The state history of Illinois is a good choice for a student term paper. Consider Congress' motivations for the creation of the Illinois Territory in 1809, for example, and the legal consequences of this decision. Alternatively, write a term paper about the road to Illinois statehood using primary sources from the Library of Congress' American Memory Project or the factors leading to the decision to become the 21st U.S. state in 1818.
A cultural history term paper might include a description and analysis of the Illinois Indians, also known as the Illini. The arrival of the French in 1673, settlement in 1720 and the impact of British sovereignty in the following century are also areas of cultural history that would make for an interesting term paper. Subtopics of cultural history include the effects of these events on trade and population.
When Illinois entered the Union in 1818, its Constitution gave the vote only to white males over the age of 21. Similarly, Illinois' second constitution of 1848 did not make any provision for female suffrage and led to the establishment of the National Women's Movement.
Topics for a term paper include the contemporary arguments for and against female suffrage and the role and contribution of Susan Hoxie Richardson, founder of Illinois' first women's suffrage society. Consider the mounting pressure that led to the passing of the 1891 Act allowing women to elect school officials.
Alternatively, consider the factors that led to the passing of the 1913 Women's Suffrage Act.
For those interested in the natural history of Illinois, a term paper on the cause and effects of earthquakes, dating back to the earliest reported quake in 1795, is one topic to consider.
Another natural history idea includes the establishment of Illinois' first state park, Starved Rock, in 1911. Starved Rock derives its name from a Native American legend of the 1760s. The legend states that when under attack by the Potawatomi, the Illiniwek took refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi, however, surrounded the butte and held their ground until the Illiniwek died of starvation, hence the name "Starved Rock." Consider why these tribes were at war and include relevant photographs from the state park in your term paper.