Once you've selected a broad topic to explore, scan reference sources, such as subject-specific encyclopedias and handbooks to: 

1) Understand the basic facts related to the topic

2) Generate questions to guide your research

3) Identify important ideas and terms to investigate further

Gale in Context U.S. History is a large database that includes multiple research materials, including: newspapers, academic journals, primary sources, and reference resources. Many topics include a topic overview that can provide a concise summary of a complex subject related to U.S. history. Reading through a topic overview, as well as the other database materials, provides the focus and basic understanding necessary to conduct more in-depth research. Gale U.S. History in Context can also offer ideas for keywords and concepts related to your research topic. 

Search a main topic in OneSearch to retrieve a Start Your Research encyclopedic article for a topic overview.