140+ Amazing United States History Research Paper Topics

United States history research paper topics are topics that are related to the History of the United States of America, which can be explored in a research paper. These topics can cover a wide range of historical events, people, and periods, from the earliest colonial settlements to contemporary issues.

Research papers on U.S. history topics can be conducted at different levels of study, from high school to college and beyond. They can involve a variety of research methods, including primary and secondary sources, and can cover a wide range of topics in different disciplines, such as politics, economics, social History, cultural History, and more.

So you’ve been tasked with a research paper on U.S. history? This should be interesting! This blog will share some topics that can help you get started with your research paper.

What to know before writing a Research Paper on United States History

Writing a research paper on United States history requires careful planning and organization. Here are some steps to follow:

• Choose a topic: Select a topic that interests you and is relevant to U.S. history. Make sure the topic is narrow enough to be covered in-depth in a research paper.
• Conduct research: Gather information from a variety of sources, including books, scholarly articles, primary sources, and online databases. Take notes and keep track of your sources for later reference.
• Develop a thesis statement: Based on your research, create a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes your main argument or point of view. This will guide your research and help you stay focused.
• Outline your paper: Create an outline that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The body of the paper should be organized around subtopics that support your thesis.
• Write the paper: Use your outline to guide your writing. Start with an introduction that provides background information and context for your topic. The body of the paper should present your research and arguments in a logical and organized way. The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis.
• Revise and edit: Once you have written your paper, revise and edit it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and well-organized. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure that your sources are properly cited.
• Format and submit: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or publisher, and submit your paper on time.

Why is choosing a topic important

Choosing a topic that interests you and is relevant to U.S. history is important when writing a research paper on United States history. Here are some of the reasons why it is important:

• Motivation: If you are interested in the topic, you will be more motivated to conduct research and write the paper. Writing a research paper can be a time-consuming and challenging task, so it is important to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and motivation throughout the process.
• Personal connection: A topic that is relevant to your interests or experiences can help you form a personal connection with the material. This can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the topic, as well as a more nuanced and insightful analysis.
• Originality: Selecting a topic that is relevant to current events or contemporary issues can help you develop an original research question or argument. By engaging with the latest debates and discussions, you can contribute to the ongoing conversation about U.S. history and its relevance to the present day.
• Relevance: Picking a topic that is relevant to U.S. history can help you develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the past, as well as its impact on the present. By exploring the complexities and nuances of U.S. history, you can gain a deeper insight into the forces and factors that have shaped American society and culture.

What are good history topics to write about?

A good history topic to write about is one that is interesting, relevant, and significant. Good history topics should be narrow enough to be covered in-depth in a research paper, but also broad enough to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. A good history topic should also be well-researched, with a variety of sources available to support your arguments and analysis. In addition, the topic should be thought-provoking, challenging the reader to think critically and engage with complex historical issues. Ultimately, a good history topic should contribute to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present day.

United states history research paper topics.

Interesting topics in American History

• The American Revolution and the founding of the United States
• The Civil War and its impact on American society and politics
• The Reconstruction Era and the struggle for civil rights
• The Industrial Revolution and its impact on American society and culture
• The Progressive Era and the rise of social and political reform movements
• The Roaring Twenties and the cultural, social, and political changes of the era
• The Great Depression and the New Deal
• World War II and its impact on American society and foreign policy
• The Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality
• The Cold War and its impact on American society and foreign policy
• The Vietnam War and its impact on American society and politics
• The Watergate Scandal and its impact on American politics and public trust
• The Reagan Revolution and the conservative movement in America
• The Gulf War and the use of military force in foreign policy
• The Clinton Presidency and the impeachment proceedings
• The 9/11 attacks and the War on Terror
• The Great Recession and its impact on American society and economics
• The Obama Presidency and its impact on American politics and policies
• The rise of the alt-right and white nationalism in America
• The #MeToo movement and its impact on American society and culture
• The Black Lives Matter movement and its impact on American society and race relations
• The LGBTQ+ rights movement and its impact on American society and culture
• The rise of social media and its impact on American politics and society
• The legalization of marijuana and its impact on American society and culture
• The rise of populism in American politics
• The impact of the internet on American society and culture
• The History of American music and its cultural significance
• The History of American sports and its impact on society and culture
• The History of American art and its cultural significance
• The History of American literature and its cultural significance

Controversial U.S. history topics

• The legacy of slavery and its impact on contemporary race relations in the United States
• The forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the 19th century
• The decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II
• The use of torture by U.S. military personnel in the War on Terror
• The treatment of prisoners in the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay
• The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II
• The role of American corporations in supporting and profiting from slavery
• The use of drones in U.S. military operations and their impact on civilian populations
• The role of the U.S. government in supporting authoritarian regimes in Latin America during the Cold War
• The History and impact of redlining and other discriminatory housing policies on American society
• The role of the U.S. in the overthrow of democratically elected governments in Latin America
• The use of mass surveillance by U.S. intelligence agencies on American citizens
• The role of the U.S. in the Iran-Contra Affair and other covert operations
• The History and impact of affirmative action policies on American society
• The impact of U.S. military intervention in the Middle East on regional stability and security
• The impact of American imperialism on indigenous peoples around the world
• The use of enhanced interrogation techniques by the U.S. government in the War on Terror
• The role of the U.S. government in the assassination of foreign leaders, such as Patrice Lumumba and Salvador Allende
• The impact of American consumer culture on the environment and global sustainability
• The role of the U.S. in the global arms trade and the perpetuation of armed conflict
• The impact of U.S. economic policies on income inequality and the concentration of wealth
• The History and impact of the military-industrial complex on American society and foreign policy
• The role of the U.S. in supporting apartheid in South Africa
• The impact of the War on Drugs on American society and racial justice
• The History and impact of anti-immigrant policies and sentiments on American society and culture

Modern U.S. History topics

• The 2000 Presidential Election and the Supreme Court decision
• The rise of social media and its impact on politics and society
• The election and presidency of Barack Obama
• The opioid epidemic and its impact on American society
• The 2016 Presidential Election and Russian interference
• The Women’s March and the #MeToo movement
• The Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality
• The legalization of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights
• The DACA program and immigration policy
• The impact of climate change on American society and politics
• The Parkland shooting and the gun control debate
• The Charlottesville protests and the rise of white nationalism
• The controversy over Confederate monuments and symbols
• The COVID-19 pandemic and the government response
• The impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump
• The protests and riots following the killing of George Floyd
• The rise of QAnon and conspiracy theories in American politics
• The controversy over mail-in voting and the 2020 Presidential Election
• The rise of cancel culture and free speech debates
• The controversy over Critical Race Theory and diversity and inclusion initiatives

U.S. history research paper topics after 1877

• The Progressive Era and its impact on American society
• The Spanish-American War and American imperialism
• The Roaring Twenties and the rise of consumer culture
• The Great Depression and the New Deal
• World War II and American involvement
• The Red Scare and McCarthyism
• The Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for racial equality
• The Vietnam War and its impact on American society and politics
• The Nixon Presidency and the Watergate scandal
• The rise of conservatism in the 1970s and 1980s
• The Reagan Presidency and its impact on American politics and society
• The Iran-Contra Affair and its impact on American foreign policy
• The Gulf War and the use of military force in the Middle East
• The Clinton Presidency and the impeachment trial
• The 9/11 terrorist attacks and the War on Terror
• Hurricane Katrina and the government response
• The election and presidency of Barack Obama
• The Tea Party movement and its impact on American politics
• The legalization of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights
• The Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality
• The controversy over Confederate monuments and symbols
• The Charlottesville protests and the rise of white nationalism
• The COVID-19 pandemic and the government response
• The impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump
• The protests and riots following the killing of George Floyd
• The rise of QAnon and conspiracy theories in American politics
• The controversy over mail-in voting and the 2020 Presidential Election
• The History and impact of affirmative action policies on American society
• The impact of U.S. economic policies on income inequality and the concentration of wealth
• The History and impact of the military-industrial complex on American society and foreign policy.

Debatable American history topics

• Was the American Revolution truly a revolution or merely a war for independence?
• How did the American Civil War shape the nation’s identity and politics?
• Did the United States Constitution successfully balance federal and state powers?
• How did the Trail of Tears impact Native American communities and relations with the U.S. government?
• Was the Reconstruction Era a success or failure in promoting racial equality?
• To what extent did slavery fuel the economy of the antebellum South?
• What factors contributed to the rise of the labor movement in the late 19th century?
• How did the Jim Crow laws perpetuate racial discrimination in the U.S. after the Civil War?
• Was the U.S. involvement in World War I justified or unnecessary?
• To what extent did prohibition succeed or fail in reducing alcohol consumption and crime in the U.S.?
• What factors contributed to the Great Depression, and how did the New Deal address them?
• Was the U.S. involvement in World War II a necessary response to global threats or an imperialist agenda?
• How did the Cold War shape U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics during the 20th century?
• What impact did the Civil Rights Movement have on American society and politics?
• Was the Vietnam War a just or unjust conflict for the U.S. to participate in?
• How did the Watergate scandal affect public trust in government institutions and politicians?
• What were the causes and consequences of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.?
• How did the feminist movement change gender roles and attitudes in American society?
• Did the War on Drugs have a positive or negative impact on communities of color in the U.S.?
• How did the AIDS crisis in the 1980s affect public health policy and attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community?
• What were the motivations and consequences of U.S. interventions in Latin America during the 20th century?
• Was the Reagan presidency a positive or negative influence on American society and politics?
• How did the U.S. healthcare system evolve, and what are the major challenges facing it today?
• What role did the U.S. play in the global fight against apartheid in South Africa?
• What were the consequences of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003?
• How did the 2008 financial crisis impact the U.S. economy and society?
• What were the factors that led to the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and how has it impacted American society and politics?
• Did the Obama presidency successfully address the major challenges facing the U.S. during his tenure?
• What were the causes and consequences of the 2016 U.S. presidential election?
• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the U.S. economy and public health policies?
• What were the consequences of the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement?
• How has the rise of social media and digital communication impacted American politics and society?