Compare and contrast history essays are essays that require a writer to compare at least two (or more) items in history. These items always differ depending on the assignment given. For example, a student or writer might be asked to compare and contrast historical theories, texts, figures, events, or even positions on a specific historical issue. Although a historical assignment may refer to comparison as its major purpose, the assumption should always be that a student or writer is being asked to highlight the similarities and differences between the items being described; in other words, these types of essays asks one to compare and contrast the items of discussion.
The Structure of Comparative History Essays
A comparative history essay may be structured in two major ways depending on the quality and clarity of similarities and differences available. The two structural patterns of writing a comparative history essay include:
- The alternating method (or point-by-point pattern).
- The block method (or subject-by-subject pattern).
The alternating method gives a clear outline of both similarities and differences. Firstly, the writer has to find points that are closely related or common to his or her major subjects in an essay. Secondly, the writer alternates between these central subjects on the basis of the points identified. Therefore, a comparative history essay written in an alternative pattern should appear in an ABABAB format, showing its alternative nature between subject A and B. For example, a writer may want to compare two major subjects on the American and Russian revolutions. In this case, the writer may want to examine how both revolutions might have spurred or inhibited innovation in military strategies, administrative systems, and new technology. The following is an example of an alternate pattern representation.
| A | Paragraph 1 in body | New technology and the American Revolution |
| B | Paragraph 2 in body | New technology and the Russian Revolution |
| A | Paragraph 3 in body | Military strategy and the American Revolution |
| B | Paragraph 4 in body | Military strategy and the Russian Revolution |
| A | Paragraph 5 in body | Administrative system and the American Revolution |
| B | Paragraph 6 in body | Administrative system and the Russian Revolution |
The block method (AB) is mainly used when a writer is unable to find enough points on his or her central subjects A and B that are related to each other. The pattern may also be used when ideas on a particular central subject – say B – are an extension of the first central subject, A. Lastly; the block pattern may be used when a writer is asked to compare three or more central subjects as opposed to the traditional comparison which uses two subjects. In this pattern, the writer first discusses everything about the first subject (A) and then moves to the next subject (B). If for example the writer was asked to compare the American and Russian revolutions, he or she would first discuss all of the American Revolution and then move to the Russian Revolution. The following is a representation of the block method.
| A | Paragraphs 1-3 in body | How the American Revolution spurred or inhibited innovation |
| B | Paragraphs 4-6 in body | How the Russian Revolution spurred or inhibited innovation |
Tips on How to Write a Comparative History Essay
Before a writer can begin to work on his or her comparative history essay, there are important aspects that need to be considered. Firstly, a writer has to read and understand the topic of discussion. Secondly, it is critical to collect evidence (points) from numerous quality sources such as in-house and online libraries. For a history paper, collection of evidence entails detailed reading of all assigned reading materials on the topic. After the evidence is collected, the third step involves formulation of a possible answer to the question of the topic. At this point, the writer should also be in a position to give strong arguments to the points gathered; these arguments form the basic foundation of the paper. After all is done, the last step in preparation is writing an outline. The outline should contain an introduction, body, and a summation (or conclusion). An outline gives the writer a map to follow especially on the main points and even makes the final writing easier.
Examples of Comparative History Essay Topics
Some examples of comparative history essay topics include:
- Comparison between the American and Russian revolutions.
- Compare and contrast North American and Caribbean racial ideologies and their effects on society.
- Compare the emergence of nation-states in the 19th century Latin America with the emergence of nation-states in the 20th century Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Compare and contrast the historical processes of empire building in the Spanish maritime empire (1450-1800) with the historical processes of empire building in the Ottoman Empire.
- Compare outcomes of movements to redistribute land in both Mexico (in 1910) and China (1911).
- Compare the process of state-building between Islamic states and Mongol khanates.
- Compare and contrast the effects of the First World War in East Asia and the Middle East.
- Compare different responses to industrialization in Japan and Russia.
- Compare and contrast the methods of political control in Han China (206 B.C.E. – 220 C.E.) and Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E. – 476 C.E.).
- Compare and contrast changes and continuities in cultural practices and beliefs between Sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean from 1450 to present.