If you are exploring IB History Extended Essay Topics, this is the right place for you.
The Extended Essay in history is an opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to demonstrate their understanding of the research methodologies and critical thinking skills required in the study of history.
Top 20 IB History Extended Essay Topics
It’s worth noting that these topics are just suggestions and that the best topic for an Extended Essay in history is one that you are passionate and knowledgeable about and one that allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and research abilities.
The topic should also be specific and focused enough to be covered within the essay’s word count limit.
| IB History Extended Essay Topics | Research Question (RQ) For IB History Extended Essay Topics |
|---|---|
| Causes and Consequences of the American Revolution | What were the main causes of the American Revolution, and how did it reshape political systems and society? |
| Impact of the Industrial Revolution on European Society | How did the Industrial Revolution transform social structures and living conditions in Europe? |
| Role of Women in the French Revolution | To what extent did women influence political and social change during the French Revolution? |
| Impact of Colonialism on Africa | How did colonialism affect the economic and social development of African societies? |
| Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany | How did propaganda shape public opinion and maintain control in Nazi Germany? |
| Collapse of the Soviet Union | What were the key reasons behind the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991? |
| Role of Religion in the English Civil War | How did religious divisions contribute to the outbreak of the English Civil War? |
| Impact of the Renaissance | How did the Renaissance influence art, culture, and intellectual thought in Europe? |
| Causes and Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis | What caused the Cuban Missile Crisis, and what were its global consequences? |
| Impact of the Scientific Revolution | How did the Scientific Revolution contribute to the development of the modern world? |
| Diplomacy Leading to World War I | To what extent did diplomacy fail in preventing the outbreak of World War I? |
| Impact of the Cold War | How did the Cold War shape global political alliances and conflicts? |
| Media and the Vietnam War | How did media coverage influence public opinion during the Vietnam War? |
| Effects of the Black Death | What were the economic and social effects of the Black Death in medieval Europe? |
| Rise of Fascism in Italy | What factors led to the rise of fascism in Italy, and what were its consequences? |
| Impact of the Berlin Wall | How did the Berlin Wall affect political, social, and economic life in East and West Germany? |
| Civil Rights Movement in the United States | How did the Civil Rights Movement transform social and legal equality in the United States? |
| Causes and Consequences of the Cuban Revolution | What were the causes of the Cuban Revolution, and how did it change Cuba’s political system? |
| Role of Religion in the Spanish Inquisition | How did religion influence the actions and policies of the Spanish Inquisition? |
| Impact of the Scientific Revolution (duplicate refined) | To what extent did the Scientific Revolution lay the foundations for modern science and technology? |
The 20 topics I provided for the Extended Essay in history are broad and varied, covering different historical periods, locations, and themes.

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Students can use these topics as inspiration for their own research and adapt them to suit their interests and abilities.
IB History Extended Essay Topics can be used in the following ways:
- As a starting point, Students can use IB History Extended Essay Topics to guide their research and further develop their ideas. For example, a student interested in the American Revolution can use this topic as a starting point and focus on a specific aspect, such as the role of women or the impact on indigenous peoples.
- As a guide: Students can use these topics as a guide to understand the types of questions that can be asked in an Extended Essay in history. For example, a student interested in the role of religion in the English Civil War can use this topic as a guide to understanding the types of questions that can be asked about religion in other historical events.
- As a source of primary and secondary sources: Students can use these topics to identify primary and secondary sources to support their research. For example, a student interested in the impact of colonialism in Africa can use this topic to identify books, articles, and online resources that provide information on this topic.
- As a way to explore different historical perspectives: Students can use these topics to explore different historical perspectives and to understand how different historians have approached the same topic. For example, a student interested in the causes and consequences of the Cold War can use this topic to understand how different historians have approached this topic and to compare and contrast their arguments.
- To develop critical thinking and research skills: The Extended Essay in history allows students to hone these skills. By choosing one of the provided topics, students can develop their research and analytical skills, such as finding and evaluating sources, making an argument, and drawing conclusions from evidence.
It’s important to note that while these IB History Extended Essay Topics provide a starting point, students should always consult with their supervisor and ensure that their topic is specific and focused enough to be covered within the essay’s word count limit.
Ready to choose the History EE topic?
In conclusion, the study of history is a vital tool in understanding the past, present, and future of human society. The Extended Essay in history is an excellent opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to demonstrate their understanding of the research methodologies and critical thinking skills required in the study of history.
The 20 topics provided are broad and varied, covering different historical periods, locations, and themes, and can be used as inspiration for students’ own research. They can be used as a starting point, a guide, a source of primary and secondary materials, a way to explore different historical perspectives, and a way to develop critical thinking and research skills.
Writing an extended essay can be challenging, and it is essential for students to have a clear understanding of research methodologies, critical thinking skills, and the essay’s structure.
If students are struggling with their essays, they can seek help from a writing service that specializes in providing assistance for Extended Essays. These services can provide guidance and support throughout the research and writing process, helping students produce a well-written, well-researched essay that meets the required standards.
FAQs Related to IB History Extended Essay Topics
What are IB History Extended Essay topics?
IB History Extended Essay topics are focused research questions based on historical events like World War I or the Cold War, requiring critical analysis and evidence.
How do I choose a good IB History Extended Essay topic?
Choose a topic that is specific, researchable, and interesting to you, such as analyzing the causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
What makes a strong History Extended Essay research question?
A strong RQ is clear, focused, and analytical, for example: “To what extent did propaganda influence society in Nazi Germany?”
How long should an IB History Extended Essay be?
An IB History Extended Essay should be a maximum of 4,000 words, including an analysis of events like the Vietnam War.
What sources should I use for a History Extended Essay?
Use a mix of primary and secondary sources, such as letters, official documents, and historians’ interpretations of events like the French Revolution.
How can I score a 7 in IB History Extended Essay?
To score a 7, provide critical analysis, evaluate sources, and develop a clear argument supported by evidence from events like the American Revolution.
Can I choose any historical topic for my Extended Essay?
Yes, but it must be approved by your school and focused within a clear timeframe, such as the Industrial Revolution.
What are common mistakes in IB History Extended Essays?
Common mistakes include being overly descriptive, choosing broad topics, and failing to analyze key events such as the Russian Revolution.
Luke MacQuoid
Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog
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