Browsing Topics

Choosing your own topic to write about is challenging. Start by looking at topics you have covered, or will cover in your textbook, and write down any that interest you. Next, search for these topics using the resources on this page. 

The resources on this page can help you explore potential topics for your research paper. These resources include library databases and selected history-themed websites.

Once you determine that your topic has enough information to help you write a 6-7 page paper, move on to the other tabs on this guide to gather more in-depth information.

American History - Use the index of this database to search topics by era.

America's Historical Newspapers (1690-2000) - Browse by eras, events, issues, and innovations to read articles written during the time period you are researching.

Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History - Excellent site contains historical research materials of all types, provided by U. S. History Scholars. In order to browse, you must first create an individual account.

The New York Times - You will search Archives for your paper.  Start by entering a term in the search box. Then, on results page, use the date feature to limit years searched, as there are thousands of articles included in this website. 

U.S. History in Context - Provides information on hundreds of the most significant people, events and topics in U.S. History.