I need to do a thesis on a late-present American history about anything. I can't think of something that will be easy and easily researched. Any ideas?
Terrorism we are learning about it now and it has been around forever
Certainly! When choosing a topic for your thesis on late-present American history, it's important to select a subject that you find interesting and that has ample resources for research. Here are a few topic ideas that meet these criteria:
1. The Civil Rights Movement: Investigate the impact and achievements of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. You can explore influential figures, key events, legislative changes, and the long-lasting effects of the movement.
To research this topic, start by examining comprehensive books and articles on the Civil Rights Movement, such as "The Eyes on the Prize: Civil Rights Reader" edited by Clayborne Carson or "Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63" by Taylor Branch. Furthermore, explore primary sources like speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, Supreme Court decisions related to civil rights, and contemporary news articles.
2. The Vietnam War: Analyze the causes, progression, and consequences of the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Examine the military strategies, political decisions, anti-war movements, and the war's impact on American society, soldiers, and foreign policy.
Begin your research by consulting renowned works on the Vietnam War, such as "The Vietnam War: An Intimate History" by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns or "A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam" by Neil Sheehan. Additionally, delve into archival documents, oral histories, and memoirs from soldiers and civilians who experienced the war firsthand.
3. The Women's Liberation Movement: Explore the feminist movement of the late 20th century, focusing on the fight for gender equality, reproductive rights, and changes in social norms and expectations. You can delve into key events, influential women, major organizations, and the movement's impact on policies and legislation.
To begin your research, consult scholarly texts like "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan or "When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present" by Gail Collins. Additionally, examine primary sources from prominent feminists, such as speeches by Gloria Steinem, writings of second-wave feminists, and legal documents related to the movement and landmark court cases like Roe v. Wade.
Remember, these are just a few topic ideas to get you started. Once you select a topic, make sure to narrow it down to a specific research question or thesis statement that will guide your investigation.