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IB History Extended Essay Topics: 20+ Ideas to Get You Started

by  Antony W

September 3, 2022

Have you searched the web for the best History Extended Essay topics only to come out empty?

Or maybe you some topic ideas in mind but you’re not sure if you can explore the research issue within the scope of an Extended Essay ?  

You’ve come to the right place.

Writing an EE is quite involving. Combine this with class sessions and other assignments that require your attention, and you’re more than likely to find the work overwhelming.

Hire our Extended Essay Writers   today, and benefit from the flexibility of professional writing help on the web.

If all you want is to learn how to choose a topic because you have the time to write the essay yourself, continue reading this guide to learn more.

How to Choose A Good IB History Extended Essay Topic

History falls into the third group of the six IB subject groups which covers Individuals and Societies, including humanities and social science courses.

Choosing is a big part of the IBDP coursework, although by now we assume that you have already settled on doing a history essay. 

You can have a lot of fun when choosing your subjects. However, unlike other topics, history extended essay topics must follow certain guidelines. 

What Makes a Good History Extended Essay Topic?

A good History Extended Essay topic should meet the following requirements:

1. The Topic Should Focus on History Dating Back 10 Years or More

In IB, an issue that’s not older than 10 years is a current event and therefore unsuitable for the History Extended Essay . 

The topic you choose must focus on human’s past, going back far enough to be actual history.

To score high grades for topic selection, your idea for the EE should be at least 10 years older.

2. The Topic Should Be Relevant and Acceptable

You don’t have to choose your topic from the IB history subject. You’re free to choose any topic you want.

However, the topic you choose should be relevant and acceptable.

Your supervisor will review your proposed topic and determine whether you can analyze its historical significance to humanity.

According to IB, the topic must be “worth of study”.

3. Pick a Topic You Can Explore in 4,000 Words

The scope of your chose topic shouldn’t be too wide or too specific.

It should be right enough to allow an in-depth analysis without overshooting the maximum word count or being too shallow.

4. Your Topic Should Allow Critical Analysis and Commentary

Develop an open-ended research issue that allows you to develop an analytical approach rather than a descriptive or a narrative one.

Your research question should start with words like “to what extent” or “how significant”, not words such as “what” or “how”.

5. The Topic Should Be Disciplinary and Academic

Hinge the topic on one of the academic disciplines and treat it academically.

For example, if you choose to write about the Great Depression in the United States of America, you can approach it from an economic perspective.

If you write about the launch of steam technology and its impact on population growth, you may approach the topic from a sociological perspective.

To be clear, academic treatment means the topic allows you to explore primary and secondary sources in your research work, with the main focus being on primary sources because they add more credibility.

You cannot choose Sports or Music topics in this subject except in the case where you can approach them from a historical perspective. When in doubt, consult with your supervisor.

How to Choose a Good History IB Extended Essay

With the guidelines set out, it becomes easier to go through the process of selecting suitable topics.

1. Brainstorming

With such a wide range of possible topic ideas, you shouldn't have trouble with this part. You can literally choose any idea and give it a historical twist.

For example, if you are a techno buff, how about the influence of the steam engine in industry in Europe? If you love archaeology, there is no shortage of historical subjects.

All you have to do at this stage is to write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how unlikely it seems. You can get inspiration from your coursework, friends, popular media, or books you have read from the library.

We recommend that you think about topics you are thoroughly interested in - these will give you the motivation to push through the whole assignment.

2. Narrowing Down

Narrow down the preliminary list by first eliminating any unsuitable topics.

This includes any that are too complex, non-academic (fictional works, for example), and those that don’t seem particularly appealing to you. 

You can also weed out any that are not ‘worthy of study.’ Basically, any that don't meet the guidelines above should be removed at this point.

3. Selection

Now with a list of 3-5 remaining possibilities, you can afford to give each some serious thought. Ask your librarian about the wealth of literature available for each of the possible topics.

Gauge how common they are from the response. Ideally, you want to approach old topics with fresh ideas, or else choose completely new ones so that your essay will be unique and intriguing.

Remember that you can always have a plan B just in case things don’t work out with the first one.

4. Research

Conduct general research into your chosen topic. Online and library sources are the first stop for research.

The idea here is to know what you are dealing with, formulate your approach, understand the concepts, and perhaps identify any gaps. This stage will allow you to get to the most important one of all.

5. Formulate the Research Question

Formulating your research question is the ultimate in extended essay preparation.

This is what will guide your research, align your thoughts, and drive your inspiration.

Most IB scholars say that a good research question is 25% of the work, and we agree.

Sample History Extended Essay Topics 

As promised, here is a list of topic ideas for the IB extended essay in history.

These are meant to be just ideas, a sort of springing board from which you can launch your own investigations into a topic that interests you.

You will also have to formulate your research questions depending on your individual approach.

• The Rwandan genocide.
• The cold war.
• Salem witch trials.
• Pearl Harbour and its significance.
• Explore the first/second Sino-Japanese wars.
• The impact of dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Conflict Diamonds – you can explore their economic, ethnic, sociological, or even environmental impact.
• The Rosetta stone and its historical impact.
• The invasion of Nazi by Germany and the USSR, 1939.
• The Crusades and their religious significance/political significance in Europe.
• The rule of Mao in China.
• The Six-Day-War of 1967, and why Israel won. (You can also explore its impact.
•  The role of women in the 1st/2nd World War.
• The place of women in the Victorian era.
• The slave trade and its economic importance in the USA/Europe.
• The fall of the USSR.
• The Cuban missile crisis.
• In light of the Coronavirus, explore the various epidemics in history.
• The development of medicine in history.
• The role of medicine in history.
• The development of military technology during the American Civil War.
• The development of military technology during the World Wars/Sino-Japanese Wars. For instance, explore the use of human torpedoes.
• Land tenure in (some part of) Europe in (some era.) For example, explore the peasant and their land rights.
• The efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa.
• The Ottoman Empire, it’s rise and fall, economic impact, etc.

To be clear, these topics are mainly ideas meant to inspire. You can easily focus them and craft a good research question for your purposes. Here is an example to show you how.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

IB History EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent were the nuremberg trials defendants afforded a fair due process, to what extent were legal measures responsible for the exclusion of jews from german society from 1933-1938, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, to what extent was josef mengele’s experimentation on ethnical minorities in the auschwitz-birkenau extermination camp in the years 1943-1945 based on nazi ideology over actual scientific investigation, to what extent were the foreign parties involved insrebrenica, bosnia & herzegovina responsible for the collapse andsubsequent genocide of srebrenica, how did the tactics used in the fight for racial equality, in the united states, change in the 20th century, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, ¿hasta qué punto el franquismo utilizó el deporte español como herramienta de adoctrinamiento nacionalista, to what extent were queer people liberated in weimar germany, 1919-1933, to what extent was nationalism the most significant cause of the dissolution of yugoslavia, what was the role of i̇smet i̇nönü's personal efforts in the transition to the multi-party political system in turkey 1945-50, how accurate is erich eyck in claiming that the great depression was the most significant reason for hitler’s rise to power in january 1933, to what extent was the british government responsible for the collapse of the sunningdale agreement of 1973, to what extent was german defeat in the battle of stalingrad a result of german failures, to what extent was the 1948 arab-israeli war a result of whitehall intervention, to what extent were german reinforcements responsible for the victory of the finnish whites in the finnish civil war of 1918, to what extent was ‘ambitio’ a major factor in bringing about the end of the roman republic, to what extent did logistical and environmental implications hinder napoleon’s victory in the russian campaign of 1812, how did the lavender scare impact united states domestic policy (1947-1959), to what extent did the guomindang fight less effectively than the chinese communist party during the second sino-japanese war, to what extent can the failure of the comprehensive agrarian reforms programme (carp) during corazon aquino’s administration be attributed to her leadership from 1986-1992, 第42および45議会下での憲政会の普通選挙法に対する姿勢の変化は、どの程度1919〜22年の一般民衆による普選運動が要因だったか (29/34), how significant was the aftermath of the black death in the transition from gothic architecture to renaissance architecture in early 15th century florence, why was the post war trial in japan (1946-48) treated in a less significant manner than the one in germany (1945-46), what was the significance of diseases and the role of doctors and hospitals in nazi german concentration camps of auschwitz and majdanek and to what extent it contributed to the extermination of prisoners, to what extent did the decline of the ottoman empire lead to british support for the creation of the zionist homeland, to what extent were the german population unaware of the existence of exterminationist policies between 1941-1945, modernization challenges in the middle east, to what extent did germany's failure to defeat britain cost them the war, what are the similarities and differences between germany’s foreign policy towards russia and ussr before the two world wars, to what extent did the french revolution change the role of women in society between 1789 and 1815, to what extent did britsh west africa contribute to britain's success in the second world war, ee checklist, what was the most significant reason that slavery was legal in brazil and took until 1888 to be fully abolished, who killed kirov, to what extent did the weakness of his opponents contribute to the rise to power of hitler.

Extended essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students.

Read about the extended essay  in greater detail.

You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for the extended essay , find examples of extended essay titles from previous DP students and learn about the world studies extended essay .

Learn more about the extended essay in a DP workshop for teachers . 

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Find out about what each subject offers within the Diploma Programme (DP).

Our DP subject briefs—for both standard and higher level—contain information about core requirements, aims and assessment.

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• History Extended Essay: Definition, Outline, Assessment Criteria

Welcome to the guide on History Extended Essays!

This guide is designed to provide you with an understanding of what a History Extended Essay is, outline the components that need to be included in your paper and provide tips on how to write a successful essay.

This guide will cover:

Definition of a History Extended Essay

Outline of a history extended essay, assessment criteria for history extended essays.

• Brainstorming Process

Writing Strategies

• Citing Sources

Advice on Referencing

Evidence analysis and synthesis, proofreading and finalizing.

By the end of this guide, you should be able to confidently write and submit a History Extended Essay that meets the criteria and will get you the grades you want.

You will learn how to develop great research questions, structure your essay, analyze evidence, and use the right referencing system. We’ll also provide guidance on how to proofread your work and finish it to a high standard.

We hope this guide helps you on your journey to success!

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A History Extended Essay is an essay form that requires a student to provide an in-depth analysis of a chosen topic or event. It typically requires research, evidence collection, and thoughtful reflection on the part of the student. The essay should be structured logically, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The goal is to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chosen topic or event and to provide original insights and argumentation.

The essay should contain a thesis statement that sets out the main argument, and the body should then provide evidence and discussion to support the thesis. The essay should have a conclusion that summarises the findings, arguments, and evidence presented. Additionally, it should contain appropriate citations to sources throughout and a bibliography section at the end.

History Extended Essay essays can be written from many different perspectives, including geographical, chronological, political, social, and economic. Good research questions should be open-ended and enable exploration and discovery of multiple viewpoints.

Constructing an effective outline for your History Extended Essay is essential to ensure that you create a clear and cohesive essay. The following advice will help you to create an outline that will enable you to craft a well-structured and successful essay.

Your essay should include three main sections: the introduction, main body, and conclusion. Each section has a particular purpose and contributes to the overall structure and argument of the essay.

Introduction

The introduction of your essay should serve two key purposes. First, you should provide a brief overview of the topic of your extended essay and its context. Second, you should introduce your research question and make it clear to the reader why this is an interesting area of study that is worthy of further investigation.

The main body of your essay should be dedicated to outlining and elaborating upon the evidence that you have gathered in support of your research question. This should include both primary sources such as documents, photographs, and artifacts, and secondary sources such as scholarly works and historical analyses. By carefully examining, analyzing, and interpreting this evidence, you can develop your own arguments and insights in order to answer your research question.

The conclusion of your essay should bring your main argument to a close and suggest future avenues for study. You should also link back to the introduction, summarizing the main points of the essay. This is an important part of the essay because it shows readers what the main point of the essay was and how it reaches a conclusion.

By using these tips, you can ensure that your History Extended Essay has a clear and concise structure that allows you to clearly express your argument. With careful planning and preparation, you can be certain that your essay will be well-written and successful. Good luck!

Understanding the criteria by which your History Extended Essay will be judged is essential to achieving the highest mark. The assessment criteria splits into 5 categories: knowledge and understanding; problem-solving ability; critical thinking; research skills; and writing and presentation. In this section, we will explain each of these criteria in detail.

Knowledge and Understanding

In assessing knowledge and understanding, markers will look to see how well you have absorbed information and facts related to your research question and topic. They will want to know to what extent you have engaged with content which goes beyond the scope of the research question. Further, they will be interested in how you have used that knowledge in constructing a compelling argument in your essay.

Problem-Solving Ability

This criterion focuses on two things: how well you have identified and defined the key problem in your essay and how effectively you have created a solution. Markers will be looking to assess your ability to think pragmatically and solve problems logically. You should pay particular attention to the evidence you present and the structure of your essay when trying to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Critical Thinking

To score highly for critical thinking, markers will want to see that you have considered both sides of the argument. Demonstrating critical engagement with the sources you use and providing evidence in support of your own views will be important here. Your essay should also show independent and creative thought, as well as an awareness of wider contexts, such as international or political implications.

Research Skills

To excel at this criterion, you must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of different source materials and an understanding of how to best utilize them. You should strive to come to conclusions independently and provide clear evidence in support of those conclusions. In addition, you must ensure that this evidence has been transcribed accurately.

Writing and Presentation

Finally, your essay should be presented impeccably and be free of spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. The essay should have been carefully proofread before handing it in. The content should be clearly structured and organized and the language should be concise and even-toned. Depending on the task, diagrams and illustrations might be necessary, as well as references and bibliography.

Brainstorming Process: How To Develop Brilliant Ideas

Brainstorming is an essential part of writing a successful History Extended Essay. It involves researching, identifying, and analyzing the facts, evidence, and arguments as well as coming up with interesting ideas and research questions.

The first step to brainstorming is to start by asking yourself questions, such as: What would be an interesting topic? What key arguments can I make? What evidence do I need to support those claims? Such questions will help guide your research.

Next, you should research your topic. Start by searching online, reading books, and watching videos or documentaries related to the subject. This will provide you with the necessary information to develop your research question or topic.

Once you have gathered sufficient information, it’s time to analyze it. Ask yourself questions such as: What are the main points? What evidence does each point have? What opposing views exist? By identifying and questioning the different arguments, you will be able to develop more robust and thorough ideas.

Finally, once you have carefully examined the available materials, you should create a list of potential research questions or topics. You should also think of ways to defend or challenge any of the points you have identified. Doing so will help you develop brilliant research questions, evidence and arguments for your essay.

Writing is an essential skill and being able to write effectively with structure, clarity and focus is an invaluable part of success in essay writing. Being able to convey arguments, ideas and facts in a succinct and clear manner is essential for an extended essay . Here are some tips to help you write clearly and effectively.

A well-structured essay is the key to an effective paper. You should start by creating an outline that shows what you plan to cover in each section. Your introduction should be succinct and give a brief overview of the main points of your argument. The body section should include evidence and analysis, using examples when necessary. Finally, your conclusion should draw everything together, summarize the points you have made and provide your reader with any conclusions you have reached.

It’s important to ensure the sentences you use are concise and easy to understand. Make sure to use straightforward language, avoid overly complicated phrasing and make sure each sentence expresses one clear idea. It’s also imperative to break long sentences up into shorter ones and use active voice as much as possible.

In order to write clearly, you must maintain a clear focus throughout your essay. Stick to the point and avoid drifting off topic. Make sure each paragraph has a purpose and don’t engage in digressions or include irrelevant information. You should also ensure that each paragraph connects logically to the one before it and the one after.

Using these strategies when writing your history extended essay can help make sure that your essay is clear, organized and informative. Being aware of these tips and taking the time to incorporate them into your writing process can help you create a successful essay.

Citing Sources – Accuracy and Integrity

When writing a History Extended Essay it is essential that you cite the sources you use in the correct way. Doing so not only strengthens your essay, but also prevents any accusations of plagiarism. Citing your sources accurately shows your reader that you understand the ideas you are writing about and that you have conducted your research responsibly.

By citing your sources you will allow other scholars to identify and verify the information you have gathered for your essay. Every time you refer to a source that is not your own words or ideas, you should acknowledge it by providing a proper citation. Citations are also important when quoting someone else’s ideas, using statistics or any other type of evidence or data.

Failure to accurately cite your sources can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious consequences. The most common form of plagiarism occurs when you fail to cite a source or incorrectly cite a source.

There are several different citation styles that you need to be aware of before beginning your essay. You should make sure to review each one and decide which will be best for your essay. This guide provides an overview of the different citation methods along with advice on how to use them effectively.

In short, citing your sources accurately and with integrity will ensure that your work is taken seriously and will help to prevent any accusations of plagiarism. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the different citation styles, and practice citing your sources correctly throughout the writing process.

It is important to reference the sources you use when completing a History Extended Essay. This will demonstrate that you have done your research and allow your essay to be accepted as an academic piece of work. There are several different referencing systems available and it is important to understand how each one works and how to use them effectively.

One common system is the Harvard referencing system. This system requires you to cite the source in the body of the text, followed by a full reference in the bibliography. The ‘in text’ citation should include the author’s name, the year of publication and the page number (if applicable). The full reference should include all the relevant details such as the author’s name, year of publication, specific book title and publisher.

Another popular referencing system is the American Psychological Association (APA) system. This system also requires an ‘in text’ citation and a full reference. The ‘in text’ citation should include the author’s name and year of publication, as well as the page number. The full reference should include all the relevant details, including the author’s name, year of publication, specific book title, place of publication and publisher, as well as any other relevant information.

It is important to make sure that all of the references included in your extended essay are accurate and up-to-date. To make sure this is the case, you should use reliable sources and check the most recent editions of any books you consult. It is also important to check that you have correctly cited the sources in your extended essay, as failure to do so can lead to accusations of plagiarism.

By understanding and correctly using different referencing systems, you can ensure that your extended essay is properly researched and cited. This will help to demonstrate your academic integrity and ensure that your essay is accepted as the pieces of work that it is.

When it comes to writing a History Extended Essay, it’s important to understand the different methods of examining, interpreting, and making use of evidence. Evidence analysis and synthesis can help you to more effectively support your argument when writing an essay.

To begin any analysis and synthesis of evidence, you’ll need to identify the source of the evidence. Ask yourself “Where does this evidence come from?” Is it primary or secondary? What is the author’s perspective? Then, take into account the reliability and accuracy of the source. Also consider the relevancy to your particular topic or argument.

Once you have identified the source, you can start examining and interpreting the evidence. Begin by asking yourself what is being said, and what is the overall opinion of the author? How do they back up their opinion or point of view? Is there bias or any other potential conflict of interest present in the source?

Next, you’ll want to synthesize the evidence. Compile all sources that are related to your argument and look for similarities and differences. You can also compare and contrast different interpretations of the same evidence. This will help you to develop your own opinion on the topic and will enable you to better articulate your argument.

Finally, once you’ve analyzed and synthesized the evidence, make sure that you are able to explain how the evidence ties into your argument. Make sure to cite your sources properly so that your readers can verify where you got your information. Additionally, think about the implications of the evidence and how it might be applicable to other topics or arguments.

Evidence analysis and synthesis is an important part of writing a successful History Extended Essay. By understanding and utilizing these techniques, you will be able to better support your arguments and draw stronger conclusions from your evidence.

Writing A Strong Conclusion

Now that you have completed your history extended essay, it is time to write a strong conclusion to wrap up all of the points discussed. A conclusion should summarize all points made in the essay without introducing new ideas or evidence. Making sure to review and edit following the completion of your first draft is also an important part of the essay-writing process.

When summarizing the points of your essay, it is helpful to revisit the thesis statement and main argument of your paper. Make sure to include the key points and conclusions that you’ve reached in your research. Additionally, be sure to demonstrate how the argument you set out to make in the introduction ties together in the end.

Editing and revising are important steps in creating a great essay. Read over each sentence, making sure that your arguments make sense and flow logically. Check for any grammar and spelling mistakes, and pay special attention to the structure of your sentences. If you feel stuck or confused during this process, looking at model essays can be helpful.

Finally, make sure to follow the citation rules. Be sure your sources are correctly cited and the references are accurate. Citing your sources correctly shows that you have done your research and supports your argument.

Conclusion writing can be tricky, but with the right approach and some practice, you can create a strong conclusion for your History Extended Essay. By following these steps, you can ensure that your essay reaches its full potential and makes a lasting impression on its readers.

Appendix: Examples of Extended Essay Outlines and Evaluation Criteria

Included in the appendix section is an optional resource of sample examples that can help guide you in writing your extended essay. It will include a list of extended essay outlines, evaluation criteria and a recommended reading list. This resource can be beneficial to student’s when brainstorming topics, developing research questions or revising your paper before submission.

Extended Essay Outlines

An extended essay outline will help students define the structure of their paper and organize their argument. The outline will provide a framework for the student to follow and ensure that the points discussed clearly explain the topic question. The outline should also include evidence, analysis and synthesis.

• The introduction should explain the context of the essay and the research question.
• The main body of the essay should include the literature review, analysis of evidence and conclusion.
• The end of the essay should wrap up the argument and discuss the implications of the research.

Evaluation Criteria

When it comes to evaluating an extended essay, there are certain criteria that students should be aware of. The essay should be evaluated based on the research question, the quality of evidence presented, the relevance of the sources used and the way in which the student has synthesized and analyzed the evidence.

• The essay should answer the research question clearly and accurately.
• The source of evidence used must be reliable and up-to-date.
• The evidence should be used to support the argument and conclusions of the essay.
• The structure and language of the essay should be clear and concise.
• Analysis and synthesis of the evidence should be detailed and accurate.

Recommended Reading List and Other Resources

It is important to keep up to date with the latest publications and resources available in order to write an effective extended essay. Here is an example of possible resources that can be included in your reading list: academic journals, books, reports, websites, and interviews.

To ensure accuracy, accuracy and integrity of sources, it is important to cite each resource clearly in your paper. Recommended citation style vary depending on the course being studied, so it is best to check with your professor which citation style to use.

In conclusion, a comprehensive appendix section can be a great asset for writing a successful history extended essay. It can provide additional knowledge and resources for students to refer to in the organization of their paper and to evaluate the success of their writing.

Proofreading and finalizing your History Extended Essay before submission is a crucial step that can mean the difference between success and failure. It is important to take the time to proofread your essay to ensure it is of the highest possible quality.

Before you begin proofreading, read through the essay and assess it for any possible errors. Take the time to review for mistakes in terms of accuracy, spelling, grammar, and style, as well as any incomplete information or incorrect facts.

Once you have identified potential errors and mistakes, begin making corrections where necessary. Pay attention to errors in punctuation and formatting, as well as facts that may need to be revised. Also, check for consistency in style, structure, and formatting throughout the document.

It is also important to check that all sources are cited correctly, and that any quotations used are accurate and referenced properly. Then, review the essay one last time to make sure that all corrections have been made.

Finally, be sure to check the essay against the criteria outlined by the assignment and make any necessary adjustments. Once you have proofread the essay and made all necessary corrections, you should feel confident that your History Extended Essay is complete and ready for submission.

• Last Edit 11 May 2023

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Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches IA Topics

Writing the Internal Assessment (IA) for IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is a crucial step for any IB student, combining challenge and opportunity in equal measure. This article highlights the diverse and intriguing IA topics available to Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students, helping them to use their mathematical skills in creative and meaningful ways.

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IB History Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

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• Writing Metier

Are you gearing up to start writing your History Extended Essay but feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start?

You’re in luck! We’ve put together an exciting array of IB History EE topics that span the rich tapestry of history, from the world wars to the nuances of cultural revolutions.

These aren’t just any History EE topics; they’re carefully selected to ignite your curiosity and fit snugly within the IB criteria.

So, please grab a cup of your favorite brew, and let’s explore these ideas together. And remember, if you need a bit more than just inspiration, we at Writing Metier are here to help you every step of the way! 

50+ History Extended Essay Topics

In this article, we’ve divided our selection of History Extended Essay topics into ten categories. It’s like having a library where each section is dedicated to a different era or theme in history, making it easier for you to find the topics that catch your eye. 

Whether you’re passionate about the Cold War, intrigued by the Renaissance, or curious about economic history, these categories collected by our History essay writers are set up to help you zero in on the area that sparks your interest. 

Think of it as a well-organized menu of historical feasts, ready for you to pick your favorite dish! 

1. World War I and II

We’re starting our exploration with World War I and II, where battles reshaped our planet. 

We’ll examine the causes behind the Great War, analyze strategic masterstrokes of the Second World War, and assess their lasting impact on society and politics. 

It’s a fascinating look at events that defined a century.

Causes and Consequences of World War I

• Research Question:  How did rising nationalism contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
• Research Question:  What were the long-term economic impacts of World War I on European countries?

Key Battles and Strategies of World War II

• Research Question:  How did the Battle of Stalingrad turn the tide of World War II?
• Research Question:  How did naval warfare strategies influence the outcome of battles in the Pacific during World War II?

Political and Social Impact of the World Wars

• Research Question:  How did World War II influence the progression of the Civil Rights Movement in the US?
• Research Question:  How did the political landscape of Europe change after World War I?

Moving from global conflicts to a war of shadows and ideologies, we enter the Cold War Era.

2. Cold War Era

This period was less about physical battles and more about espionage, strategic politics, and iconic leaders. We’ll explore the secret world of spies, the global chess game of this era, and the personalities who steered these events.

The Role of Espionage and Intelligence

• Research Question:  How did espionage activities shape the diplomatic relations between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War?
• Research Question:  How did intelligence operations contribute to the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Influence of the Cold War on Global Politics

• Research Question:  How did the Cold War affect political dynamics in the Middle East?
• Research Question:  How did the Cold War contribute to the formation and policies of the European Union?

Key Figures and Leaders of the Cold War

• Research Question:  How did Ronald Reagan’s policies contribute to the end of the Cold War?
• Research Question:  How did Nikita Khrushchev’s leadership influence the course of the Cold War?

Now, let’s focus on Revolution and Change. We’re delving into the Russian Revolution’s seismic shifts, the Industrial Revolution’s world-changing innovations, and the unique narratives of Latin American revolutions.

3. Revolution and Change

These events didn’t just change nations; they rewrote the rules of society.

The Russian Revolution: Causes and Effects

• Research Question:  What factors led to the success of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution?
• Research Question:  How did World War I catalyze the Russian Revolution?

The Impact of the Industrial Revolution

• Research Question:  How did the Industrial Revolution drive urbanization and social change in 19th century Britain?
• Research Question:  What were the key technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution, and how did they transform societies?

Revolutions in Latin America: A Comparative Study

• Research Question:  How do the causes and outcomes of the Mexican and Cuban revolutions compare and contrast?
• Research Question:  What was Simon Bolivar’s impact on the revolutions in Latin America?

Next, we explore the era of Colonialism and Imperialism, a time of empires expanding and reshaping continents. We’ll investigate what drove the Scramble for Africa, the complexities of British rule in India, and how empires waned in the 20th century. 

4. Colonialism and Imperialism

It’s a compelling story of power, conquest, and resistance.

The Scramble for Africa: Causes and Impact

• Research Question:  What were the primary motivations for European nations in the Scramble for Africa, and how did they justify their actions?
• Research Question:  How did the Berlin Conference and the subsequent division of Africa impact the political landscape of the continent in the long term?

British Rule in India: Economic and Social Effects

• Research Question:  How did the economic policies of the British Raj affect the social and economic structure of Indian society?
• Research Question:  What was the significance of the Indian railway system in facilitating British colonial objectives and its impact on India?

The Decline of Empires in the 20th Century

• Research Question:  How did the collapse of the Ottoman Empire contribute to the shaping of modern Middle Eastern borders and conflicts?
• Research Question:  What were the key factors that led to the decline of the British Empire after World War II?

Shifting from political power plays to the power of ideas, we enter the world of Cultural and Intellectual History. 

5. Cultural and Intellectual History

We’ll explore the Renaissance’s bloom of creativity, the Enlightenment’s revolutionary ideas, and the 1960s’ cultural upheaval. It’s a celebration of the minds that dared to think differently.

The Renaissance: Artistic and Scientific Innovations

• Research Question:  How did Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and scientific studies exemplify the spirit of innovation during the Renaissance?
• Research Question:  How did the invention of the printing press transform literature and the spread of ideas during the Renaissance?

The Enlightenment: Philosophers and Ideas

• Research Question:  How did Voltaire’s writings and ideas contribute to the development of Enlightenment thought?
• Research Question:  How did Enlightenment philosophies influence the development of modern democratic and political ideals?

The Cultural Impact of the 1960s

• Research Question:  How did the counterculture movement of the 1960s influence the evolution of music during that era?
• Research Question:  How did youth movements in the 1960s contribute to social and political change in the United States?

From the world of art and ideas, we turn to Economic History. Here, we’ll dissect the Great Depression’s global impact, trace the evolution of economic systems, and understand globalization’s role in reshaping economies. 

6. Economic History

It’s an insightful look at how economic forces shape our world.

The Great Depression: Causes and Global Effects

• Research Question:  What were the underlying causes of the 1929 stock market crash, and how did it precipitate the Great Depression?
• Research Question:  How did the Great Depression affect the economies of industrialized nations outside the United States?

The Evolution of Economic Systems in the 20th Century

• Research Question:  How did the shift from mercantilism to free market capitalism shape economic policies in the 20th century?
• Research Question:  What factors led to the rise and eventual decline of command economies in the 20th century?

The Impact of Globalization on World Economies

• Research Question:  How has the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) impacted the economies of its member countries?
• Research Question:  How have multinational corporations influenced the process of economic globalization and its impact on national economies?

Here you can also find a list of good Economics extended essay topics for you. Just so you know 😉

In Social History, we examine the movements that have sculpted our societal landscape. 

7. Social History

We’ll explore the fight for women’s rights, the journey of the Civil Rights Movement in the US, and the Victorian era’s social reforms. These movements are the pillars of our modern society.

Women’s Rights Movements Across History

• Research Question:  How did the suffragette movement in the UK impact the fight for women’s rights and lead to societal change?
• Research Question:  What was the contribution of women to the French Revolution, and how did it influence their rights?

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States

• Research Question:  How did Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership and strategies shape the course of the Civil Rights Movement?
• Research Question:  How did media coverage affect the public perception and progress of the Civil Rights Movement?

Social Reforms of the Victorian Era

• Research Question:  How did the Factory Acts reform labor conditions, and what was their social impact during the Victorian era?
• Research Question:  How did Charles Dickens’ portrayal of social issues in his novels contribute to awareness and reform in Victorian England?

Next, we explore the experiences of Indigenous Peoples during colonial times. We’ll look at how European colonization impacted Native American societies, the resilience of Aboriginal communities in Australia, and the effects of colonial policies in South America. 

8. Indigenous Peoples and Colonial Histories

These stories are about endurance, identity, and cultural survival.

The Impact of European Colonization on Native American Societies

• Research Question:  What were the immediate and long-term effects of the Spanish conquest on Aztec society and culture?
• Research Question:  How did European colonization transform the social, political, and economic structures of Native American societies?

Aboriginal Histories and Resistance in Australia

• Research Question:  What were the long-term effects of the Stolen Generations policy on Aboriginal communities in Australia?
• Research Question:  How has the Aboriginal land rights movement shaped the legal and political landscape in Australia?

The Effects of Colonial Policies on Indigenous Cultures in South America

• Research Question:  How did Spanish colonialism affect the social and cultural structures of indigenous societies in the Andean region?
• Research Question:  What has been the lasting impact of Portuguese colonialism on indigenous communities in Brazil?

Now, let’s look at how technology changes history’s course. 

9. Technological Advancements and Historical Change

From the printing press sparking a knowledge revolution to the telegraph altering warfare, and the internet’s role in recent revolutions, we’re examining technology’s power to transform societies.

The Role of the Printing Press in Reformation Europe

• Research Question:  How did the printing press facilitate the spread of Martin Luther’s ideas during the Reformation?
• Research Question:  How did the invention of the printing press contribute to the intellectual and cultural developments of the Renaissance?

The Impact of the Telegraph on 19th Century Wars

• Research Question:  How did the telegraph influence military strategies and communication during the American Civil War?
• Research Question:  How did the use of the telegraph affect diplomatic communications and decision-making during the Crimean War?

The Influence of the Internet on Late 20th Century Revolutions

• Research Question:  How did the internet and social media platforms influence the organization and spread of the Arab Spring movements?
• Research Question:  How did the advent of digital communication technologies contribute to the political and social changes leading to the fall of the Soviet Union?

Finally, we arrive at the latest chapter in our history – Contemporary Global Issues and Conflicts post-1990. 

10. Contemporary Global Issues and Conflicts (Post-1990)

Here, we tackle the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the new face of terrorism post-9/11, and the far-reaching effects of the 2008 financial crisis. It’s a close look at the challenges shaping our current world.

The Historical Roots of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Research Question:  How have the Oslo Accords shaped the subsequent developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
• Research Question:  How have international interventions influenced the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 1990?

The Rise of Terrorism and Its Global Impact Post-9/11

• Research Question:  How have global counterterrorism strategies evolved in response to the changing nature of terrorism since 9/11?
• Research Question:  What changes have been implemented in global aviation security as a direct response to the 9/11 attacks?

The Social and Political Consequences of the 2008 Financial Crisis

• Research Question:  How did the 2008 financial crisis influence economic and political policies within the European Union?
• Research Question:  What changes in financial regulation have been implemented since the 2008 crisis to prevent similar future events?

The Syrian Civil War and Refugee Crisis

• Research Question:  How have different countries responded to the Syrian refugee crisis, and what are the implications of these responses?
• Research Question:  How has the Syrian Civil War affected political and social stability in the Middle East region?

The Russian-Ukrainian Conflict and Its Global Implications

• Research Question:  What were the causes of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and how did the international community respond?
• Research Question:  How has cyber warfare been utilized in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and what are its implications for modern warfare?

And that wraps up our extensive list of over 50 History IB Extended Essay topics, carefully selected across various intriguing categories. 

Tailored to meet the IB criteria and EE rubric, these topics are ideal for anyone taking on history as their extended essay subject. They offer a gateway to explore significant historical events and themes, ensuring a blend of academic rigor and engaging storytelling.

Select Your Topic Wisely

As you stand at the threshold of your IB History Extended Essay, remember, the path to a great paper doesn’t have to be walked alone. If you’re circling around topic ideas or looking for expert guidance in writing a standout essay, Writing Metier is just a message away. 

We’re here to offer support, whether it’s sparking your initial idea or crafting an essay that truly reflects your historical insight. 

Reach out to us, and let’s turn your history essay into a piece that stands out in both depth and clarity.

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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