How to Write a History Essay: Outline, Tips, and Examples

In today’s competitive job market, having a professional and well-structured CV can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. Writing a history essay requires a blend of critical thinking, research, and well-structured writing. In this blog post, we’ll walk through how to write a history essay, including an outline, tips for writing, and history essay examples to guide you.

The History Essay Format

Before you begin, it’s essential to understand the history essay format. History essays demand a balanced combination of fact-based evidence and argumentation. A well-structured history essay typically follows this format:

1. Introduction
2. Thesis Statement
3. Main Body (divided into paragraphs)
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography

How to Write a History Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the process of writing a history essay, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft.

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Formulate a Question

The first step in writing a history essay is choosing a topic or question. In most cases, your professor will provide a set of questions. However, if you are given the flexibility to choose your own topic, pick something that piques your interest and is relevant to your course.

Example: "To what extent did the Industrial Revolution impact British society in the 19th century?"

Step 2: Conduct Research

A history essay demands thorough research from reliable sources. Use academic books, journals, and reputable websites to gather data. When conducting research, always ensure you’re sourcing both primary and secondary materials. Take detailed notes and cite all your sources to avoid plagiarism.

Tip: Create a research folder or digital notebook to keep track of useful articles, quotes, and references.

Step 3: Create a History Essay Outline

Before jumping into writing, it’s essential to outline your essay. An outline helps you organise your thoughts, structure your argument, and ensure a logical flow throughout the essay. Here's a simple history essay outline example:

Introduction:
Background information
Significance of the topic
Thesis statement

Main Body:
Paragraph 1: First point (with evidence)
Paragraph 2: Second point (with evidence)
Paragraph 3: Counterargument (if applicable)

Conclusion:
Restate the thesis
Summarise the key points
Offer final thoughts or implications

History Essay Introduction: Setting the Scene

The history essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for your argument. Your introduction should provide context to the historical event or period you’re discussing. It must be engaging and informative, but avoid overloading it with too many details. Most importantly, it should end with a clear thesis statement—the central argument of your essay.

Example of a history essay introduction:

The Industrial Revolution, a period of dramatic technological advancements, reshaped British society in the 19th century. As factories and industries grew, so did the challenges faced by urban populations. This essay will explore the extent to which the Industrial Revolution impacted British social structures, arguing that while it brought about significant economic growth, it also exacerbated social inequalities.

Writing a History Essay: The Main Body

The main body of your history essay should contain a series of well-structured paragraphs that provide evidence to support your thesis. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point and include:

History Essay Conclusion: Wrapping It Up

The history essay conclusion is your final chance to summarise your arguments and reinforce your thesis. A strong conclusion doesn’t introduce new information but instead reaffirms what has already been discussed in the body of the essay. It should also provide some reflection on the broader significance of your findings.

Example of a history essay conclusion:

In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution was a transformative period in British history, driving significant economic development. However, the social ramifications, particularly for the working class, cannot be overlooked. While technological advancements brought wealth to certain sectors, they also deepened the divide between rich and poor, a legacy that continues to shape British society today.

History Essay Example: Final Draft

Let’s put all these elements together and look at a brief history essay example based on the outline above:

Essay Title: The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on British Society

Introduction:
The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, marked a significant turning point in British history. Technological innovations revolutionised manufacturing, transforming the economy and society at large. However, while industrialisation brought prosperity to some, it also resulted in severe social consequences. This essay will argue that the Industrial Revolution, while economically beneficial, greatly increased social inequality in 19th-century Britain.

Main Body:
The rapid development of factories and industries was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Urbanisation surged as people moved to cities in search of work. According to historian Eric Hobsbawm, by 1850, nearly half of Britain's population lived in urban areas, marking a sharp contrast to the agrarian society of previous centuries. This shift resulted in overcrowded living conditions and poor working environments for many.
Moreover, child labour became rampant during this period. Historian E.P. Thompson notes that children as young as five were employed in factories under deplorable conditions. This exploitation underscored the widening gap between the industrial elite and the working class.
On the other hand, industrialisation led to the growth of a new middle class. Entrepreneurs and factory owners amassed great wealth, and new technologies improved the efficiency of production. However, this economic prosperity was not evenly distributed, and many working-class families lived in extreme poverty.

Conclusion:
In summary, while the Industrial Revolution brought about unprecedented economic growth, it also deepened social inequality in 19th-century Britain. The divide between the wealthy industrialists and the impoverished working class was a direct consequence of unchecked industrial expansion, leaving a lasting legacy on British society.

Read more undergraduate essay examples in other different subjects.