Writing FOr History

On this page

Historical Arguments

Most likely, you will be arguing a position in your history paper. Maybe you'll argue something specific and controversial about a historical figure:

Abraham Lincoln was deeply depressed as evidenced by his diaries and letters.

Maybe you'll argue a specific interpretation of a historical culture:

While we think of personhood as consisting of mind, body, and possibly soul, Viking personhood consisted of more than four components, as evidenced by their own sagas and poems.

Maybe you'll analyze a text and argue a specific angle:

In "Children of Ash and Elm", author Neil Price argues that the Vikings did not have to like or respect their gods, only sacrifice to them. However, other scholars seem to contradict this.

In all of these arguments, notice that the thesis indicates that the writer will prove their argument using hard evidence.

Questions to ask when writing a historical thesis

Delve beyond the "when". For example:

   In the thirteenth century, Mesa Verde was abandoned by the Ancestral Puebloans who lived there

is not an argument- it's more of a narrative. To get to arguments, go deeper. Ask questions and form arguments centering the questions "why" and "how" of an event- then try to answer them. For example, for the statement above, we might ask why Mesa Verde was abandoned, or where the people who lived there migrated afterward.

  In the thirteenth century, it's commonly thought that the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned Mesa Verde due to drought, however, there may have been a more violent end as evidenced by battle remains.

or

  Evidence shows that the Ancestral Puebloans migrated to Arizona and New Mexico after leaving Mesa Verde, but indigenous oral histories place the Puebloans as far south as Mexico. This paper will argue for Puebloan presence in Mexico City.

Remember, whatever you do, use solid evidence to back up your thesis.

Historical Writing Tips

Know the difference between primary and secondary sources

This is important for all writing, so check out our page on the subject.

Primary Source: A primary source is an original study, document, object, or eyewitness account. In other words, this is the source where any given information first appeared. For instance, if a scientific study is performed, the primary source is the initial report that is prepared by the scientist(s) who performed the research. 

Secondary Source: A secondary source is a document that is written about the primary source. These are often documents that report, analyze, discuss, or interpret primary sources.  

Respect your elders

Can you believe the Germans fell for Nazi propaganda lies?

Medieval people were silly enough to not understand how germs worked. 

It's unbelievable that the Japanese worshipped dragon gods.

If they were vain enough to use arsenic as makeup, Victorians deserved to be poisoned by it.

The tone taken above implies a few things:

• People in the past were ignorant

• Current day peoples have nothing in common with historical peoples (we do not experience lies, germs, religion, or vanity)

• Had the writer lived during these times, they would have miraculously transcended their cultural norms

None of these are likely true, so stay humble. If you're shocked by the beliefs and actions of historical figures, get curious about them! How did Germans fall for such blatantly evil propaganda? Why did the Japanese believe in dragons?

Note: this does not mean you can't argue against or expose immorality! It's simply best not to accuse your subjects of ignorance while you do it. See our sample paper below for an example.

No idols here

Abraham Lincoln was virtually faultless.

Vikings' strength and cunning on the seas were only to be admired.

America became the greatest country on earth, a land of equality for everyone.

On the other hand, try not to idolize anyone in the past. It's easy to do, but remember- everyone has their faults, even Abraham Lincoln! Try to approach all subjects with objectiveness and curiosity. If you find yourself idolizing someone, ask yourself why. 

Steps For Writing Any Paper

No matter which class you're writing for, you'll use many of the same steps. The Aims OWL has whole sections full of models, templates, infographics, and videos dedicated to helping you do each well. To write your history paper, follow the steps below:

• Read your assignment sheet carefully

• Research

• Brainstorm an argument (thesis)

• Brainstorm an outline, using reasons you believe your thesis as topic sentences

• Find evidence to prove your topic sentences

  • Know the difference between primary and secondary sources

• Write an introductory paragraph

• Write your body paragraphs

• Write a conclusion paragraph

• Use proper formatting for your quotes, evidence, and bibliography 

  • History papers tend to use APA or Chicago formatting

• Revise

• Double-check for grammar issues