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Why Study History? (1998)

In 2020, Peter N. Stearns revisited his “Why Study History? (1998)” essay with “ Why Study History? Revisited ” in Perspectives on History.

By Peter N. Stearns

People live in the present. They plan for and worry about the future. History, however, is the study of the past. Given all the demands that press in from living in the present and anticipating what is yet to come, why bother with what has been? Given all the desirable and available branches of knowledge, why insist—as most American educational programs do—on a good bit of history? And why urge many students to study even more history than they are required to?

Any subject of study needs justification: its advocates must explain why it is worth attention. Most widely accepted subjects—and history is certainly one of them—attract some people who simply like the information and modes of thought involved. But audiences less spontaneously drawn to the subject and more doubtful about why to bother need to know what the purpose is.

Historians do not perform heart transplants, improve highway design, or arrest criminals. In a society that quite correctly expects education to serve useful purposes, the functions of history can seem more difficult to define than those of engineering or medicine. History is in fact very useful, actually indispensable, but the products of historical study are less tangible, sometimes less immediate, than those that stem from some other disciplines.

In the past history has been justified for reasons we would no longer accept. For instance, one of the reasons history holds its place in current education is because earlier leaders believed that a knowledge of certain historical facts helped distinguish the educated from the uneducated; the person who could reel off the date of the Norman conquest of England (1066) or the name of the person who came up with the theory of evolution at about the same time that Darwin did (Wallace) was deemed superior—a better candidate for law school or even a business promotion. Knowledge of historical facts has been used as a screening device in many societies, from China to the United States, and the habit is still with us to some extent. Unfortunately, this use can encourage mindless memorization—a real but not very appealing aspect of the discipline. History should be studied because it is essential to individuals and to society, and because it harbors beauty. There are many ways to discuss the real functions of the subject—as there are many different historical talents and many different paths to historical meaning. All definitions of history's utility, however, rely on two fundamental facts.

History Helps Us Understand People and Societies

In the first place, history offers a storehouse of information about how people and societies behave. Understanding the operations of people and societies is difficult, though a number of disciplines make the attempt. An exclusive reliance on current data would needlessly handicap our efforts. How can we evaluate war if the nation is at peace—unless we use historical materials? How can we understand genius, the influence of technological innovation, or the role that beliefs play in shaping family life, if we don't use what we know about experiences in the past? Some social scientists attempt to formulate laws or theories about human behavior. But even these recourses depend on historical information, except for in limited, often artificial cases in which experiments can be devised to determine how people act. Major aspects of a society's operation, like mass elections, missionary activities, or military alliances, cannot be set up as precise experiments. Consequently, history must serve, however imperfectly, as our laboratory, and data from the past must serve as our most vital evidence in the unavoidable quest to figure out why our complex species behaves as it does in societal settings. This, fundamentally, is why we cannot stay away from history: it offers the only extensive evidential base for the contemplation and analysis of how societies function, and people need to have some sense of how societies function simply to run their own lives.

History Helps Us Understand Change and How the Society We Live in Came to Be

The second reason history is inescapable as a subject of serious study follows closely on the first. The past causes the present, and so the future. Any time we try to know why something happened—whether a shift in political party dominance in the American Congress, a major change in the teenage suicide rate, or a war in the Balkans or the Middle East—we have to look for factors that took shape earlier. Sometimes fairly recent history will suffice to explain a major development, but often we need to look further back to identify the causes of change. Only through studying history can we grasp how things change; only through history can we begin to comprehend the factors that cause change; and only through history can we understand what elements of an institution or a society persist despite change.

The Importance of History in Our Own Lives

These two fundamental reasons for studying history underlie more specific and quite diverse uses of history in our own lives. History well told is beautiful. Many of the historians who most appeal to the general reading public know the importance of dramatic and skillful writing—as well as of accuracy. Biography and military history appeal in part because of the tales they contain. History as art and entertainment serves a real purpose, on aesthetic grounds but also on the level of human understanding. Stories well done are stories that reveal how people and societies have actually functioned, and they prompt thoughts about the human experience in other times and places. The same aesthetic and humanistic goals inspire people to immerse themselves in efforts to reconstruct quite remote pasts, far removed from immediate, present-day utility. Exploring what historians sometimes call the "pastness of the past"—the ways people in distant ages constructed their lives—involves a sense of beauty and excitement, and ultimately another perspective on human life and society.

History Contributes to Moral Understanding

History also provides a terrain for moral contemplation. Studying the stories of individuals and situations in the past allows a student of history to test his or her own moral sense, to hone it against some of the real complexities individuals have faced in difficult settings. People who have weathered adversity not just in some work of fiction, but in real, historical circumstances can provide inspiration. "History teaching by example" is one phrase that describes this use of a study of the past—a study not only of certifiable heroes, the great men and women of history who successfully worked through moral dilemmas, but also of more ordinary people who provide lessons in courage, diligence, or constructive protest.

History Provides Identity

History also helps provide identity, and this is unquestionably one of the reasons all modern nations encourage its teaching in some form. Historical data include evidence about how families, groups, institutions and whole countries were formed and about how they have evolved while retaining cohesion. For many Americans, studying the history of one's own family is the most obvious use of history, for it provides facts about genealogy and (at a slightly more complex level) a basis for understanding how the family has interacted with larger historical change. Family identity is established and confirmed. Many institutions, businesses, communities, and social units, such as ethnic groups in the United States, use history for similar identity purposes. Merely defining the group in the present pales against the possibility of forming an identity based on a rich past. And of course nations use identity history as well—and sometimes abuse it. Histories that tell the national story, emphasizing distinctive features of the national experience, are meant to drive home an understanding of national values and a commitment to national loyalty.

Studying History Is Essential for Good Citizenship

A study of history is essential for good citizenship. This is the most common justification for the place of history in school curricula. Sometimes advocates of citizenship history hope merely to promote national identity and loyalty through a history spiced by vivid stories and lessons in individual success and morality. But the importance of history for citizenship goes beyond this narrow goal and can even challenge it at some points.

History that lays the foundation for genuine citizenship returns, in one sense, to the essential uses of the study of the past. History provides data about the emergence of national institutions, problems, and values—it's the only significant storehouse of such data available. It offers evidence also about how nations have interacted with other societies, providing international and comparative perspectives essential for responsible citizenship. Further, studying history helps us understand how recent, current, and prospective changes that affect the lives of citizens are emerging or may emerge and what causes are involved. More important, studying history encourages habits of mind that are vital for responsible public behavior, whether as a national or community leader, an informed voter, a petitioner, or a simple observer.

What Skills Does a Student of History Develop?

What does a well-trained student of history, schooled to work on past materials and on case studies in social change, learn how to do? The list is manageable, but it contains several overlapping categories.

The Ability to Assess Evidence . The study of history builds experience in dealing with and assessing various kinds of evidence—the sorts of evidence historians use in shaping the most accurate pictures of the past that they can. Learning how to interpret the statements of past political leaders—one kind of evidence—helps form the capacity to distinguish between the objective and the self-serving among statements made by present-day political leaders. Learning how to combine different kinds of evidence—public statements, private records, numerical data, visual materials—develops the ability to make coherent arguments based on a variety of data. This skill can also be applied to information encountered in everyday life.

The Ability to Assess Conflicting Interpretations . Learning history means gaining some skill in sorting through diverse, often conflicting interpretations. Understanding how societies work—the central goal of historical study—is inherently imprecise, and the same certainly holds true for understanding what is going on in the present day. Learning how to identify and evaluate conflicting interpretations is an essential citizenship skill for which history, as an often-contested laboratory of human experience, provides training. This is one area in which the full benefits of historical study sometimes clash with the narrower uses of the past to construct identity. Experience in examining past situations provides a constructively critical sense that can be applied to partisan claims about the glories of national or group identity. The study of history in no sense undermines loyalty or commitment, but it does teach the need for assessing arguments, and it provides opportunities to engage in debate and achieve perspective.

Experience in Assessing Past Examples of Change . Experience in assessing past examples of change is vital to understanding change in society today—it's an essential skill in what we are regularly told is our "ever-changing world." Analysis of change means developing some capacity for determining the magnitude and significance of change, for some changes are more fundamental than others. Comparing particular changes to relevant examples from the past helps students of history develop this capacity. The ability to identify the continuities that always accompany even the most dramatic changes also comes from studying history, as does the skill to determine probable causes of change. Learning history helps one figure out, for example, if one main factor—such as a technological innovation or some deliberate new policy—accounts for a change or whether, as is more commonly the case, a number of factors combine to generate the actual change that occurs.

Historical study, in sum, is crucial to the promotion of that elusive creature, the well-informed citizen. It provides basic factual information about the background of our political institutions and about the values and problems that affect our social well-being. It also contributes to our capacity to use evidence, assess interpretations, and analyze change and continuities. No one can ever quite deal with the present as the historian deals with the past—we lack the perspective for this feat; but we can move in this direction by applying historical habits of mind, and we will function as better citizens in the process.

History Is Useful in the World of Work

History is useful for work. Its study helps create good businesspeople, professionals, and political leaders. The number of explicit professional jobs for historians is considerable, but most people who study history do not become professional historians. Professional historians teach at various levels, work in museums and media centers, do historical research for businesses or public agencies, or participate in the growing number of historical consultancies. These categories are important—indeed vital—to keep the basic enterprise of history going, but most people who study history use their training for broader professional purposes. Students of history find their experience directly relevant to jobs in a variety of careers as well as to further study in fields like law and public administration. Employers often deliberately seek students with the kinds of capacities historical study promotes. The reasons are not hard to identify: students of history acquire, by studying different phases of the past and different societies in the past, a broad perspective that gives them the range and flexibility required in many work situations. They develop research skills, the ability to find and evaluate sources of information, and the means to identify and evaluate diverse interpretations. Work in history also improves basic writing and speaking skills and is directly relevant to many of the analytical requirements in the public and private sectors, where the capacity to identify, assess, and explain trends is essential. Historical study is unquestionably an asset for a variety of work and professional situations, even though it does not, for most students, lead as directly to a particular job slot, as do some technical fields. But history particularly prepares students for the long haul in their careers, its qualities helping adaptation and advancement beyond entry-level employment. There is no denying that in our society many people who are drawn to historical study worry about relevance. In our changing economy, there is concern about job futures in most fields. Historical training is not, however, an indulgence; it applies directly to many careers and can clearly help us in our working lives.

Why study history? The answer is because we virtually must, to gain access to the laboratory of human experience. When we study it reasonably well, and so acquire some usable habits of mind, as well as some basic data about the forces that affect our own lives, we emerge with relevant skills and an enhanced capacity for informed citizenship, critical thinking, and simple awareness. The uses of history are varied. Studying history can help us develop some literally "salable" skills, but its study must not be pinned down to the narrowest utilitarianism. Some history—that confined to personal recollections about changes and continuities in the immediate environment—is essential to function beyond childhood. Some history depends on personal taste, where one finds beauty, the joy of discovery, or intellectual challenge. Between the inescapable minimum and the pleasure of deep commitment comes the history that, through cumulative skill in interpreting the unfolding human record, provides a real grasp of how the world works.

Careers for History Majors

Through clear graphs and informal prose, readers will find hard data, practical advice, and answers to common questions about the study of history and the value it affords to individuals, their workplaces, and their communities in Careers for History Majors . You can purchase this pamphlet online at Oxford University Press. For questions about the pamphlet, please contact Karen Lou ( [email protected] ). For bulk orders contact OUP directly . 

Cover of Careers for History Majors Pamphlet

What You'll Learn with a History Degree

What do history students learn? With the help of the AHA, faculty from around the United States have collaborated to create a list of skills students develop in their history coursework. This list, called the "History Discipline Core," is meant to help students understand the skills they are acquiring so that they can explain the value of their education to parents, friends, and employers, as well as take pride in their decision to study history. 

How to Write a History Essay?

04 August, 2020

10 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

There are so many types of essays. It can be hard to know where to start. History papers aren’t just limited to history classes. These tasks can be assigned to examine any important historical event or a person. While they’re more common in history classes, you can find this type of assignment in sociology or political science course syllabus, or just get a history essay task for your scholarship. This is Handmadewriting History Essay Guide - let's start!

History Essay

Purpose  of a History Essay

Wondering how to write a history essay? First of all, it helps to understand its purpose. Secondly, this essay aims to examine the influences that lead to a historical event. Thirdly, it can explore the importance of an individual’s impact on history.

However, the goal isn’t to stay in the past. Specifically, a well-written history essay should discuss the relevance of the event or person to the “now”. After finishing this essay, a reader should have a fuller understanding of the lasting impact of an event or individual.

Need basic essay guidance? Find out what is an essay with this 101 essay guide: What is an Essay?

Elements for Success

Indeed, understanding how to write a history essay is crucial in creating a successful paper. Notably, these essays should never only outline successful historic events or list an individual’s achievements. Instead, they should focus on examining questions beginning with what , how , and why . Here’s a pro tip in how to write a history essay: brainstorm questions. Once you’ve got questions, you have an excellent starting point.

Preparing to Write

What? Who? Why?

Evidently, a typical history essay format requires the writer to provide background on the event or person, examine major influences, and discuss the importance of the forces both then and now. In addition, when preparing to write, it’s helpful to organize the information you need to research into questions. For example:

  • Who were the major contributors to this event?
  • Who opposed or fought against this event?
  • Who gained or lost from this event?
  • Who benefits from this event today?
  • What factors led up to this event?
  • What changes occurred because of this event?
  • What lasting impacts occurred locally, nationally, globally due to this event?
  • What lessons (if any) were learned?
  • Why did this event occur?
  • Why did certain populations support it?
  • Why did certain populations oppose it?

These questions exist as samples. Therefore, generate questions specific to your topic. Once you have a list of questions, it’s time to evaluate them.

Evaluating the Question

Assess the impact

Seasoned writers approach writing history by examining the historic event or individual. Specifically, the goal is to assess the impact then and now. Accordingly, the writer needs to evaluate the importance of the main essay guiding the paper. For example, if the essay’s topic is the rise of American prohibition, a proper question may be “How did societal factors influence the rise of American prohibition during the 1920s? ”

This question is open-ended since it allows for insightful analysis, and limits the research to societal factors. Additionally, work to identify key terms in the question. In the example, key terms would be “societal factors” and “prohibition”.

Summarizing the Argument

The argument should answer the question. Use the thesis statement to clarify the argument and outline how you plan to make your case. In other words. the thesis should be sharp, clear, and multi-faceted. Consider the following tips when summarizing the case:

  • The thesis should be a single sentence
  • It should include a concise argument and a roadmap
  • It’s always okay to revise the thesis as the paper develops
  • Conduct a bit of research to ensure you have enough support for the ideas within the paper

Outlining a History Essay Plan

Outlining a Plan

Once you’ve refined your argument, it’s time to outline. Notably, many skip this step to regret it then. Nonetheless, the outline is a map that shows where you need to arrive historically and when. Specifically, taking the time to plan, placing the strongest argument last, and identifying your sources of research is a good use of time. When you’re ready to outline, do the following:

  • Consider the necessary background the reader should know in the introduction paragraph
  • Define any important terms and vocabulary
  • Determine which ideas will need the cited support
  • Identify how each idea supports the main argument
  • Brainstorm key points to review in the conclusion

Gathering Sources

As a rule, history essays require both primary and secondary sources . Primary resources are those that were created during the historical period being analyzed. Secondary resources are those created by historians and scholars about the topic. It’s a good idea to know if the professor requires a specific number of sources, and what kind he or she prefers. Specifically, most tutors prefer primary over secondary sources.

Where to find sources? Great question! Check out bibliographies included in required class readings. In addition, ask a campus Librarian. Peruse online journal databases; In addition, most colleges provide students with free access. When in doubt, make an appointment and ask the professor for guidance.

Writing the Essay

Writing the Essay

Now that you have prepared your questions, ideas, and arguments; composed the outline ; and gathered sources – it’s time to write your first draft. In particular, each section of your history essay must serve its purpose. Here is what you should include in essay paragraphs.

Introduction Paragraph

Unsure of how to start a history essay? Well, like most essays, the introduction should include an attention-getter (or hook):

  • Relevant fact or statistic
  • Rhetorical Question
  • Interesting quotation
  • Application anecdote if appropriate

Once you’ve captured the reader’s interest, introduce the topic. Similarly, present critical historic context. Namely, it is necessary to introduce any key individuals or events that will be discussed later in the essay. At last, end with a strong thesis which acts as a transition to the first argument.

Body Paragraphs

Indeed, each body paragraph should offer a single idea to support the argument. Then, after writing a strong topic sentence, the topic should be supported with correctly cited research. Consequently, a typical body paragraph is arranged as follows:

  • Topic sentence linking to the thesis
  • Background of the topic
  • Research quotation or paraphrase #1
  • Explanation and analysis of research
  • Research quotation or paraphrase #2
  • Transition to the next paragraph

Equally, the point of body paragraphs is to build the argument. Hence, present the weakest support first and end with the strongest. Admittedly, doing so leaves the reader with the best possible evidence.

Conclusion Paragraph

You’re almost there! Eventually, conclusion paragraphs should review the most important points in the paper. In them, you should prove that you’ve supported the argument proposed in the thesis. When writing a conclusion paragraph keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep it simple
  • Avoid introducing new information
  • Review major points
  • Discuss the relevance to today
Problems with writing Your History essay ? Try our Essay Writer Service!

history essay

Proofreading Your Essay

Once the draft is ready and polished, it’s time to proceed to final editing. What does this process imply? Specifically, it’s about removing impurities and making the essay look just perfect. Here’s what you need to do to improve the quality of your paper:

  • Double check the content. In the first place, it’s recommended to get rid of long sentences, correct vague words. Also, make sure that all your paragrahps contain accurate sentences with transparent meaning. 
  • Pay attention to style. To make the process of digesting your essay easier, focus on crafting a paper with readable style, the one that is known to readers. Above all, the main mission here is to facilitate the perception of your essay. So, don’t forget about style accuracy.
  • Practice reading the essay. Of course, the best practice before passing the paper is to read it out loud. Hence, this exercise will help you notice fragments that require rewriting or a complete removal.  

History Essay Example

Did you want a history essay example? Take a look at one of our history essay papers. 

Make it Shine

An A-level essay takes planning and revision, but it’s achievable. Firstly, avoid procrastination and start early. Secondly, leave yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, outline, research and write. Finally, follow these five tips to make your history essay shine:

  • Write a substantial introduction. Particularly, it’s the first impression the professor will have of the paper.
  • State a clear thesis. A strong thesis is easier to support.
  • Incorporate evidence critically. If while researching you find opposing arguments, include them and discuss their flaws.
  • Cite all the research. Whether direct quotations or paraphrases, citing evidence is crucial to avoiding plagiarism, which can have serious academic consequences.
  • Include primary and secondary resources. While primary resources may be harder to find, the professor will expect them—this is, after all, a history essay.

History Essay Sample

Ready to tackle the history essay format? Great! Check out this history essay sample from an upper-level history class. While the essay isn’t perfect, the professor points out its many strengths.

Remember: start early and revise, revise, revise . We can’t revise history, but you can revise your ideas until they’re perfect.

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How to Write a History Essay with Outline, Tips, Examples and More

History Essay

Before we get into how to write a history essay, let's first understand what makes one good. Different people might have different ideas, but there are some basic rules that can help you do well in your studies. In this guide, we won't get into any fancy theories. Instead, we'll give you straightforward tips to help you with historical writing. So, if you're ready to sharpen your writing skills, let our history essay writing service explore how to craft an exceptional paper.

What is a History Essay?

A history essay is an academic assignment where we explore and analyze historical events from the past. We dig into historical stories, figures, and ideas to understand their importance and how they've shaped our world today. History essay writing involves researching, thinking critically, and presenting arguments based on evidence.

Moreover, history papers foster the development of writing proficiency and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. They also encourage students to engage with primary and secondary sources, enhancing their research skills and deepening their understanding of historical methodology.

History Essay Outline

History Essay Outline

The outline is there to guide you in organizing your thoughts and arguments in your essay about history. With a clear outline, you can explore and explain historical events better. Here's how to make one:

Introduction

  • Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing opening sentence or anecdote related to your topic.
  • Background Information: Provide context on the historical period, event, or theme you'll be discussing.
  • Thesis Statement: Present your main argument or viewpoint, outlining the scope and purpose of your history essay.

Body paragraph 1: Introduction to the Historical Context

  • Provide background information on the historical context of your topic.
  • Highlight key events, figures, or developments leading up to the main focus of your history essay.

Body paragraphs 2-4 (or more): Main Arguments and Supporting Evidence

  • Each paragraph should focus on a specific argument or aspect of your thesis.
  • Present evidence from primary and secondary sources to support each argument.
  • Analyze the significance of the evidence and its relevance to your history paper thesis.

Counterarguments (optional)

  • Address potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives on your topic.
  • Refute opposing viewpoints with evidence and logical reasoning.
  • Summary of Main Points: Recap the main arguments presented in the body paragraphs.
  • Restate Thesis: Reinforce your thesis statement, emphasizing its significance in light of the evidence presented.
  • Reflection: Reflect on the broader implications of your arguments for understanding history.
  • Closing Thought: End your history paper with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

References/bibliography

  • List all sources used in your research, formatted according to the citation style required by your instructor (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
  • Include both primary and secondary sources, arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.

Notes (if applicable)

  • Include footnotes or endnotes to provide additional explanations, citations, or commentary on specific points within your history essay.

History Essay Format

Adhering to a specific format is crucial for clarity, coherence, and academic integrity. Here are the key components of a typical history essay format:

Font and Size

  • Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
  • The recommended font size is usually 12 points. However, check your instructor's guidelines, as they may specify a different size.
  • Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the page.
  • Double-space the entire essay, including the title, headings, body paragraphs, and references.
  • Avoid extra spacing between paragraphs unless specified otherwise.
  • Align text to the left margin; avoid justifying the text or using a centered alignment.

Title Page (if required):

  • If your instructor requires a title page, include the essay title, your name, the course title, the instructor's name, and the date.
  • Center-align this information vertically and horizontally on the page.
  • Include a header on each page (excluding the title page if applicable) with your last name and the page number, flush right.
  • Some instructors may require a shortened title in the header, usually in all capital letters.
  • Center-align the essay title at the top of the first page (if a title page is not required).
  • Use standard capitalization (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
  • Avoid underlining, italicizing, or bolding the title unless necessary for emphasis.

Paragraph Indentation:

  • Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches or use the tab key.
  • Do not insert extra spaces between paragraphs unless instructed otherwise.

Citations and References:

  • Follow the citation style specified by your instructor (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
  • Include in-text citations whenever you use information or ideas from external sources.
  • Provide a bibliography or list of references at the end of your history essay, formatted according to the citation style guidelines.
  • Typically, history essays range from 1000 to 2500 words, but this can vary depending on the assignment.

purpose of history essay

How to Write a History Essay?

Historical writing can be an exciting journey through time, but it requires careful planning and organization. In this section, we'll break down the process into simple steps to help you craft a compelling and well-structured history paper.

Analyze the Question

Before diving headfirst into writing, take a moment to dissect the essay question. Read it carefully, and then read it again. You want to get to the core of what it's asking. Look out for keywords that indicate what aspects of the topic you need to focus on. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification. Remember, understanding how to start a history essay is half the battle won!

Now, let's break this step down:

  • Read the question carefully and identify keywords or phrases.
  • Consider what the question is asking you to do – are you being asked to analyze, compare, contrast, or evaluate?
  • Pay attention to any specific instructions or requirements provided in the question.
  • Take note of the time period or historical events mentioned in the question – this will give you a clue about the scope of your history essay.

Develop a Strategy

With a clear understanding of the essay question, it's time to map out your approach. Here's how to develop your historical writing strategy:

  • Brainstorm ideas : Take a moment to jot down any initial thoughts or ideas that come to mind in response to the history paper question. This can help you generate a list of potential arguments, themes, or points you want to explore in your history essay.
  • Create an outline : Once you have a list of ideas, organize them into a logical structure. Start with a clear introduction that introduces your topic and presents your thesis statement – the main argument or point you'll be making in your history essay. Then, outline the key points or arguments you'll be discussing in each paragraph of the body, making sure they relate back to your thesis. Finally, plan a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your history paper thesis.
  • Research : Before diving into writing, gather evidence to support your arguments. Use reputable sources such as books, academic journals, and primary documents to gather historical evidence and examples. Take notes as you research, making sure to record the source of each piece of information for proper citation later on.
  • Consider counterarguments : Anticipate potential counterarguments to your history paper thesis and think about how you'll address them in your essay. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints and refuting them strengthens your argument and demonstrates critical thinking.
  • Set realistic goals : Be realistic about the scope of your history essay and the time you have available to complete it. Break down your writing process into manageable tasks, such as researching, drafting, and revising, and set deadlines for each stage to stay on track.

How to Write a History Essay

Start Your Research

Now that you've grasped the history essay topic and outlined your approach, it's time to dive into research. Here's how to start:

  • Ask questions : What do you need to know? What are the key points to explore further? Write down your inquiries to guide your research.
  • Explore diverse sources : Look beyond textbooks. Check academic journals, reliable websites, and primary sources like documents or artifacts.
  • Consider perspectives : Think about different viewpoints on your topic. How have historians analyzed it? Are there controversies or differing interpretations?
  • Take organized notes : Summarize key points, jot down quotes, and record your thoughts and questions. Stay organized using spreadsheets or note-taking apps.
  • Evaluate sources : Consider the credibility and bias of each source. Are they peer-reviewed? Do they represent a particular viewpoint?

Establish a Viewpoint

By establishing a clear viewpoint and supporting arguments, you'll lay the foundation for your compelling historical writing:

  • Review your research : Reflect on the information gathered. What patterns or themes emerge? Which perspectives resonate with you?
  • Formulate a thesis statement : Based on your research, develop a clear and concise thesis that states your argument or interpretation of the topic.
  • Consider counterarguments : Anticipate objections to your history paper thesis. Are there alternative viewpoints or evidence that you need to address?
  • Craft supporting arguments : Outline the main points that support your thesis. Use evidence from your research to strengthen your arguments.
  • Stay flexible : Be open to adjusting your viewpoint as you continue writing and researching. New information may challenge or refine your initial ideas.

Structure Your Essay

Now that you've delved into the depths of researching historical events and established your viewpoint, it's time to craft the skeleton of your essay: its structure. Think of your history essay outline as constructing a sturdy bridge between your ideas and your reader's understanding. How will you lead them from point A to point Z? Will you follow a chronological path through history or perhaps dissect themes that span across time periods?

And don't forget about the importance of your introduction and conclusion—are they framing your narrative effectively, enticing your audience to read your paper, and leaving them with lingering thoughts long after they've turned the final page? So, as you lay the bricks of your history essay's architecture, ask yourself: How can I best lead my audience through the maze of time and thought, leaving them enlightened and enriched on the other side?

Create an Engaging Introduction

Creating an engaging introduction is crucial for capturing your reader's interest right from the start. But how do you do it? Think about what makes your topic fascinating. Is there a surprising fact or a compelling story you can share? Maybe you could ask a thought-provoking question that gets people thinking. Consider why your topic matters—what lessons can we learn from history?

Also, remember to explain what your history essay will be about and why it's worth reading. What will grab your reader's attention and make them want to learn more? How can you make your essay relevant and intriguing right from the beginning?

Develop Coherent Paragraphs

Once you've established your introduction, the next step is to develop coherent paragraphs that effectively communicate your ideas. Each paragraph should focus on one main point or argument, supported by evidence or examples from your research. Start by introducing the main idea in a topic sentence, then provide supporting details or evidence to reinforce your point.

Make sure to use transition words and phrases to guide your reader smoothly from one idea to the next, creating a logical flow throughout your history essay. Additionally, consider the organization of your paragraphs—is there a clear progression of ideas that builds upon each other? Are your paragraphs unified around a central theme or argument?

Conclude Effectively

Concluding your history essay effectively is just as important as starting it off strong. In your conclusion, you want to wrap up your main points while leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Begin by summarizing the key points you've made throughout your history essay, reminding your reader of the main arguments and insights you've presented.

Then, consider the broader significance of your topic—what implications does it have for our understanding of history or for the world today? You might also want to reflect on any unanswered questions or areas for further exploration. Finally, end with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action that encourages your reader to continue thinking about the topic long after they've finished reading.

Reference Your Sources

Referencing your sources is essential for maintaining the integrity of your history essay and giving credit to the scholars and researchers who have contributed to your understanding of the topic. Depending on the citation style required (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago), you'll need to format your references accordingly. Start by compiling a list of all the sources you've consulted, including books, articles, websites, and any other materials used in your research.

Then, as you write your history essay, make sure to properly cite each source whenever you use information or ideas that are not your own. This includes direct quotations, paraphrases, and summaries. Remember to include all necessary information for each source, such as author names, publication dates, and page numbers, as required by your chosen citation style.

Review and Ask for Advice

As you near the completion of your history essay writing, it's crucial to take a step back and review your work with a critical eye. Reflect on the clarity and coherence of your arguments—are they logically organized and effectively supported by evidence? Consider the strength of your introduction and conclusion—do they effectively capture the reader's attention and leave a lasting impression? Take the time to carefully proofread your history essay for any grammatical errors or typos that may detract from your overall message.

Furthermore, seeking advice from peers, mentors, or instructors can provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement. Consider sharing your essay with someone whose feedback you trust and respect, and be open to constructive criticism. Ask specific questions about areas you're unsure about or where you feel your history essay may be lacking.

History Essay Example

In this section, we offer an example of a history essay examining the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society. This essay demonstrates how historical analysis and critical thinking are applied in academic writing. By exploring this specific event, you can observe how historical evidence is used to build a cohesive argument and draw meaningful conclusions.

purpose of history essay

FAQs about History Essay Writing

How to write a history essay introduction, how to write a conclusion for a history essay, how to write a good history essay.

purpose of history essay

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How to write source-based history essays

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The biggest assessment task you will be required to complete is a written research essay which develops an argument and uses a range of sources.

All types of assessment tasks will need you to use essay-writing skills in some form, but their fundamental structure and purpose remains the same.

Therefore, learning how to write essays well is central to achieving high marks in History.

What is an 'essay'?

A History essay is a structured argument that provides historical evidence to substantiate its points. 

To achieve the correct structure for your argument, it is crucial to understand the separate parts that make up a written essay. 

If you understand how each part works and fits into the overall essay, you are well on the way to creating a great assessment piece.

Most essays will require you to write:

  • 1 Introduction Paragraph
  • 3 Body Paragraphs
  • 1 Concluding Paragraph

Explanations for how to structure and write each of these paragraphs can be found below, along with examples of each: 

Essay paragraph writing advice

purpose of history essay

How to write an Introductory Paragraph

This page explains the purpose of an introduction, how to structure one and provides examples for you to read.

purpose of history essay

How to write Body Paragraphs

This page explains the purpose of body paragraphs, how to structure them and provides examples for you to read.

purpose of history essay

How to write a Conclusion

This page explains the purpose of conclusions, how to structure them and provides examples for you to read.

More essay resources

What do you need help with, download ready-to-use digital learning resources.

purpose of history essay

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How to Write a History Essay

Last Updated: December 27, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 242,040 times.

Writing a history essay requires you to include a lot of details and historical information within a given number of words or required pages. It's important to provide all the needed information, but also to present it in a cohesive, intelligent way. Know how to write a history essay that demonstrates your writing skills and your understanding of the material.

Preparing to Write Your Essay

Step 1 Evaluate the essay question.

  • The key words will often need to be defined at the start of your essay, and will serve as its boundaries. [2] X Research source
  • For example, if the question was "To what extent was the First World War a Total War?", the key terms are "First World War", and "Total War".
  • Do this before you begin conducting your research to ensure that your reading is closely focussed to the question and you don't waste time.

Step 2 Consider what the question is asking you.

  • Explain: provide an explanation of why something happened or didn't happen.
  • Interpret: analyse information within a larger framework to contextualise it.
  • Evaluate: present and support a value-judgement.
  • Argue: take a clear position on a debate and justify it. [3] X Research source

Step 3 Try to summarise your key argument.

  • Your thesis statement should clearly address the essay prompt and provide supporting arguments. These supporting arguments will become body paragraphs in your essay, where you’ll elaborate and provide concrete evidence. [4] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
  • Your argument may change or become more nuanced as your write your essay, but having a clear thesis statement which you can refer back to is very helpful.
  • For example, your summary could be something like "The First World War was a 'total war' because civilian populations were mobilized both in the battlefield and on the home front".

Step 4 Make an essay...

  • Pick out some key quotes that make your argument precisely and persuasively. [5] X Research source
  • When writing your plan, you should already be thinking about how your essay will flow, and how each point will connect together.

Doing Your Research

Step 1 Distinguish between primary and secondary sources.

  • Primary source material refers to any texts, films, pictures, or any other kind of evidence that was produced in the historical period, or by someone who participated in the events of the period, that you are writing about.
  • Secondary material is the work by historians or other writers analysing events in the past. The body of historical work on a period or event is known as the historiography.
  • It is not unusual to write a literature review or historiographical essay which does not directly draw on primary material.
  • Typically a research essay would need significant primary material.

Step 2 Find your sources.

  • Start with the core texts in your reading list or course bibliography. Your teacher will have carefully selected these so you should start there.
  • Look in footnotes and bibliographies. When you are reading be sure to pay attention to the footnotes and bibliographies which can guide you to further sources a give you a clear picture of the important texts.
  • Use the library. If you have access to a library at your school or college, be sure to make the most of it. Search online catalogues and speak to librarians.
  • Access online journal databases. If you are in college it is likely that you will have access to academic journals online. These are an excellent and easy to navigate resources.
  • Use online sources with discretion. Try using free scholarly databases, like Google Scholar, which offer quality academic sources, but avoid using the non-trustworthy websites that come up when you simply search your topic online.
  • Avoid using crowd-sourced sites like Wikipedia as sources. However, you can look at the sources cited on a Wikipedia page and use them instead, if they seem credible.

Step 3 Evaluate your secondary sources.

  • Who is the author? Is it written by an academic with a position at a University? Search for the author online.
  • Who is the publisher? Is the book published by an established academic press? Look in the cover to check the publisher, if it is published by a University Press that is a good sign.
  • If it's an article, where is published? If you are using an article check that it has been published in an academic journal. [8] X Research source
  • If the article is online, what is the URL? Government sources with .gov addresses are good sources, as are .edu sites.

Step 4 Read critically.

  • Ask yourself why the author is making this argument. Evaluate the text by placing it into a broader intellectual context. Is it part of a certain tradition in historiography? Is it a response to a particular idea?
  • Consider where there are weaknesses and limitations to the argument. Always keep a critical mindset and try to identify areas where you think the argument is overly stretched or the evidence doesn't match the author's claims. [9] X Research source

Step 5 Take thorough notes.

  • Label all your notes with the page numbers and precise bibliographic information on the source.
  • If you have a quote but can't remember where you found it, imagine trying to skip back through everything you have read to find that one line.
  • If you use something and don't reference it fully you risk plagiarism. [10] X Research source

Writing the Introduction

Step 1 Start with a strong first sentence.

  • For example you could start by saying "In the First World War new technologies and the mass mobilization of populations meant that the war was not fought solely by standing armies".
  • This first sentences introduces the topic of your essay in a broad way which you can start focus to in on more.

Step 2 Outline what you are going to argue.

  • This will lead to an outline of the structure of your essay and your argument.
  • Here you will explain the particular approach you have taken to the essay.
  • For example, if you are using case studies you should explain this and give a brief overview of which case studies you will be using and why.

Step 3 Provide some brief context for your work.

Writing the Essay

Step 1 Have a clear structure.

  • Try to include a sentence that concludes each paragraph and links it to the next paragraph.
  • When you are organising your essay think of each paragraph as addressing one element of the essay question.
  • Keeping a close focus like this will also help you avoid drifting away from the topic of the essay and will encourage you to write in precise and concise prose.
  • Don't forget to write in the past tense when referring to something that has already happened.

Step 3 Use source material as evidence to back up your thesis.

  • Don't drop a quote from a primary source into your prose without introducing it and discussing it, and try to avoid long quotations. Use only the quotes that best illustrate your point.
  • If you are referring to a secondary source, you can usually summarise in your own words rather than quoting directly.
  • Be sure to fully cite anything you refer to, including if you do not quote it directly.

Step 4 Make your essay flow.

  • Think about the first and last sentence in every paragraph and how they connect to the previous and next paragraph.
  • Try to avoid beginning paragraphs with simple phrases that make your essay appear more like a list. For example, limit your use of words like: "Additionally", "Moreover", "Furthermore".
  • Give an indication of where your essay is going and how you are building on what you have already said. [15] X Research source

Step 5 Conclude succinctly.

  • Briefly outline the implications of your argument and it's significance in relation to the historiography, but avoid grand sweeping statements. [16] X Research source
  • A conclusion also provides the opportunity to point to areas beyond the scope of your essay where the research could be developed in the future.

Proofreading and Evaluating Your Essay

Step 1 Proofread your essay.

  • Try to cut down any overly long sentences or run-on sentences. Instead, try to write clear and accurate prose and avoid unnecessary words.
  • Concentrate on developing a clear, simple and highly readable prose style first before you think about developing your writing further. [17] X Research source
  • Reading your essay out load can help you get a clearer picture of awkward phrasing and overly long sentences. [18] X Research source

Step 2 Analyse don't describe.

  • When you read through your essay look at each paragraph and ask yourself, "what point this paragraph is making".
  • You might have produced a nice piece of narrative writing, but if you are not directly answering the question it is not going to help your grade.

Step 3 Check your references and bibliography.

  • A bibliography will typically have primary sources first, followed by secondary sources. [19] X Research source
  • Double and triple check that you have included all the necessary references in the text. If you forgot to include a reference you risk being reported for plagiarism.

Sample Essay

purpose of history essay

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Write an Essay

  • ↑ http://www.historytoday.com/robert-pearce/how-write-good-history-essay
  • ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/writing-a-good-history-paper
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html
  • ↑ http://history.rutgers.edu/component/content/article?id=106:writing-historical-essays-a-guide-for-undergraduates
  • ↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/c.php?g=344285&p=2580599
  • ↑ http://www.hamilton.edu/documents/writing-center/WritingGoodHistoryPaper.pdf
  • ↑ http://www.bowdoin.edu/writing-guides/
  • ↑ https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/hppi/publications/Writing-History-Essays.pdf

About This Article

Emily Listmann, MA

To write a history essay, read the essay question carefully and use source materials to research the topic, taking thorough notes as you go. Next, formulate a thesis statement that summarizes your key argument in 1-2 concise sentences and create a structured outline to help you stay on topic. Open with a strong introduction that introduces your thesis, present your argument, and back it up with sourced material. Then, end with a succinct conclusion that restates and summarizes your position! For more tips on creating a thesis statement, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Write A History Essay

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how to write a good hook for a history essay

Essay writing is one of the most effortful student assignments. Not everybody can skillfully enunciate their views and ideas, especially when it comes to an essay that requires the presentation of arguments and counterarguments. Simultaneously, it is one of the best tools to improve your critical thinking and research skills.  

A history essay is a particular type of creative work that requires brilliant research potential and the ability to analyze and track the consistent picture of historical events. To craft a successful history essay, students should go beyond the regular history classes and demonstrate their significant knowledge in political science, sociology, and even psychology. 

If you were lucky to get a creative assignment in history, get ready to experience not the easiest time in your life. To make the overall process more efficient and straightforward, use this history essay writing guide for assistance. 

What is a History Essay?

To elaborate an impeccable history paper, it is crucial to answer the ‘what is history essay’ question. The history essay’s essence lies in the successful introduction and confirmation of statements related to some historical events or personalities. To make your work sound professional, you need to:

  • elucidate the factors that have led to such consequences;
  • build a logical bridge between the past and the present by describing the importance of the phenomenon you are dealing with.

A top-notch history paper never focuses on the past mainly. It rather comes up with the impact the past events have on the present. An ability to fully reveal the given influence is the most significant proof that the author has a good understanding of the topic and can easily share their perspective professionally and to the point. 

Having the instructions and practical tips on how to write a history essay is the first key to a successful paper. Many students just start rewriting the historical events in their own words at this stage. Instead, your essay should provide clear answers to three central questions: what, why, and how. These questions may become good starting points for your history essay and help you stay coherent. 

Before You Start: Preparing to Write

how to write history essays

Having three questions in mind when preparing to write a history essay is already half a work done. Carry out a little brainstorm session and formulate several sub-questions using the mentioned interrogative adverbs. They will contribute much to the creation of an effective structure in your history essay. Here’s a breakdown of the main questions addressed.

  • Who are the main characters of the given events?
  • Who is against the given events?
  • Who won from the given events? Who lost?
  • Who is currently in the winning position thanks to the mentioned events?
  • What circumstances caused the given events?
  • What changes did the given events cause?
  • What kind of effect did the events have on the present?
  • What conclusions have been made after these events?
  • Why did the given events take place?
  • Why were they supported/not supported by people?

You may also come up with your suggestions regarding the specific topic to make your essay even more professional. 

Nonetheless, it is not enough only to write down the questions. You have to analyze and evaluate them profoundly. You may be very accurate about the described shreds of evidence, proofs, and arguments. However, if your essay doesn’t provide precise answers to the fundamental questions, it is unlikely to be highly scored. To stay coherent and to the point, use an explanation/interpretation scheme that implies the reasons why something has happened, followed by the profound analysis of the events. 

When the above-mentioned work is done and questions have been answered, you are ready to form your paper’s thesis statement. If we talk about the history essay, its thesis statement should be strong enough to prove the significance and value of your work. Besides, convincing arguments help create a solid bone to structure your essay around.

Your paper’s thesis statement should accurately elucidate the essay’s essence and be supported with the concise arguments that would become its paragraphs. All you need to do is specify them and then elaborate in more detail.

You can change the arguments throughout the essay, but the thesis statement should remain the same and be rational enough to stay relevant till the end. 

Research Stage

Nominally, the sources you will be using for your history essay can be divided into primary and secondary ones. Primary sources refer directly to the description of the events or personalities you base your paper on. Secondary sources represent the works of experienced historians, sociologists, and politicians that contain the profound analysis of the events described within your topic.

The professional history essay cannot exist without trustful primary sources. It can be challenging to find and identify them. Fortunately, the XXIst century provides a decent range of opportunities to complete thorough research work. You can have access to the best scholars’ papers, databases of the world libraries, and blogs of famous experts. Crowd-sourced websites can also be of good service. However, they should be used very selectively after you make sure they are credible. 

Secondary sources are as important as the primary ones. You need to be sure of their credibility and choose exclusively scholarly works. Check whether the author of the paper you are going to use in your essay is a professional historian and can be trusted. To make the right choice, ask yourself several questions before referring to any source:

  • What do you know about the author? 
  • Does the author have an academic degree and enough experience to be trusted?
  • What can you say about the publishing house? Is it academic? If it is a website, check its nature and audience. The idea to use materials published on Government online platforms in your paper sounds just perfect.

History Essay Outline

Coming to the outline stage means that you have done all the preparatory work and are ready to move forward. The outline is frequently skipped by students, which makes them regret it later. The outline is a so-called roadmap to indicate the direction you need to move in and mark the proper placing of arguments and ideas. 

Like all other types of essays, a history paper consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. 

Introduction 

Are you wondering how to start a history essay? With the catching introduction, of course. Introduction to your history essay should serve as a so-called hook to immediately grab the readers’ attention. To make it as catching as possible, you may use a few simple yet trusting methods:

  • Include some facts or impressive statistics. This will help easily win people’s trust and make your paper more relevant;
  • Rhetorical questions always help define the sense of your creative work. Use them in the introduction to indicate the main points your work will be based on;
  • Quotations may also be of good service in case you want to make people intrigued.

Provided the hook has worked, don’t hesitate to introduce your paper’s theme: mention the key events or persons your essay is about. Usually, a good introduction ends with a strong thesis statement. Make it short and up to the point. Besides, make sure it provides a smooth transition to the body section of your history essay.

Divide your critical ideas described in the essay and between the paragraphs: one paragraph = one idea. Each idea needs to be supported by concise arguments. There is no standard scheme to build your body paragraphs on. However, you may take the following algorithm for the basis:

  • A sentence related to the thesis statement and elucidating the idea;
  • Context of your history essay; 
  • Facts in the form of quotation or rewritten
  • Analysis and your point of view
  • Description of the controversial points
  • Smooth transition to the next paragraph

It is highly recommended to place the arguments of your body section in correct order. Start with the weakest ones and leave the strongest ones for a dessert. 

You should put your best effort into making this paragraph as impressive and convincing as possible. The final part of your paper should focus on the main points of the essay and again prove the theory mentioned in the thesis statement. Don’t make the conclusion too complicated – it needs to be simple and straightforward. The conclusion is not a part of the paper where you may introduce some new facts and ideas. Its main goal is in summarizing the critical points previously specified in the essay. If you want to make a conclusion sound professional, don’t forget to mention the historical events’ relevance to today’s reality.

How to Choose a Topic for a History Essay?

In case you were lucky to choose the topic for your history essay by yourself, don’t skip this part. Selecting from a pile of history essay topics may be challenging as you need to know your educational level, interests, and ability to elaborate on the theme. An adequately chosen history essay topic is a basis for a good paper. It affects the overall writing process and the level of your engagement in the subject. Use these tips to choose the best topic for your history paper:

  • Focus on the theme that sounds interesting to you. If history is not your cup of tea, try to pick the theme that seems more interesting than others. History is tightly connected with all aspects of human life. So, there should be something that makes your heart beat faster.
  • Don’t be guided by interest only when choosing a topic for the history essay. You should know at least something about the given theme. Even the most exciting issues can turn out to be a nightmare to deal with if you know absolutely nothing about them.
  • Analyze the broadness of the topic. If it is too broad, you won’t be able to elaborate the theme decently. For example, the topic “Ancient Egypt” is unclear. You won’t be able to elucidate all its aspects and perspectives properly. However, dealing with “Attitudes Towards Women in Ancient Egypt” narrows your research scope and lets you stay clear and precise. 
  • Make sure the topic you are going to choose has been analyzed before, and you can find a lot of credible materials to base your research on. Even narrow themes can be challenging if they are unexplored.
  • If you have a chance to use the theme you have already been dealing with before, don’t hesitate to do it. There is no need to rewrite your old paper – you have an excellent opportunity to analyze things from another perspective. Reusing the topic is hugely advantageous, as you have all the research work done already and may concentrate on your personal opinion.
  • In case sitting on the fence while choosing the topic for your history essay becomes unbearable, you can always ask your tutor for a piece of advice. In such a way, you will demonstrate your respect and trust. 
  • Avoid offbeat themes. They may be interesting, however, totally new. If you are not afraid of being stuck at the research stage – go ahead!
  • Make a little brainstorm session before choosing any topic. Provided you can come up with at least five strong arguments related to the theme, don’t hesitate to pick it. 

History Essay Examples 

Nothing can be more helpful than a brilliant history essay example you can use for your future work. You may take a look at the essay’s purpose, analyze the structure, get an idea about transitions and vocabulary used. Check on these top-notch examples of history paper to get inspired and motivated:

https://www.slideshare.net/alipinedo/us-history-slavery-essay

https://studentshare.org/visual-arts-film-studies/1494729-art-history-paper

http://www.markedbyteachers.com/international-baccalaureate/history/compare-and-contrast-the-causes-of-the-first-world-war-and-the-second-world-war.html

http://www.markedbyteachers.com/international-baccalaureate/history/how-far-do-trotsky-fa-a-tm-s-own-misjudgments-account-for-his-failure-in-the-power-struggle-which-followed-lenin-fa-a-tm-s-death.html

http://www.markedbyteachers.com/international-baccalaureate/history/compare-and-contrast-the-policies-of-alexander-ii-and-alexander-iii.html

Writing Tips for a History Essay

Interpretation of the past may be pretty controversial. So are the rules on how to write a perfect history essay. Nevertheless, there are some standard conventions and guidelines for elaborating professional history papers without any special effort from your side. Just follow the below tips to get the highest grade under the toughest history essay rubric.

Use the past tense

The present tense is just inappropriate when dealing with the history essay. Moreover, it can undermine confidence in the qualifications and expertise of the author. The present tense is acceptable only when you draw parallels between past events and the current time. 

Avoid generalizations

Specificity and accuracy are the best friends of a highly professional history essay. If you talk about some specific period, introduce exact dates or centuries. In case you mention some personalities, provide their full names. History paper is senseless without these critical details. 

Exclude anachronisms

When dealing with some historical events from today’s perspective, it is easy to get lost in chronological order. Such a jumble can confuse the readers and make your work less credible. Mind the vocabulary you use when talking about a specific epoch.

Try not to judge the epoch from a modern perspective

Every generation has its advantages and drawbacks. Your main task as an author is to analyze both and convey them clearly to a reader. Don’t be judgmental.

Paraphrasing is always better than quoting

Stuffing your history essay with the quotes can be more of a hindrance than help. Don’t be afraid to showcase your analytical skills and dive deep into the profound analysis of past events. If paraphrasing is impossible, use the quote indicating its source.

Be responsible for the context

As an author, you assume full responsibility for your personal opinion and ideas. At the same time, you should be sure of the sources you use in your paper. History essays don’t stand uncertainty and double standards. 

Choose the proper citation style

As a rule, history papers require Chicago citation style. A poorly arranged citation page can question your reputation as a history expert. 

Stick to the proper voice

A formal academic voice is the most appropriate one when we talk about the history essay. Also, avoid passive voice phrases, redundant constructions, and generalizations. 

Take care of thorough proofreading

You have made it: your history essay is ready and waits to be polished. The editing stage is crucial as even the brightest ideas can get lost in a sea of mistakes, impurities, and vague phrases. How to proofread your history essay to make it shine? Check the below instructions to learn how to do it:

  • Read your history essay aloud several times to make sure it is clear and sounds smooth. Avoid long sentences and inaccurate phrases with unclear meaning.
  • Proper style is  important when we talk about the academic history essay. Make sure it is formal but readable. Readers should easily percept your message and clearly understand the goal of your research.
  • Proofreading may be challenging in case you have spent a lot of time elaborating on the content. If you can ask someone to look at your history paper with a fresh pair of eyes, it would be perfect. Independent readers can identify the weak places in your work faster, and you will get a valuable second opinion on your piece of writing.

Write My History Essay for Me, Please!

History paper is one of the most complicated types of writing. Students dealing with history topics should know more than just a material of a regular history syllabus. Moreover, this paper requires a lot of time and effort to do research, analyze, and establish logical connections and predictions. You have to deal with the vast amount of dates, personalities, and theories that may not always be true. No wonder a lot of students choose to ask someone to write their history assignment for them. This decision appears to be justified as our essay writing service offers help provided by the actual history scholars who, by the way, are excellent in writing. 

All you need to do is formulate the task specifying the detailed instructions to your assignment and indicate the deadline. In case you want some specific sources to be used when elaborating on your history paper, you should mention them in your reference list.

In case your history essay is ready and you just need to make it shine, our essay service is always ready to help you with editing and proofreading. In such a way, you pay only for a specific service, not for the whole writing package.

A brilliantly elaborated history essay can serve as a good base for all your future works. You may get a clear idea about the content, research process, vocabulary, structure, and citation style. Just place the order, and our highly professional expert will be there to help you with your history paper. 

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Why Is History Important And How Can It Benefit Your Future?

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History is a topic that many find boring to study or a waste of time. But there is more to studying history than meets the eye. Let’s answer the age-old question: “Why is history important?”

What Is History?

History is the knowledge of and study of the past. It is the story of the past and a form of collective memory. History is the story of who we are, where we come from, and can potentially reveal where we are headed.

Why Study History: The Importance

History is important to study because it is essential for all of us in understanding ourselves and the world around us. There is a history of every field and topic, from medicine, to music, to art. To know and understand history is absolutely necessary, even though the results of historical study are not as visible, and less immediate.

Allows You To Comprehend More

1. our world.

History gives us a very clear picture of how the various aspects of society — such as technology, governmental systems, and even society as a whole — worked in the past so we understand how it came to work the way it is now.

2. Society And Other People

Studying history allows us to observe and understand how people and societies behaved. For example, we are able to evaluate war, even when a nation is at peace, by looking back at previous events. History provides us with the data that is used to create laws, or theories about various aspects of society.

3. Identity

History can help provide us with a sense of identity. This is actually one of the main reasons that history is still taught in schools around the world. Historians have been able to learn about how countries, families, and groups were formed, and how they evolved and developed over time. When an individual takes it upon themselves to dive deep into their own family’s history, they can understand how their family interacted with larger historical change. Did family serve in major wars? Were they present for significant events?

4. Present-Day Issues

History helps us to understand present-day issues by asking deeper questions as to why things are the way they are. Why did wars in Europe in the 20th century matter to countries around the world? How did Hitler gain and maintain power for as long as he had? How has this had an effect on shaping our world and our global political system today?

5. The Process Of Change Over Time

If we want to truly understand why something happened — in any area or field, such as one political party winning the last election vs the other, or a major change in the number of smokers — you need to look for factors that took place earlier. Only through the study of history can people really see and grasp the reasons behind these changes, and only through history can we understand what elements of an institution or a society continue regardless of continual change.

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You learn a clear lesson, 1. political intelligence.

History can help us become better informed citizens. It shows us who we are as a collective group, and being informed of this is a key element in maintaining a democratic society. This knowledge helps people take an active role in the political forum through educated debates and by refining people’s core beliefs. Through knowledge of history, citizens can even change their old belief systems.

2. History Teaches Morals And Values

By looking at specific stories of individuals and situations, you can test your own morals and values. You can compare it to some real and difficult situations individuals have had to face in trying times. Looking to people who have faced and overcome adversity can be inspiring. You can study the great people of history who successfully worked through moral dilemmas, and also ordinary people who teach us lessons in courage, persistence and protest.

3. Builds Better Citizenship

The study of history is a non-negotiable aspect of better citizenship. This is one of the main reasons why it is taught as a part of school curricular. People that push for citizenship history (relationship between a citizen and the state) just want to promote a strong national identity and even national loyalty through the teaching of lessons of individual and collective success.

4. Learn From The Past And Notice Clear Warning Signs

We learn from past atrocities against groups of people; genocides, wars, and attacks. Through this collective suffering, we have learned to pay attention to the warning signs leading up to such atrocities. Society has been able to take these warning signs and fight against them when they see them in the present day. Knowing what events led up to these various wars helps us better influence our future.

5. Gaining A Career Through History

The skills that are acquired through learning about history, such as critical thinking, research, assessing information, etc, are all useful skills that are sought by employers. Many employers see these skills as being an asset in their employees and will hire those with history degrees in various roles and industries.

6. Personal Growth And Appreciation

Understanding past events and how they impact the world today can bring about empathy and understanding for groups of people whose history may be different from the mainstream. You will also understand the suffering, joy, and chaos that were necessary for the present day to happen and appreciate all that you are able to benefit from past efforts today.

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Develop and refine your skills through studying history, 1. reading and writing.

You can refine your reading skills by reading texts from a wide array of time periods. Language has changed and evolved over time and so has the way people write and express themselves. You can also refine your writing skills through learning to not just repeat what someone else said, but to analyze information from multiple sources and come up with your own conclusions. It’s two birds with one stone — better writing and critical thinking!

2. Craft Your Own Opinions

There are so many sources of information out in the world. Finding a decisive truth for many topics just doesn’t exist. What was a victory for one group was a great loss for another — you get to create your own opinions of these events.

3. Decision-Making

History gives us the opportunity to learn from others’ past mistakes. It helps us understand the many reasons why people may behave the way they do. As a result, it helps us become more impartial as decision-makers.

4. How To Do Research

In the study of history you will need to conduct research . This gives you the opportunity to look at two kinds of sources — primary (written at the time) and secondary sources (written about a time period, after the fact). This practice can teach you how to decipher between reliable and unreliable sources.

5. Quantitative Analysis

There are numbers and data to be learned from history. In terms of patterns: patterns in population, desertions during times of war, and even in environmental factors. These patterns that are found help clarify why things happened as they did.

6. Qualitative Analysis

It’s incredibly important to learn to question the quality of the information and “history” you are learning. Keep these two questions in mind as you read through information: How do I know what I’m reading are facts and accurate information? Could they be the writer’s opinions?

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We are all living histories.

All people and cultures are living histories. The languages we speak are inherited from the past. Our cultures, traditions, and religions are all inherited from the past. We even inherit our genetic makeup from those that lived before us. Knowing these connections give you a basic understanding of the condition of being human.

History Is Fun

Learning about history can be a great deal of fun. We have the throngs of movies about our past to prove it. History is full of some of the most interesting and fascinating stories ever told, including pirates, treasure, mysteries, and adventures. On a regular basis new stories from the past keep emerging to the mainstream. Better yet, there is a history of every topic and field. Whatever you find fascinating there is a history to go along with it. Dive a bit deeper into any topic’s history and you will be surprised by what you might find in the process.

The subject of history can help you develop your skills and transform you to be a better version of yourself as a citizen, a student, and person overall.

If you are looking to develop more of yourself and skills for your future career, check out the degree programs that are offered by University of the People — a tuition-free, 100% online, U.S. accredited university.

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Sure, We Teach History. But Do We Know Why It’s Important?

purpose of history essay

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In 1980, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians began hearing testimony from Japanese-Americans who, after the Pearl Harbor attack, were forced at gunpoint into prison camps throughout the desolate interior of the United States.

Initiated by Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Hawaii Democrat who lost an arm fighting the Nazis, the commission was largely conceived in order to establish a legal and political case in Congress against internment and for some kind of redress. But Nisei men and women, the children of Japanese immigrants who had kept virtually silent for decades due to a social code inherited from their ancestors, captured the moment. They used the hearings to share their stories of sorrow and humiliation. The intense emotion of these personal histories galvanized a political movement that succeeded in winning monetary reparations from the federal government for those who had been interned. It was an unprecedented event in the American experience.

As my father, the Japanese-American Citizens League’s volunteer chief legislative strategist who helped convince President Ronald Reagan to sign the redress bill in 1988, later recalled, “I saw all these old people crying, and that made me cry. I guess the whole community cried.”

When the nation feels not just divided, but divided in an unprecedented way, studying history serves as a guide. A nation that can see through and place the turbulent present in historical context is better empowered to grasp the present and decide on the best course of action ahead.

Those who work in classrooms and with students grasp this. In a recent survey of educators who were presented with two choices, 78 percent told EdWeek Research Center they believed the primary purpose of teaching history is “to prepare students to be active and informed citizens,” compared with 22 percent who said the primary purpose of teaching history is “to teach analytical, research, and critical thinking skills.” (We should not, of course, label the second group wrong.)

Therefore, we study and share history in part to give us the foundation for action. We build that foundation in part by learning and sharing stories of immigrant forebears and their legacies; the 1619 Project from the New York Times, which consists of a series of essays about the legacy of slavery, does something similar, but in a fashion that its creators want to be unsettling, if not excruciating for many.

Telling different stories within a single broader narrative, and using those stories to create empathy within an agreed-upon historical framework, are powerful skills. Indeed, one of the key strategies for Japanese-American redress activists in Washington was—to use my father’s metaphor—selling the same Ford Taurus sedan in two different ways.

For a liberal audience, the main argument went like this: These immigrants and their children were the victims of powerful white men who, in the name of national security, exploited wartime panic and longstanding anti-Asian bigotry among other whites to deprive Japanese-Americans of their civil liberties.

For conservatives, the tougher audience, it went this way: Japanese-Americans were content to obey the law and grow artichokes and strawberries. They were exemplary models of enterprise, the free market, and family values—until they were deprived of private property rights and denied due process by an overbearing federal government.

Together, these arguments succeeded because both narratives underscored the ideals that presumably governed American history, and how internment undermined those ideals.

78% of teachers identify preparing students for citizenship as the main reason to teach history."

This should not be confused with warping history as if for some kind of novelistic experiment, or perverting it for political control. In his 1946 essay “ The Prevention of Literature ,” George Orwell wrote that totalitarian governments approach history as “something to be created rather than learned.”

But in classrooms, it has always been a struggle to teach history in a way that resonates with students. The CEO of Baltimore City schools, Sonja Santelises, thinks she’s found a way to do that: Help them see themselves up close in their hometown’s history.

Motivated partially by Baltimore’s often-negative portrayal in the media, Santelises recently oversaw the implementation of BMore Me, a social studies curriculum. The basic idea is “using the city as a classroom.”

They’ve explored how local geography impacted the Industrial Revolution in Baltimore. They learn what the history of certain neighborhoods reveals about the nation’s history of red-lining black families away from valuable land and capital. And they’ve heard stories from a community elder about singer Billie Holiday, who grew up in Baltimore, and from D. Watkins, who went from dealing drugs in the city to teaching at the University of Baltimore.

Santelises said the city curriculum’s emphasis on this approach that allows students to see themselves in history puts their own lives and people they know at the center of what can feel detached and distant. The consequences for this approach, if done right, can be profound, she argued.

“What makes people proud to be American? Well, part of it is that you’re validating people’s stories,” Santelises told me. “You’re validating their role.”

What’s also central to this approach, Santelises says, is that it allows children to see complexity in history and not just (in the case of black Americans, for example) one long and painful struggle against oppression.

“We don’t have to have a perfect or one story,” Santelises said. “That’s not the goal.”

In 1945, a young Army captain spoke at a service honoring Kazuo Masuda, a Japanese-American soldier who died in combat in Italy and whose family had been interned. This Army captain said men like Masuda were heroes, distinguished by their sacrifice and love of country, not their race.

That captain’s name was Ronald Reagan. Decades later as president, he was initially opposed to redress for internment. But when Reagan was reminded of that moment, he changed his mind. It was crucial for Reagan to see himself as a character in a crucial moment in American history.

The arc of that narrative can be questioned. Why did it take this chance moment in history to shift Reagan’s views? Why did men like Masuda have to prove their loyalty to the land of their birth? What about those Japanese-Americans who out of principle resisted military service?

Trying to answer those questions adds to the story I just laid out rather than subverting it. Still, it’s one story. History doesn’t always provide such dramatic, clear narratives. Similarly, what if such historical inquiry like the kind Santelises supports for her city’s students can’t be scaled up or made to work well elsewhere?

To such questions, Santelises responds that the approach in general can apply in all sorts of places for all kinds of students.

“Once you’re grounded and validated in the power of your own story,” Santelises said, “that’s what makes you want to go and learn about other people.”

The story of how President Ronald Reagan approved monetary reparations for Japanese-Americans interned during World War II is a long and complicated one. Learn more about the story and the role that author Andrew Ujifusa’s father played in it in this Twitter thread . A version of this article appeared in the January 08, 2020 edition of Education Week as Why Do We Study History?

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Historical Methods & Theory

  • Thinking Like a Historian
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What is a Historiographical Essay?

Historiographical essays, evaluating secondary sources, acknowledgement.

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A historiographical essay:

  • Is based on a broad, less focused topic or theme, e.g., Reconstruction in the United States)
  • Critically examines secondary sources written by historians
  • Puts emphasis on the historian, the historian's bias and how the writing of a particular topic has changed over the years
  • Examines and compares other historians' arguments in opposition to each other

The purpose of an historiographic essay is threefold:

  • To allow you to view an historical event or issue from multiple perspectives by engaging multiple sources;
  • To display your mastery over those sources and over the event or issue itself; and
  • To develop your critical reading skills as you seek to answer why your sources disagree, and what their disagreement tells you about the event or issue and the very nature of history itself.

Selected Titles About Historiography

cover image

  • What information is given about the author? Is the author an historian?
  • Can you identify the historian's school of thought?
  • Read the table of contents, preface and other introductry material. Does the author set up his/her thesis (or point of view) in these sections? Who is the intended audience? Is it written for historians or for a general audience?
  • What is the date of publication? If the book or article is old, it will not highlight recent scholarship. Is this important? Is it a reflection of the histories of the time or does it deviate from the norm?
  • What primary source material does the author use? What primary source material may have been available to the author at the time?
  • Consider the bibliography. Do the sources listed indicate serious works that are relevant to your topic? You may want to consult works used by the author. 

All materials from: Historiography: Ramapo College,   https://libguides.ramapo.edu/HIST201rice

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How to Write a History Essay and Sound Like an Expert

purpose of history essay

Knowing how to write a history essay is more than just a chronological account; it is similar to uncovering the stories of our past. Surprisingly, the calendar we rely on today finds its roots in ancient civilizations – a fascinating nugget of history that sparks curiosity.

In this guide, our history paper writing service is not just scratching the surface; we're delving into the nuances of crafting compelling narratives. Ever wondered how to draw readers in with an intriguing introduction? Or how to seamlessly weave evidence and analysis into your writing? Here, we'll explore the art of history essay writing, offering insights into creating captivating openings, structuring your essay for impact, and mastering the delicate balance between storytelling and historical accuracy.

What is a History Essay: Features and Purpose

At its core, a history essay is more than a mere recollection of events; it is a narrative crafted to explore and analyze the past. While you may be familiar with what is a persuasive essay , the distinctive feature of a history essay lies in its purposeful examination of historical events, themes, or individuals, providing insights that go beyond a simple retelling. Unlike a straightforward historical account, a well-crafted history paper format delves into the 'why' and 'how' of events, offering a deeper understanding of the historical context. Through thoughtful analysis, it seeks to unravel the complexities of the past, connecting dots and drawing conclusions that contribute to a more profound comprehension of historical significance.

The purpose of a history essay extends beyond presenting facts; it aims to engage readers in a thoughtful exploration of the past. Whether exploring the causes and effects of a particular event or analyzing the evolution of societal norms, a history essay invites readers to accompany the writer on a journey through time. Its purpose is not just to inform but to provoke critical thinking, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives and draw their own conclusions.

How to Start a History Essay with 3 Easy Steps

Knowing how to start a history essay with flair can be easy with these three steps. So, let's kickstart your writing by incorporating the following steps and entice your readers to journey alongside you through the annals of time.

how to start history essay

1. Captivating Hook: Begin with a hook that grabs your reader's attention. This could be a thought-provoking question, a compelling quote, or a fascinating historical fact related to your research paper topics . The key is to pique curiosity and make your reader eager to explore further.

  • Example: 'Ever wondered what pivotal moments in history would sound like in a symphony of words? Join me as we unravel the harmonies of the past, starting with the intriguing tale of [insert historical event].'

2. Clear Thesis Statement: Follow up your hook with a concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or theme of your essay. Clearly state what you aim to explore or prove in your historical narrative. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent essay.

  • Example: 'In this essay, we will delve into the transformative impact of [specific historical event] on [relevant aspect], exploring its profound implications and enduring significance in shaping the course of history.'

3. Contextualize the Setting: Provide a brief but informative background to contextualize your readers. Briefly introduce the time, place, and key players involved in the historical narrative you are about to unfold. This helps orient your audience and lays the foundation for a more profound understanding.

  • Example: 'Transport yourself to [time period] in [historical setting], where [describe key circumstances]. This pivotal moment not only marked a turning point in history but also laid the groundwork for the [subsequent developments].'

History Essay Introduction Example

To make things clearer, we've got a simple example centered on the US history essay. This example starts with an interesting hook and a clear thesis statement, helping us understand how the Industrial Revolution transformed the lives of American workers.

The Industrial Revolution

At the crossroads of the 18th and 19th centuries, humanity witnessed a seismic shift that would reshape the fabric of society and redefine the very essence of work and production. The Industrial Revolution, characterized by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies, stands as a watershed moment in human history. Against the backdrop of burgeoning technological advancements and transformative socio-economic changes, this essay embarks on an exploration of the profound impact of the Industrial Revolution on the working class. By examining the lived experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by those on the factory floors, we aim to unravel the intricate tapestry of a revolution that not only propelled nations into the modern era but also laid bare the complex interplay between progress and the human condition. This essay explores the annals of history to understand how the clanking machinery of the Industrial Revolution forged not only steel but also the destiny of countless individuals.

Structuring Your History Essay Outline

Once the stage is set with a compelling introduction, the next crucial step in crafting an effective paper is structuring your outline. Here's a straightforward guide on how to structure your history research paper format using the Industrial Revolution topic example.

I. Introduction

  • A. Captivating Hook
  • B. Clear Thesis Statement
  • C. Contextualizing the Setting

II. Background and Context

  • A. Overview of the Industrial Revolution
  • B. Key Technological Advancements
  • C. Societal Changes Leading to the Revolution

III. Impact on the Working Class

  • A. Working Conditions in Factories
  • B. Economic Shifts and Challenges
  • C. Social and Cultural Implications

IV. Case Study: U.S. Working Class

  • A. Introduction to the U.S. Industrial Landscape
  • B. Key Figures and Influences
  • C. Unique Aspects of the American Experience

V. Analysis and Interpretation

  • A. Examining the Broader Historical Significance
  • B. Evaluating Different Perspectives
  • C. Drawing Conclusions

VI. Conclusion

  • A. Summarizing Key Points
  • B. Reinforcing Thesis Statement
  • C. Concluding Thoughts and Implications

By following this structured history essay outline., you ensure a logical progression of ideas, creating a roadmap for both yourself and your readers. Each section serves a distinct purpose, contributing to a comprehensive exploration of the Industrial Revolution's impact on the working class, with a specific focus on the U.S. experience.

College History Essay Example

To provide you with a practical illustration of an effective history essay format, our paper writing help presents the following example: 'The Impact of Civil Rights Movements on American Society.' This essay serves as a guide, showcasing how a well-organized outline and expert writing techniques can bring historical narratives to life.

Introduction: The mid-20th century marked a pivotal moment in American history, characterized by a fervent struggle for civil rights and social justice. As the echoes of inequality reverberated through the nation, grassroots movements emerged, demanding an end to racial segregation and discrimination. This essay delves into the profound impact of the Civil Rights Movements on American society, analyzing the transformative changes that unfolded in the realms of politics, culture, and everyday life.

Thesis Statement: The Civil Rights Movements of the 1950s and 1960s significantly reshaped American society by challenging institutionalized racism, fostering political change, and inspiring cultural shifts that continue to resonate today.

1. Challenging Institutionalized Racism

  • Introduction to Segregation: The essay begins by contextualizing the pre-Civil Rights era, outlining the pervasive racial segregation entrenched in American society.
  • Landmark Legal Cases: Discusses pivotal legal battles such as Brown v. Board of Education, highlighting their role in challenging the constitutionality of segregation.
  • Impact on Education: Explores how the end of legal segregation in schools influenced educational opportunities for African American children.

2. Fostering Political Change

  • Voter Rights Act: Analyzes the significance of legislative milestones like the Voter Rights Act of 1965 in dismantling barriers to political participation.
  • Emergence of African American Leaders: Examines the rise of influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, assessing their roles in shaping the political landscape.

3. Inspiring Cultural Shifts

  • Civil Rights Music: Explores the role of music as a powerful tool in expressing the aspirations and struggles of the Civil Rights Movements.
  • Integration in Popular Culture: Discusses the impact of desegregation on American popular culture, from sports to entertainment, reflecting changing attitudes.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movements of the mid-20th century left an indelible mark on American society. By challenging institutionalized racism, fostering political change, and inspiring cultural shifts, these movements not only transformed the landscape of the 1960s but also laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable America. As we reflect on this pivotal era, it becomes evident that the legacy of the Civil Rights Movements endures, reminding us of the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality in our diverse society.

How to Write a History Essay with 5 Expert Tips

Now that your history essay is taking shape with a well-structured outline, it's time to delve into the art of crafting a compelling narrative. Here are five expert tips to perfect your history essay writing:

history essay steps

1. Clarity and Conciseness:

  • Prioritize clarity in your writing. Clearly articulate your ideas and ensure your sentences convey the intended meaning.
  • Be concise; avoid unnecessary words that may dilute the impact of your arguments.

2. Thematic Unity:

  • Maintain thematic unity by aligning each paragraph with your thesis statement. Ensure that every point contributes directly to the overarching theme of your essay.

3. Evidence and Analysis:

  • Support your arguments with relevant evidence. Whether citing historical documents or scholarly works, substantiate your claims to strengthen your narrative.
  • Follow up each piece of evidence with a thorough analysis. Explain the significance and relevance of your thesis.

4. Varied Sentence Structure:

  • Keep your reader engaged by varying your sentence structure. Combine short, punchy sentences with more complex ones to create a dynamic and engaging writing style.

5. Revision and Proofreading:

  • Allocate time for revising and proofreading after writing a history essay. Check for coherence, consistency, and grammatical accuracy.
  • Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to gain valuable perspectives on your writing.

More Writing Techniques

Building upon the foundation of your well-structured outline and the expert tips provided earlier, let's explore additional writing techniques on how to write history essay:

1. Narrative Flow:

  • Craft a narrative that flows seamlessly from one point to the next. Ensure a logical progression of ideas, allowing your reader to follow the historical narrative effortlessly.

2. Active Voice:

  • Opt for the active voice to infuse energy into your writing. Instead of saying, 'It was analyzed,' say, 'I analyzed.' This enhances clarity and directness.

3. Engaging Introductions and Conclusions:

  • Experiment with different ways to introduce and conclude your essay on history. Engage your reader with compelling introductions and leave a lasting impression with thought-provoking conclusions.

4. Incorporating Counterarguments:

  • Anticipate and address potential counterarguments. This not only strengthens your essay by acknowledging differing perspectives but also showcases a nuanced understanding of the topic.

5. Imagery and Descriptive Language:

  • Paint a vivid picture of historical settings using descriptive language. Create imagery that transports your reader to the time and place you are discussing, enhancing the overall impact of your narrative.

6. Consistent Tone:

  • Maintain a consistent tone throughout your essay. Whether formal or more conversational, a consistent tone contributes to the overall coherence of your writing.

7. Transitions Between Paragraphs:

  • Use transitional phrases to smoothly transition between paragraphs. This helps maintain the flow of your narrative and reinforces the logical connections between ideas.

8. Mindful Citation:

  • Pay careful attention to citation formats, ensuring that your sources are properly credited. Different historical disciplines may have specific citation styles, so adhere to the guidelines provided.

Wrapping Up

As we wrap up, hope you found our guide useful for your historical writing adventures. Embrace the curiosity that fuels your inquiries and the clarity that guides your storytelling. In weaving historical narratives, we don't just document events; we breathe life into the stories of those who came before us. So, may your essays tell the tales of our past with clarity and charm!

How to Write a Speech with Examples and an Outline

1689 world map

The purpose of historical inquiry is not simply to present facts but to search for an interpretation of the past. Historians attempt to find patterns and establish meaning through the rigorous study of documents and artifacts left by people of other times and other places.

The study of history is vital to a liberal arts education. History is unique among the liberal arts in its emphasis on historical perspective and context. Historians insist that the past must be understood on its own terms; any historical phenomenon -- an event, an idea, a law, or a dogma for example -- must first be understood in its context, as part of a web of interrelated institutions, values, and beliefs that define a particular culture and era. Among the liberal arts, history is the discipline most concerned with understanding change. Historians seek not only to explain historical causality--how and why change occurs within societies and cultures. They also try to account for the endurance of tradition, understand the complex interplay between continuity and change, and explain the origins, evolution, and decline of institutions and ideas. History is also distinguished by its singularly broad scope. Virtually every subject has a history and can be analyzed and interpreted in historical perspective and context; the scope of historical inquiry is bound only by the quantity and quality of surviving documents and artifacts.

It is commonly acknowledged that an understanding of the past is fundamental to an understanding of the present. The analysis and interpretation of history provide an essential context for evaluating contemporary institutions, politics, and cultures. Understanding the present configuration of society is not the only reason to study the past; history also provides unique insight into human nature and human civilization. By demanding that we see the world through the eyes of others, that we develop a sense of context and coherence while recognizing complexity and ambiguity, and that we confront the record not only of human achievement but also of human failure, cruelty, and barbarity, the study of history provides us with a richly-textured, substantive framework for understanding the human condition and grappling with moral questions and problems. History is essential to the traditional objectives of the liberal arts, the quest for wisdom and virtue.

There is another reason to study history: it's fun . History combines the excitement of exploration and discovery with the sense of reward born of successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems. --Frank Luttmer (1996)

Other Essays on the Study of History

Lord Acton, Inaugural Lecture on the Study of History (1906) Robert Blackey et al., Why Become a Historian? (2007) Frank Luttmer, The Devil, History, and Studia Humanitatis (1999) Gerald W. Schlabach, A Sense of History: Some Components (1996) Peter N. Stearns, Why Study History? (1998)

History as Career Preparation

The study of history can also be useful preparation for paid labor. For essays on how to connect the study of history to a satisfying career, see " What Can I Do with a History Major? "

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History, Education, and the Schools pp 7–35 Cite as

On the Nature and Purpose of History

  • William J. Reese  

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W hat is history? Since its emergence as a distinctive intellectual pursuit among the Greeks in the fifth century BCE, writers from a variety of backgrounds have tried to answer that question. To study, record, and educate others about the past seems so obvious to modern sensibility that it almost seems unnecessary to comment upon. In fact, the significance of the rise of history as a unique type of inquiry— related to but different from chronicles, storytelling, myths, and other ways of memorializing the past—can easily be underestimated. We assume today that acquiring knowledge of history, either for pleasure or for more utilitarian ends such as judging events and seeking “truth,” has some place in our lives, however vaguely the need may be articulated. Everyone, for example, has seen a movie where a character temporarily has lost his or her memory. This is a horrifying thought, since without a sense of the past, the present and future seem unnavigable. The same is true of any culture or society. While professionally trained historians routinely argue among themselves about the fine points of historical research in academic journals and seminars, citizens from all walks of life employ history—verifiable or invented, etched through a mixture of sources and means into personal or collective consciousness—to guide their thinking and behavior. 1

  • Social History
  • Scientific History
  • Historical Scholarship
  • Historical Writing
  • Historical Profession

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Charles William Fornara, The Nature of History in Ancient Greece and Rome (Berkeley, 1983), chapter 1. On the multiple uses of history, see Allan Nevins, The Gateway to History (New York, 1938), chapters 1–2; and Ernst Breisach, Historiography: Ancient, Medieval & Modern (Chicago, 1983), 2.

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Donald R. Kelley, Faces of History: Historical Inquiry from Herodotus to Herder (New Haven, CT, 1998), 2.

Herodotus, The Histories (London, ©1972), 41; Paul K. Conkin and Roland Stromberg, The Heritage and Challenge of History (New York, 1971), 11–12; M. I. Finley, The Portable Greek Historians (London, ©1959), 7; and R. G. Collingwood, The Idea of History (London, ©1946), 17–19. Arnaldo Momigliano, in The Classical Foundations of Modern Historiography (Berkeley, 1990), 40, points out that even Herodotus’s admirers doubted the reliability of his history. Kelley emphasizes that Herodotus anticipated the rise of “cultural history” (of growing interest by the eighteenth century) through his interest in “all aspects of human interest,” not simply war and politics. See Faces of History , 3, 19–28. In Herodotus in Context: Ethnography, Science, and the Art of Persuasion (Cambridge, UK, 2000), Rosalind Thomas recreates the larger intellectual world in which Herodotus lived.

Joseph Gavorse, ed., The Complete Writings of Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War (New York, ©1934), 3, 13–15; Donald R. Kelley, Versions of History from Antiquity to the Enlightenment (New Haven, CT, 1991), 28–29; Kelley, Faces of History , 28–35; Beverley Southgate, History: What and Why? Ancient, Modern, and Postmodern Perspectives (London, 1996), chapter 2; and Richard E. Neustadt and Ernest R. May, Thinking in Time: The Uses of History for Decision-Makers (New York, 1986), 233. For scholarly debates about views on time among the ancients, see Herbert J. Muller, The Uses of the Past: Profiles of Former Societies (New York, ©1952), 68–69; Arnaldo Momigliano, Essays in Ancient and Modern Historiography (Middletown, CT, 1977), 184–86, 197; and Gerald A. Press, The Development of the Idea of History in Antiquity (Kingston and Montreal, 1982), 9–10, 125. As David Rohrbacher explains in The Historians of Late Antiquity (London, 2002), 159, speeches were commonly included in classical historiography, though they were obviously not “verbatim” but “approximations of what was actually said.”

G. R. Elton, The Practice of History (London, 1967), 12; and Kelley, Versions of History , 36–37.

M. I. Finley, The Use and Abuse of History (London, 1971), 12–15.

Ronald Mellor, The Roman Historians (London, 1999), 4, 10, 193; and Kelley, Versions of History , 77–78.

Kelley, Versions of History , 128; Kelley, Faces of History , 85–89; and Page Smith, The Historian and History (New York, ©1960), 17. On historiography in the medieval period, see Conkin and Stromberg, The Heritage and Challenge , chapter 3.

Kelley, Versions of History , 147–48; Kelley, Faces of History , 89–92, 95–96; and Peter Brown, Augustine of Hippo: A Biography (Berkeley, 1969), chapter 9.

Charles Homer Haskins, The Renaissance of the Twelfth Century (New York, 1927), chapter 8; Harry Elmer Barnes, A History of Historical Writing (Norman, OK, 1937), 64–88; Breisach, Historiography , 98, 101, 128; Kelley, Faces of History , chapter 5; and Brian Croke and Alanna M. Emmett, “Historiography in Late Antiquity: An Overview,” in History and Historians in Late Antiquity , ed. Brian Croke and Alanna M. Emmett (Sydney, 1983), 9, who wrote that by the seventh century the various historiographical genres were largely set for the medieval period and “converged in a common goal, to tell the story of salvation and to demonstrate the ways of God to men both now and since time immemorial.” See also Dominic Janes, “The World and Its Past as Christian Allegory in the Early Middle Ages,” in The Uses of the Past in the Early Middle Ages , ed. Yitzhak Hen and Matthew Innes (Cambridge, UK, 2000), 102–13.

Barnes, A History , 97; Haskins, Renaissance , 224, 228–29; Donald J. Wilcox, “The Sense of Time in Western Historical Narratives from Eusebius to Machiavelli,” in Classical Rhetoric and Medieval Historiography , ed. Ernst Breisach (Kalamazoo, MI, 1985), 172; and Gillian Evans, “St. Anselm and Sacred History,” in The Writing of History in the Middle Ages: Essays Presented to Richard William Southern , ed. R. H. C. Davis and J. M. Wallace-Hadrill (Oxford, UK, 1981), 199.

Barnes, A History , 99–100; Breisach, Historiography , 160; E. B. Fryde, Humanism and Renaissance Historiography (London, 1983), 4, 7–9, 55; Herschel Baker, The Race of Time: Three Lectures on Renaissance Historiography (Toronto, 1967), 35–36, 40, 45–46, 60–64, 76–77; Donald R. Kelley, Renaissance Humanism (Boston, MA, 1991), 25, 94–102; Fornara, The Nature of History , 195; Patrick Collinson, “Truth, Lies, and Fiction in Sixteenth-Century Protestant Historiography,” in The Historical Imagination in Early Modern Britain: History, Rhetoric, and Fiction, 1500–1800 , ed. Donald R. Kelley and David Harris Sacks (Cambridge, UK, 1997), 37–68; Conkin and Stromberg, The Heritage and Challenge , 31–32; and Joyce Appleby, Lynn Hunt, and Margaret Jacob, Telling the Truth About History (New York, 1994), 60.

Kelley, Versions of History , 446; Fritz Stern, ed., The Varieties of History: From Voltaire to the Present (Cleveland, OH, ©1954), 35–45; Theodore S. Hamerow, Reflections on History and Historians (Madison, WI, 1987), 227–28; David Carrithers, “Montesquieu’s Philosophy of History,” Journal of the History of Ideas 47 (January–March 1986): 61; and Martine Watson Brownley, “Gibbon’s Artistic and Historical Scope in the Decline and Fall ,” Journal of the History of Ideas 42 (October–December 1981): 629–42. For a succinct analysis of the incorporation of pagan classics into Christian theology, read Richard E. Rubenstein, Aristotle’s Children: How Christians, Muslims, and Jews Rediscovered Ancient Wisdom and Illuminated the Middle Ages (New York, 2003).

Henry F. May, The Enlightenment in America (Oxford, UK, 1976); and Appleby, Hunt, and Jacob, Telling the Truth , chapters 1–2. There has been an efflorescence of scholarship recently on the Scottish Enlightenment; see, for example, Arthur Herman, How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It (New York, 2001).

Hayden White, Metahistory: The Historical Imagination in Nineteenth-Century Europe (Baltimore, MD, 1973), 136.

Georg G. Iggers, Historiography in the Twentieth Century: From Scientific Objectivity to the Postmodern Challenge (Hanover, NH, 1997), chapter 1; Breisach, Historiography , 293; Appleby, Hunt, and Jacob, Telling the Truth , chapter 2; and J. H. Plumb, “The Historian’s Dilemma,” in his edited volume, Crisis in the Humanities (Baltimore, MD, 1964), 26–27.

Peter Novick, That Noble Dream: The “Objectivity Question” and the American Historical Profession (Cambridge, UK, 1988), 28; and Iggers, Historiography , 24.

Jurgen Herbst, The German Historical School in American Scholarship: A Study in the Transfer of Culture (Ithaca, NY, 1965); Laurence R. Veysey, The Emergence of the American University (Chicago, 1965); and John Higham, History: Professional Scholarship in America (New York, 1965), 9–10.

Bonnie G. Smith, The Gender of History: Men, Women, and Historical Practice (Cambridge, MA, 1998), especially chapter 5. On the American scene, read Julie Des Jardins, Women & the Historical Enterprise: Gender, Race, and the Politics of Memory, 1880–1945 (Chapel Hill, NC, 2003).

Pieter Geyl, Use and Abuse of History (New Haven, CT, 1955), 33–34, 52–56; Iggers, Historiography , 31–35; Appleby, Hunt, and Jacobs, Telling the Truth , 73–74; and William J. Reese, The Origins of the American High School (New Haven, CT, 1995), 117–18.

Conkin and Stromberg, The Heritage and Challenge , 79; Novick, That Noble Dream , chapter 5; Smith, Gender and History , 146–53; and Richard Hofstadter, The Progressive Historians: Turner, Beard, Parrington (New York, 1968), 41–43. For a different perspective on the Progressives, read Ernst A. Breisach, American Progressive History: An Experiment in Modernization (Chicago, 1993).

Hofstadter, The Progressive Historians ; Appleby, Hunt, and Jacobs, Telling the Truth , chapter 4; Higham, History , part III, chapters 3–4; and Novick, That Noble Dream , chapter 4. On the evils of presentism, see Bernard Bailyn, On the Teaching and Writing of History (Hanover, NH, 1994), 42.

James Harvey Robinson, The New History: Essays Illustrating the Modern Historical Outlook (New York, ©1965), 1; and Kevin Mattson, “The Challenges of Democracy: James Harvey Robinson, the New History, and Adult Education for Citizenship,” Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era 2 (January 2003): 48–79. Ellen Fitzpatrick has laid to rest the common misconception that the “new” history proposed during the Progressive Era did not materialize until the 1960s. See History’s Memory: Writing America’s Past 1880–1980 (Cambridge, MA, 2002).

Robert William Fogel and G. R. Elton, Which Road to the Past? Two Views of History (New Haven, CT, 1983), 11–23.

Becker’s paper, delivered in 1926, was not published until 1955; see Carl L. Becker, “What Are Historical Facts?” The Western Political Quarterly 8 (September 1955): 327–29, 332.

The 1931 address was reprinted in Carl L. Becker, Everyman His Own Historian: Essays on History and Politics (New York, 1935), with quotations from 243, 254; and Carl L. Becker, The Heavenly City of the Eighteenth-Century Philosophers (New Haven, CT, 1932), 44, 88.

Charles A. Beard, “Written History as an Act of Faith,” American Historical Review 39 (January 1934): 219–20, 226. As John Lewis Gaddis notes in The Landscape of History: How Historians Map the Past (New York, 2002), historians actually had much in common with scientists not confined to the laboratory, for example, geologists.

Herbert Butterfield, The Whig Interpretation of History (New York, 1931); C. T. McIntire, Herbert Butterfield: Historian as Dissenter (New Haven, CT, 2004), ix–xi, 56–77, on the English context; and Collingwood, The Idea of History , 251–52. Collingwood emphasized that history was a science of a special sort. In What is History? (New York, 1961), 50–51, Edward Hallett Carr, in his critique of objectivity, noted that Butterfield, who had attacked the Whiggish, presentist view that history was an unfolding tale of greater liberty, applauded the tradition of liberty during World War II!

Marc Bloch, The Historian’s Craft (New York, ©1953), 14–26; Geyl, Use and Abuse , 61; and Plumb, “Historian’s Dilemma,” 43. 35. On the 1960s, see John Higham, Writing American History: Essays onModern Scholarship (Bloomington, IN, 1970), chapter 9; on the 1950s, Higham, History , Part III, chapter 6; and Bernard Sternsher, Consensus, Conflict, and American Historians (Bloomington, IN, 1975). For examples of trends in social history, see the essays in Part II of Michael Kammen, ed., The Past before Us (Ithaca, NY, 1980); and Olivier Zunz, ed., Reliving the Past: The Worlds of Social History (Chapel Hill, NC, 1985). See also Thomas S. Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (Chicago, 1962), which was interpreted by many critics as proof that even science was not particularly objective. In History’s Memory , chapter 5, Fitzpatrick reminds readers that many excellent histories appeared in the late 1940s and 1950s that did not reflect the values of “consensus” history.

On the French contribution, see Traian Stoianovich, French Historical Method: The Annales Paradigm (Ithaca, NY, 1976); and Peter Burke, The French Historical Revolution : The Annales School (Stanford, 1990).

Conkin and Stromberg, The Heritage and Challenge of History , 90–91. Also see Terrence J. McDonald, “What We Talk about When We Talk about History: The Conversations of History and Sociology,” in The Historic Turn in the Human Sciences , ed. Terrence J. McDonald (Ann Arbor, MI, 1996), 112–13. For the traditional statement on why historians should avoid theories drawn from other disciplines, see the previously cited books by G. R. Elton.

Elton, The Practice of History , 84–85, 87. Elton was born in Tubingin but educated at the University of London and spent his professional career in England. For a sense of the great range of historical studies available today, see the essays in David Cannadine, ed., What is History Now? (New York, 2002).

I am relying heavily on Kenneth Cmiel’s outstanding essay, “Poststructural Theory,” in Encyclopedia of American Social History , ed. Mary Kupiec Cayton, Elliot Gorn, and Peter W. Williams (New York, 1992): vol. 1, 425–33. Also read Robert F. Berkhofer, Jr., Beyond the Great Story: History as Text and Discourse (Cambridge, MA, 1995); and Keith Jenkins, ed., The Postmodern History Reader (New York, 1997). Commenting on the impact of postmodernism on historical scholarship on the early Middle Ages, Matthew Innes writes that the idea that all there is, is discourse, with no “reality external to… discourse, has had no real takers in early medieval studies.” But he goes on to say that it has enlivened debates about sources, texts, and the reconstruction of historical context in the field. See Innes, “Introduction: Using the Past, Interpreting the Present, Influencing the Future,” in The Uses of the Past , ed. Hen and Innes, 3–4. A few years earlier, Gabrielle M. Spiegel offered a most optimistic view of the impact in The Past as Text: The Theory and Practice of Medieval Historiography (Baltimore, MD, 1997), chapter 4, especially page 77. Gary McCulloch and William Richardson, in Historical Research in Educational Settings (Buckingham, UK, 2000), 33, notes how many historians ignore theory and have not usually embraced postmodern views.

Geoff Eley, “Is All the World a Text? From Social History to the History of Society Two Decades Later,” in The Historic Turn , 207; G. R. Elton, Return to Essentials: Some Reflections on the Present State of Historical Study (Cambridge, UK, 1991), 31; and White, Metahistory , 13, 283, 332.

Hayden White, Tropics of Discourse: Essays in Cultural Criticism (Baltimore, MD, 1978), 41. Sol Cohen explores the implications of postmodernism for historians of education in several chapters of Challenging Orthodoxies: Toward a New Cultural History of Education (New York, 1999). Richard T. Vann notes the impact of White on literary scholars, outside the field of history, in “The Reception of Hayden White,” History and Theory 37 (May 1998): 148–49, 156.

In addition to the books previously cited on social history, good introductions to modern historical scholarship include the following: James B. Gardner and George Rollie Adams, eds., Ordinary People and Everyday Life: Perspectives on the New Social History (Nashville, TN, 1983); and Eric Foner, ed., The New American History (Philadelphia, PA, 1990). On the problem of overspecialization in the historical profession, read Thomas Bender, “Whole and Parts: The Need for Synthesis in American History,” Journal of American History 73 (June 1986): 120–36, which generated lively debates with other scholars in subsequent issues of this journal.

Keith Jenkins, Re-Thinking History (London, 1991), 5, 13, 32.

Keith Jenkins, On “What is History?” From Carr and Elton to Rortyand White (London, 1995), 7, 20, 178–79.

Southgate, History , 85; Elton, Return to Essentials , 41, passim; Lawrence Stone, “History and Post-Modernism,” Past and Present 131 (May 1991): 217–18; and, for the quotations in the text, Lawrence Stone, “History and Post-Modernism,” Past and Present 135 (May 1992): 190–191, 193. For a lively assessment and attack on the linguistic turn and other new approaches in social history, read Bryan D. Palmer’s Descent into Discourse: The Reification of Language and the Writing of Social History (Philadelphia, PA, 1990); and Richard J. Evans, In Defence of History (London, 1997), a brilliant interpretation of the history of historical scholarship and critique of postmodernist excesses. In response to this sort of hostile reception of postmodern scholarship, also read Patrick Joyce, “The Return of History: Postmodernism and the Politics of Academic History,” Past and Present 158 (February 1998): 207–35.

Ernst Breisach, On the Future of History: The Postmodernist Challenge and Its Aftermath (Chicago, 2003), 200–01; Appleby, Hunt, and Jacobs, Telling the Truth , 7, 12, 196, 235, 247–51, 275; and Iggers, Historiography , 12–13, 132–33, 145. On page 13, Iggers notes, “The contradictions of resolving history into purely imaginative literature become apparent in Hayden White’s admission that from a moral perspective it is unacceptable to deny the reality of the Holocaust, yet it is impossible in a historical narrative to establish objectively that it happened.” On the debate over the relationship between relativism, postmodernism, and historical understanding, read Patrick Finney, “Ethics, Historical Relativism, and Holocaust Denial,” Rethinking History 2 (Autumn 1998), 359–69. Richard Aldrich notes in his Inaugural Lecture at the University of London’s Institute of Education, The End of History and the Beginning of Education (London, 1997) that, contrary to the views of Hayden White, most historians continue to discover more evidence than they invent and that the differences between history and literature remain evident. Also see Roy Lowe, “Postmodernity and Historians of Education: A View from Britain,” Paedagogica Historica 15 (1996): 307–23. As Gaddis noted in Landscape , 9–10, 33–34, 136, most practicing historians did not welcome another lecture on the “the relative character on historical judgements,” since scholars generally knew that no human being could claim to capture the past in its entirety or find or intuit the whole truth and nothing but the truth about what went before. Like cartographers drawing maps, he argued, historians write about the past from a certain vantage point, field of vision, and perspective, trying to represent and approximate reality with the best intellectual tools at their disposal.

Dorothy Ross, “The New and Newer Histories: Social Theory and Historiography in an American Key,” in Imagined Histories: American Historians Interpret the Past , ed. Anthony Molho and Gordon S. Wood (Princeton, NJ, 1998), 99–100. On the quotation from Cicero, see Kelley, Versions of History , 77–78.

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Reese, W.J. (2007). On the Nature and Purpose of History. In: History, Education, and the Schools. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230104822_2

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Module 4: Imperial Reforms and Colonial Protests (1763-1774)

Historical thesis statements, learning objectives.

  • Recognize and create high-quality historical thesis statements

Some consider all writing a form of argument—or at least of persuasion. After all, even if you’re writing a letter or an informative essay, you’re implicitly trying to persuade your audience to care about what you’re saying. Your thesis statement represents the main idea—or point—about a topic or issue that you make in an argument. For example, let’s say that your topic is social media. A thesis statement about social media could look like one of the following sentences:

  • Social media are hurting the communication skills of young Americans.
  • Social media are useful tools for social movements.

A basic thesis sentence has two main parts: a claim  and support for that claim.

  • The Immigration Act of 1965 effectively restructured the United States’ immigration policies in such a way that no group, minority or majority, was singled out by being discriminated against or given preferential treatment in terms of its ability to immigrate to America.

Identifying the Thesis Statement

A thesis consists of a specific topic and an angle on the topic. All of the other ideas in the text support and develop the thesis. The thesis statement is often found in the introduction, sometimes after an initial “hook” or interesting story; sometimes, however, the thesis is not explicitly stated until the end of an essay, and sometimes it is not stated at all. In those instances, there is an implied thesis statement. You can generally extract the thesis statement by looking for a few key sentences and ideas.

Most readers expect to see the point of your argument (the thesis statement) within the first few paragraphs. This does not mean that it has to be placed there every time. Some writers place it at the very end, slowly building up to it throughout their work, to explain a point after the fact. For history essays, most professors will expect to see a clearly discernible thesis sentence in the introduction. Note that many history papers also include a topic sentence, which clearly state what the paper is about

Thesis statements vary based on the rhetorical strategy of the essay, but thesis statements typically share the following characteristics:

  • Presents the main idea
  • Most often is one sentence
  • Tells the reader what to expect
  • Is a summary of the essay topic
  • Usually worded to have an argumentative edge
  • Written in the third person

This video explains thesis statements and gives a few clear examples of how a good thesis should both make a claim and forecast specific ways that the essay will support that claim.

You can view the  transcript for “Thesis Statement – Writing Tutorials, US History, Dr. Robert Scafe” here (opens in new window) .

Writing a Thesis Statement

A good basic structure for a thesis statement is “they say, I say.” What is the prevailing view, and how does your position differ from it? However, avoid limiting the scope of your writing with an either/or thesis under the assumption that your view must be strictly contrary to their view.

Following are some typical thesis statements:

  • Although many readers believe Romeo and Juliet to be a tale about the ill fate of two star-crossed lovers, it can also be read as an allegory concerning a playwright and his audience.
  • The “War on Drugs” has not only failed to reduce the frequency of drug-related crimes in America but actually enhanced the popular image of dope peddlers by romanticizing them as desperate rebels fighting for a cause.
  • The bulk of modern copyright law was conceived in the age of commercial printing, long before the Internet made it so easy for the public to compose and distribute its own texts. Therefore, these laws should be reviewed and revised to better accommodate modern readers and writers.
  • The usual moral justification for capital punishment is that it deters crime by frightening would-be criminals. However, the statistics tell a different story.
  • If students really want to improve their writing, they must read often, practice writing, and receive quality feedback from their peers.
  • Plato’s dialectical method has much to offer those engaged in online writing, which is far more conversational in nature than print.

Thesis Problems to Avoid

Although you have creative control over your thesis sentence, you still should try to avoid the following problems, not for stylistic reasons, but because they indicate a problem in the thinking that underlies the thesis sentence.

  • Hospice workers need support. This is a thesis sentence; it has a topic (hospice workers) and an argument (need support). But the argument is very broad. When the argument in a thesis sentence is too broad, the writer may not have carefully thought through the specific support for the rest of the writing. A thesis argument that’s too broad makes it easy to fall into the trap of offering information that deviates from that argument.
  • Hospice workers have a 55% turnover rate compared to the general health care population’s 25% turnover rate.  This sentence really isn’t a thesis sentence at all, because there’s no argument to support it. A narrow statistic, or a narrow statement of fact, doesn’t offer the writer’s own ideas or analysis about a topic.

Let’s see some examples of potential theses related to the following prompt:

  • Bad thesis : The relationship between the American colonists and the British government changed after the French & Indian War.
  • Better thesis : The relationship between the American colonists and the British government was strained following the Revolutionary war.
  • Best thesis : Due to the heavy debt acquired by the British government during the French & Indian War, the British government increased efforts to tax the colonists, causing American opposition and resistance that strained the relationship between the colonists and the crown.

Practice identifying strong thesis statements in the following interactive.

Supporting Evidence for Thesis Statements

A thesis statement doesn’t mean much without supporting evidence. Oftentimes in a history class, you’ll be expected to defend your thesis, or your argument, using primary source documents. Sometimes these documents are provided to you, and sometimes you’ll need to go find evidence on your own. When the documents are provided for you and you are asked to answer questions about them, it is called a document-based question, or DBQ. You can think of a DBQ like a miniature research paper, where the research has been done for you. DBQs are often used on standardized tests, like this DBQ from the 2004 U.S. History AP exam , which asked students about the altered political, economic, and ideological relations between Britain and the colonies because of the French & Indian War. In this question, students were given 8 documents (A through H) and expected to use these documents to defend and support their argument. For example, here is a possible thesis statement for this essay:

  • The French & Indian War altered the political, economic, and ideological relations between the colonists and the British government because it changed the nature of British rule over the colonies, sowed the seeds of discontent, and led to increased taxation from the British.

Now, to defend this thesis statement, you would add evidence from the documents. The thesis statement can also help structure your argument. With the thesis statement above, we could expect the essay to follow this general outline:

  • Introduction—introduce how the French and Indian War altered political, economic, and ideological relations between the colonists and the British
  • Show the changing map from Doc A and greater administrative responsibility and increased westward expansion
  • Discuss Doc B, frustrations from the Iroquois Confederacy and encroachment onto Native lands
  • Could also mention Doc F and the result in greater administrative costs
  • Use Doc D and explain how a colonial soldier notices disparities between how they are treated when compared to the British
  • Use General Washington’s sentiments in Doc C to discuss how these attitudes of reverence shifted after the war. Could mention how the war created leadership opportunities and gave military experience to colonists.
  • Use Doc E to highlight how the sermon showed optimism about Britain ruling the colonies after the war
  • Highlight some of the political, economic, and ideological differences related to increased taxation caused by the War
  • Use Doc F, the British Order in Council Statement, to indicate the need for more funding to pay for the cost of war
  • Explain Doc G, frustration from Benjamin Franklin about the Stamp Act and efforts to repeal it
  • Use Doc H, the newspaper masthead saying “farewell to liberty”, to highlight the change in sentiments and colonial anger over the Stamp Act

As an example, to argue that the French & Indian War sowed the seeds of discontent, you could mention Document D, from a Massachusetts soldier diary, who wrote, “And we, being here within stone walls, are not likely to get liquors or clothes at this time of the year; and though we be Englishmen born, we are debarred [denied] Englishmen’s liberty.” This shows how colonists began to see their identity as Americans as distinct from those from the British mainland.

Remember, a strong thesis statement is one that supports the argument of your writing. It should have a clear purpose and objective, and although you may revise it as you write, it’s a good idea to start with a strong thesis statement the give your essay direction and organization. You can check the quality of your thesis statement by answering the following questions:

  • If a specific prompt was provided, does the thesis statement answer the question prompt?
  • Does the thesis statement make sense?
  • Is the thesis statement historically accurate?
  • Does the thesis statement provide clear and cohesive reasoning?
  • Is the thesis supportable by evidence?

thesis statement : a statement of the topic of the piece of writing and the angle the writer has on that topic

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  • Thesis Examples. Authored by : Cody Chun, Kieran O'Neil, Kylie Young, Julie Nelson Christoph. Provided by : The University of Puget Sound. Located at : https://soundwriting.pugetsound.edu/universal/thesis-dev-six-steps.html . Project : Sound Writing. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Writing Practice: Building Thesis Statements. Provided by : The Bill of Rights Institute, OpenStax, and contributing authors. Located at : https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:L3kRHhAr@7/1-22-%F0%9F%93%9D-Writing-Practice-Building-Thesis-Statements . License : CC BY: Attribution . License Terms : Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected].
  • Thesis Statement - Writing Tutorials, US History, Dr. Robert Scafe. Provided by : OU Office of Digital Learning. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hjAk8JI0IY&t=310s . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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  1. The Importance of History (500 Words)

    purpose of history essay

  2. Higher history extended essay sample in 2021

    purpose of history essay

  3. u s history- mid-term essay

    purpose of history essay

  4. How to Compose a History Essay

    purpose of history essay

  5. History Essay Writing

    purpose of history essay

  6. Sample History Essay

    purpose of history essay

VIDEO

  1. We do not make history, we are made by history

  2. HOW TO SCORE FOR HISTORY ESSAY

  3. History essay writing

  4. Why is it important to deal with history?

  5. Sources Of History: A Common Topic for all standards

  6. IB History Essay Writing

COMMENTS

  1. Why Study History? (1998)

    History Helps Us Understand People and Societies In the first place, history offers a storehouse of information about how people and societies behave. Understanding the operations of people and societies is difficult, though a number of disciplines make the attempt. An exclusive reliance on current data would needlessly handicap our efforts.

  2. History Essay: Topics, Tips and the Outline

    Purpose of a History Essay Elements for Success Preparing to Write Who What Why Evaluating the Question Summarizing the Argument Outlining a History Essay Plan Gathering Sources Writing the Essay Introduction Paragraph Body Paragraphs Conclusion Paragraph Proofreading Your Essay History Essay Example Make it Shine History Essay Sample

  3. PDF A Brief Guide to Writing the History Paper

    A Brief Guide to Writing the History Paper The Challenges of Writing About (a.k.a., Making) History At first glance, writing about history can seem like an overwhelming task. History's subject matter is immense, encompassing all of human affairs in the recorded past — up until the moment, that is, that you started reading this guide.

  4. How to write an introduction for a history essay

    1. Background sentences. The first two or three sentences of your introduction should provide a general introduction to the historical topic which your essay is about. This is done so that when you state your , your reader understands the specific point you are arguing about. Background sentences explain the important historical period, dates ...

  5. Writing a history essay

    Writing a history essay An essay is a piece of sustained writing in response to a question, topic or issue. Essays are commonly used for assessing and evaluating student progress in history. History essays test a range of skills including historical understanding, interpretation and analysis, planning, research and writing.

  6. How to Write a History Essay: Examples, Tips & Tricks

    February 13, 2024 Before we get into how to write a history essay, let's first understand what makes one good. Different people might have different ideas, but there are some basic rules that can help you do well in your studies. In this guide, we won't get into any fancy theories.

  7. Writing Historical Essays

    The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the basics for writing undergraduate history essays and papers.

  8. What is history?

    History describes our attempts to research, study and explain the past. This is a subtle difference but an important one. What happened in the past is fixed in time and cannot be changed. In contrast, history changes regularly. The past is concrete and unchangeable but history is an ongoing conversation about the past and its meaning.

  9. How to write source-based history essays

    A History essay is a structured argument that provides historical evidence to substantiate its points. To achieve the correct structure for your argument, it is crucial to understand the separate parts that make up a written essay.

  10. How to Write a History Essay (with Pictures)

    Part 1 Preparing to Write Your Essay Download Article 1 Evaluate the essay question. The first thing to do if you have a history essay to write, is to really spend some time evaluating the question you are being asked.

  11. The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Brilliant History Essay

    The history essay's essence lies in the successful introduction and confirmation of statements related to some historical events or personalities. To make your work sound professional, you need to: ... You may take a look at the essay's purpose, analyze the structure, get an idea about transitions and vocabulary used. Check on these top ...

  12. Why Is History Important And How Can It Benefit Your Future?

    2. Society And Other People Studying history allows us to observe and understand how people and societies behaved. For example, we are able to evaluate war, even when a nation is at peace, by looking back at previous events. History provides us with the data that is used to create laws, or theories about various aspects of society. 3. Identity

  13. Sure, We Teach History. But Do We Know Why It's Important?

    In his 1946 essay " The Prevention of Literature ," George Orwell wrote that totalitarian governments approach history as "something to be created rather than learned.". But in classrooms ...

  14. Historiographical Essays

    The purpose of an historiographic essay is threefold: ... The contributions examine a wide range of interdisciplinary areas of historical research, including women's history, history "from below," the history of reading, oral history, the history of the body, microhistory, the history of events, the history of images, and ...

  15. How to Write a History Essay with a PRO Guide

    The purpose of a history essay extends beyond presenting facts; it aims to engage readers in a thoughtful exploration of the past. Whether exploring the causes and effects of a particular event or analyzing the evolution of societal norms, a history essay invites readers to accompany the writer on a journey through time. ...

  16. Why should you study history?

    Studying history helps us understand and grapple with complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past has shaped (and continues to shape) global, national, and local relationships between societies and people. The Past Teaches Us About the Present

  17. Why Study History? : History Department : Hanover College

    History is essential to the traditional objectives of the liberal arts, the quest for wisdom and virtue. There is another reason to study history: it's fun. History combines the excitement of exploration and discovery with the sense of reward born of successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems.

  18. How to Write a Successful History Essay for Highschoolers

    3. Include an example that relates to your argument. 4. Evidence supporting your example. This can include archaeological evidence ex. coins, a historian's quote, written evidence ex. an ancient tablet, statistics and facts, etc. 5. Explain how your evidence and example relate to your thesis. Your links to your thesis MUST be shown consistently ...

  19. How to Write an Introduction For a History Essay Step-by-Step

    Purpose of An Introduction. If a person is formally introduced to you, it is a means of getting acquainted. An introduction of a historical essay acquaints the reader with the topic and how the writer will explain it. The introduction is a roadmap that lays out the direction you will take in the essay.

  20. On the Nature and Purpose of History

    James Harvey Robinson, The New History: Essays Illustrating the Modern Historical Outlook (New York, ©1965), 1; and Kevin Mattson, "The Challenges of Democracy: James Harvey Robinson, the New History, and Adult Education for Citizenship," Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era 2 (January 2003): 48-79. Ellen Fitzpatrick has laid to ...

  21. Purpose Of History Essay

    Purpose Of History Essay; Purpose Of History Essay. 1035 Words 5 Pages. History refers to the speculation and efforts in getting truths, clarification of the cause of the origin of things, and information of how and why events happen. History aims to help us understand past humans' interactions and how the dynamic environment impacted their ...

  22. Historical Thesis Statements

    Note that many history papers also include a topic sentence, which clearly state what the paper is about. Thesis statements vary based on the rhetorical strategy of the essay, but thesis statements typically share the following characteristics: ... It should have a clear purpose and objective, and although you may revise it as you write, it's ...

  23. History: What Is The Purpose Of History?

    618 Words 3 Pages Open Document I know that you were never one concerned by history, because you felt it was not relevant to you, that it was boring and maybe it was even inaccurate. However, in my studies I have found quite the opposite. History is more than dates or names, history is us.