National History Day 2011-12 Theme:
Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the 2011-2012 National History Day theme, "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History"? Most people think of the Revolutionary War. But this theme is actually much broader than that.
Revolution does not refer only to political revolution. The word can also mean a "sudden or momentous change." Just a few of the "revolutions" that affected Montana are the industrial revolution (which created a huge market for Butte copper), technological and transportation revolutions (bringing in the railroads and the interstates), revolutions in women's rights and women’s roles, and economic revolutions (like the fur trade's introduction of capitalism onto the Plains.) The end of the buffalo era is another "sudden and momentous change."
And what about Reform? Wide-ranging reform programs sometimes can spur changes as great as those caused by revolutions—and, like revolutions, efforts at reform are not always successful (or even admirable.) Indian boarding schools, women suffrage, and Prohibition are all examples of reform movements that, for good or ill, had great impact on Montana.
Reaction is another key word. Whether revolutionary or gradual, change often inspires opposition, as some people seek to slow or even reverse changes—or simply adapt to them. How did copper miners react to the dangerous conditions in the mines? How did the Salish react to the pressure to leave the Bitterroot?
A final important part of the theme is the phrase in History. No matter what topic you choose, you should be careful to place your topics into historical perspective, examine the significance of your topics in history, and show development over time.
Selecting a Topic
Many students successfully choose world or national subjects for their National History Day projects, but we urge you not to overlook local and state history. Montana history is full of great topics for History Day projects. And remember:
- Local and state topics offer unique opportunities for original research.
- Students researching local and state topics sometimes make genuine contributions to history through their work (because they break new ground).
- It is often easier to find primary sources for local and state topics.
- Local topics can offer the opportunity to learn more about your home and the ties to your own life.
Ready to look for a topic?
First read the 2012 Theme Sheet: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History to gain a better understanding of the theme.
Then, click here, to discover some sample Montana topics that fit the 2012 theme.
Interested in a national or international topic? Click here for ideas.
