Philadelphia, otherwise known as the City of Brotherly Love, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the sixth most populous city in the United States of America It was founded in 1682 as a city built by William Penn, an English Quaker, and named for his beloved hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is home to the Liberty Bell, the iconic symbol of American freedom, and is home to many of the nation's most famous historical landmarks and museums. It is a city of great diversity, with more than a thousand languages spoken here.
Philadelphia is home to a wide variety of interesting essay topics for exploration and writing. Here are five great examples:
1. Exploring the Role of Immigration in Philadelphia’s History: From its beginnings as a city of religious freedom to its current influx of immigrants from countries around the globe, Philadelphia has a long history of immigration. Along with the contributions of the various communities that have moved here, the tensions and struggles they face in their new home can also be explored.
2. The Soaring Cost of Living in Philadelphia: Despite the infrastructure and development efforts of the past several decades, the cost of living in Philadelphia can still be high compared with other large cities. Examining the history of wages and housing prices, as well as current policy debates about rental costs, can be an interesting topic for an essay.
3. The Impact of Gentrification on Philadelphia: Any discussion of Philadelphia’s modern landscape must include the impact of gentrification. Examining the effects on neighborhoods, including changing demographics and displacement of longtime residents, can provide an eye-opening look at the impact of large-scale development.
4. The Decline of Philadelphia’s Public Education System: Despite numerous reforms and investments, Philadelphia’s public education system is still struggling compared to other large cities in the United States. Exploring the history of the system, as well as current debates about policy and the future of Philadelphia’s students, can be a fascinating essay topic.
5. Exploring the Impact of Art and Culture on Philadelphia: From its world-renowned art scene to the extensive street murals, Philadelphia is home to a vibrant and diverse art and culture scene. Examining the impact of this scene on the city can be a great essay topic, from the way it has shaped and changed neighborhoods to the way it has brought communities together.