the Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world. But by the early 20th century, it was no more. You can write about the rise and fall of this once-great empire.
4. The Gold Rush: A story of greed, obsession, and danger
In 1848, gold was discovered in California, touching off a frenzy of prospecting and mining that lasted for years. You can write about what life was like during this chaotic time and how the Gold Rush changed California forever.
5. The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem witch trials were a series of prosecutions against people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. The trials resulted in the executions of 20 people, 14 of whom were women. The episode is one of the most infamous moments in American history, and its causes and consequences have been debated by scholars for centuries. If you’re looking for an interesting topic with plenty of room for interpretation, the Salem witch trials are definitely worth writing about!
6. The Revolutionary War
The Revolutionary War was a conflict between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain that resulted in the formation of the United States of America. The war began in 1775 and ended in 1783, with the Americans winning their independence. While the Revolutionary War might seem like a dry subject at first glance, there are actually plenty of interesting stories and angles to explore. For example, you could focus on specific battles or campaigns, notable figures on either side, or even how the war affected everyday people.
7. Ancient Egyptian Burial Practices
Ancient Egyptians believed that death was simply a continuation of life, and they went to great lengths to ensure that their loved ones had everything they needed in the afterlife. As a result, burial practices among the ancient Egyptians were quite elaborate, involving everything from mummification to prayers and offerings. If you’re interested in writing about ancient Egyptian culture, burial practices are definitely an intriguing angle to explore!
8. The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages were a time of superstition and violence. They were also a time of great achievements in art and architecture.
9. The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a time of rebirth for learning and the arts.
10. The Reformation
The Reformation was a time of religious upheaval that led to the rise of Protestantism.
11. The Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration was a time of great adventure and discovery.
12. The English Civil War
The English Civil War was a bloody conflict that ushered in a new era of political stability in England.
13. The American Revolution
The American Revolution was a time of great change for the United States. There are so many different aspects of the American Revolution that make it an interesting topic for an essay. You could focus on the Causes of the Revolution, the Battle of Bunker Hill, or even the role of women during the war.
14. The French Revolution
The French Revolution was a time of tumult and bloodshed that ultimately led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Like the American Revolution, there are multiple angles from which you can approach writing about the French Revolution. You might focus on Napoleon’s role in the Revolution, the Reign of Terror, or even compare and contrast the two revolutions.
15. The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a time of great change for Europe and America. You could write about working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, child labor, or even technological innovations of the time period.
16. World War I
World War I was a global conflict that changed the course of history with far-reaching effects. You might write about trench warfare, life in the trenches, or propaganda during the war.
17. World War II
Another global conflict with a vast amount of potential topics for essays. You could focus on Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, life in Nazi Germany, or even resistance movements during the war.
18. The Holocaust
The Holocaust is one of the most well-known events in history and there are a variety of different ways to approach writing about it. You might focus on specific concentration camps, children during the Holocaust, or resistance movements.
19. The Space Race
The Space Race was a competition between America and Russia to be the first country to land a human being on the moon. You might discuss individual space missions, life as an astronaut, or space exploration today.
20. The Civil Rights Movement
There are many different aspects of the Civil Rights Movement that make it an interesting topic for an essay such as desegregation, lunch counter sit-ins, and marches led by Martin Luther King Jr.
21. The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a long and controversial conflict with many different facets you could explore in your essay such as anti-war protests, life as a soldier, or America’s involvement in Southeast Asia after the war ended.
22. September 11, 2001 (9/11)
9/11 was one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in world history with far-reaching consequences that are still being felt today.. You could focus your essay on topics such as survivor stories, first responders, or how 9/11 has affected America today.
23. Modern race relations in America
Race relations have always been a contentious issue in America and there is no shortage of material to write about on this topic.. You could discuss topics such as segregation, affirmative action, police brutality, or the murder of George Floyd and other black Americans in 2020.
Conclusion: What interesting things from history will you write about?
These are just a few ideas for interesting things to write about in history! There are many other topics that could be covered, as well; this list is meant to get you started thinking about potential paper topics.