1.1
Historical Thinking and Analysis
September 1, 2025
Shivohm Karogal
9
Min Read
AI Summary
These revision notes focus on developing fluency in citing sources and evaluating historical causes with evidence and critical thinking. For example, primary sources like diaries provide firsthand accounts, while secondary sources such as textbooks offer interpretations. Effective historical analysis requires citing origins, recognizing bias, and supporting claims with facts. Understanding processes—like how a bill becomes law—and interpreting vocabulary or author perspectives help deepen context. Combining visuals with text and distinguishing fact from opinion further strengthens analysis, ensuring a balanced and credible understanding of history.
Objective
To develop fluency in citing sources and evaluating the significance of historical causes in both the short and long term.
Core Concept
Analyzing historical events is essential to developing critical thinking skills. Supporting claims with evidence—such as dates, figures, or key events—is fundamental to sound historical analysis.
1. Citing Evidence from Primary and Secondary Sources
Historical evidence can be drawn from two main types of sources:
Primary sources: Firsthand accounts from individuals who experienced the event (e.g., diary entries, photographs, autobiographies, speeches).
Secondary sources: Interpretations or summaries written by others after the event (e.g., textbooks, biographies, documentaries).
Key Points:
Always cite the origin of the information to increase reliability.
Use facts, statistics, or dates to support your analysis.
Consider the bias of the source and the purpose behind its creation.
2. Identifying Steps in Historical Processes
Historians trace how events unfold over time. Understanding these steps is key to explaining cause and effect.
Example: How a Bill Becomes a Law
A member of Congress introduces the bill.
The bill goes to committee for review. If approved, a report is prepared.
The bill is debated and voted on in both chambers of Congress.
If passed, the bill is sent to the President for approval or veto.
3. Interpreting Historical Vocabulary
Understanding historical terminology helps in analyzing context, tone, and the purpose of a source.
Example:Describing Genghis Khan as “ruthless” suggests a value judgment. This should be supported by evidence (e.g., events or statistics) to avoid misrepresentation.
4. Recognizing Author’s Perspective or Bias
Every historical source is influenced by the author’s perspective.
Example:
Hernán Cortés referred to the Aztecs as “uncivilized”—a biased colonial viewpoint.
Marco Polo portrayed Genghis Khan positively, potentially influenced by his admiration or political motives.
Reminder: Bias can mislead analysis. Cross-reference with other sources to get a fuller picture.
5. Integrating Visual Information with Text
Combining visual and textual information can enhance understanding and engagement.
Best Practices:
Ensure visuals are relevant to the content.
Maintain a balanced text-to-image ratio.
Use captions to explain the significance of images.
6. Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion; Comparing Primary and Secondary Sources
Source Type | Definition | Examples |
Primary Sources | Direct accounts from the time of the event. | Interviews, diaries, photos |
Secondary Sources | Analysis based on primary data by others. | Textbooks, journal articles |
Tips:
Clearly state the type of source you’re using.
Evaluate the credibility by checking the author, publication date, and purpose.