1.14.3

Uncovering the Past

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Uncovering the Past

In this section, we will learn how historians use different types of evidence and interpret historical events.

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Introduction

  • Historical evidence is anything from the past that provides information about what happened and why.
    • It is crucial for historians because it helps them piece together the story of our past.
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What is Historical Evidence

  • Historical evidence includes any materials from the past that gives information about historical events, people, and places.
    • This can include written documents, artefacts, buildings, artworks, and even oral histories.
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Verification

  • Without evidence, historians would have no way to verify what happened in the past.
    • Evidence allows historians to check facts and create accurate accounts of historical events.
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Primary Sources

  • Primary sources are direct evidence from the time being studied.
    • For example, letters, diaries, official documents, photographs, and artefacts.
    • These sources provide first-hand accounts and are highly valuable for understanding history.
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Secondary Sources

  • Secondary sources are interpretations or analyses based on primary sources.
    • For example, history books, articles, documentaries, and biographies.
    • These sources help explain and interpret the primary sources, providing context and deeper understanding.
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Other Types of Historical Evidence

  • Archaeological evidence includes physical remains from the past.
    • For example, ruins, pottery, tools, and bones.
    • These artefacts can give insight into how people lived, what they ate, and their cultural practices.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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