1. History is full of revolutionary ideas, and what has made these ideas revolutionary is the fact that they have challenged the status quo, destroyed old ways of thought, and ushered in new eras of thinking. Revolutions in history are everywhere!

2. The theme helps you to ask questions and think deeply about a topic. Limit the scope of your topic to make the research and interpretation of your topic manageable. Focus on a issue that can be explained and interpreted within the category limits of size and time.

3.  Examine the causes and legacy of how revolutions, reactions, and reforms in history have shaped our world.

4.  If interested in a current topic, trace the causes back in time.  When did the revolution, reaction, or reform really begin?

5. The overthrow of one government and its replacement with another or sudden or momentous change in a situation Think of theme in broad terms- the distinctions between the 3Rs may be blurred. Don’t be too literal. Revolutions and reforms are often reactions to particular situations, which may inspire reactions. (What goes around comes around.) Whether revolutionary or gradual, such changes often inspire opposition as some people seek to slow or reverse them.

6.  Huge!!!  Don’t attempt to analyze and document an entire political revolution › Look for manageable topics  Ideas emerging from a revolution  Specific events or factions within a revolution  Individuals who affected or were affected by a revolution

7.  Political Revolutions provoke reactions › How did other revolutions inspire slaves in Saint Domingue to stage their own revolution in 1791? › How did American fear of communism affect the Cold War? (reaction) › Was the Marshall Plan or the Truman Doctrine manifestations of this fear?

8. › What was the reaction throughout the South to Nat Turner’s rebellion in VA in 1831? › Can Reconstruction be considered a failed Revolution?

9. › How did the New Deal revolution change the role of government in American life in 1930s? › Anti-slavery advocates › Progressive Movement reforms

10.  Court cases as reactions › Outcomes may lead to reform or revolutions › Plessy v Ferguson-a reaction?  Medical revolutions  Economic revolutions › Industrial Revolution › Spice trade › Sugar  Consumer revolutions › Tea › Department stores › Installment buying › How did the cotton gin have an impact on slavery? › In what ways did the typewriter provide new opportunities for women? › Transportation

11.  What was revolutionary about Isaac Newton’s work in the 1600?

12.  What factors contributed to a revolution?  Why was there a need to reform at the particular time?  Why did the event cause a reaction?  When is the revolution over?  How did society change?  Was the society better?  Did the changes indicate progress?  Or, did the society suffer and were the results more negative than positive?

13.  Theme is broad, so topic should be carefully selected and developed in ways that best use your talents and abilities.  Place in historical perspective, examine significance in history, and show development over time.

14.  How does your topic have long term impact  How did it change history?  Your interpretation of the consequences and historical significance of your topic should be based on your research and supported by evidence.  Always examine your topic for the short- term consequences and the long-term change.

15.  Must fit the theme  Personal interest to you  Check availability of sources  Start by talking to everyone about possible topic ideas and reading widely.  Ask your parents, your teachers, your friends.  You can search the Internet. Peruse your textbook and your school library.  Carry a notebook and write down ideas.  When you have a list, circle the topics you want to know more about and go to the library to begin researching!

16.  Does NOT have to be all three  Your topic must show a connection to one area  Must be in history. Don’t focus on present day events. At least 25 years ago.  Can be a local, regional, state, national, or international topic