Top 10 Successful Essay Topics In American History

A US history essay can be a pretty daunting task if you have no idea about what topic you would like to write about. The key to an excellent written piece is planning in advance, researching and then writing well. In order to do this, you will need to find a topic that excites you and gets your creative juices flowing. To help you on your way, here is a list of the top ten successful essay topics in American History:

1. The Response to Hurricane Katrina

One of the deadliest hurricanes to ever come to American shores, Katrina wreaked havoc in 2005. The resulting tragedies had far reaching effects in America. The government response was heavily criticized. Explore.

2. Prohibition and the reasons for its failure

The 18th amendment’s aim, by banning the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcohol, was to drastically reduce consumption of alcohol. The period from 1920 to 1933 saw the application of this amendment fail. Investigate the reasons.

3. The Civil Rights Movement

From the 1950s to the conclusion of the 1960s, social movements across the U.S. sought to end discrimination and segregation on the basis of race. How did the Civil Rights Movement bring a change in the lives of black Americans then and what are its effects in today’s world?

4. The Civil War

In 1861, the Southern States seceded from the Union on the issue of Slavery and in particular its expansion into the western territories. As a result, from 1861 to 1865, the North and the South fought a civil war that left 600,000 dead. Was the war inevitable?

5. 9/11

Terrorists hijacked four passenger planes and crashed them into buildings in New York City and Washington D.C. 11 September, 2001. The event had a profound effect on US foreign policy. Write about the merits or otherwise of the foreign policy since.

6. The 1920s and the Great Depression

The prosperity of the 1920s gave way to a severe economic depression when falling US stock prices had a domino effect on several other countries. The effects of the depression lasted until the 1940s. What could have been done to avoid such a scenario?

7. Discovery of the New World

In 1492, on his way to find gold and riches in Asia, Christopher Columbus happened upon the New World. Write about his motivations for undertaking this voyage and his subsequent adventures.

8. Abolition of Slavery

President Abraham Lincoln played a large role in the abolition of slavery. Talk about the roles played by him and Congress at this pivotal point in history.

9. The Second World War

The role of the United States in the Second World War was decisive. Describe the series of events leading up to US involvement in the war.

10. American Foreign Policy

From America’s engagement with communism and the Cold War to the more recent War on Terror, explore the important moments in America’s foreign policy.

Essay Sample

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