Disciplinary Knowledge - Similarity & Diffference

History: KS3, topic 4.2.3

Similarities and Differences

Historians look at both similarities and differences to understand how people in the past had unique and shared experiences.

Historians often group people together to explain events more easily.
This is because people living in the same place and time often had similar experiences.
During Mansa Musa's reign in the 14th century, many of his subjects shared the prosperity that came from the wealth generated by the gold trade.
Most subjects shared these experiences, regardless of age or gender.
Historians use this similarity to explain the challenges that people faced during that time.

Even though people can share similar experiences, each person’s experience is unique.
During Mansa Musa's reign in the 14th century, many of his subjects shared the prosperity that came from the wealth generated by the gold trade.
In Mansa Musa's empire, the shared experiences of wealth and economic growth defined a large part of the population’s daily life.
Historians explore these differences to fully understand the diverse experiences within the same historical context.

By looking at both similarities and differences, historians can understand the past more clearly.
If historians only focus on similarities, important details about individual experiences might be lost.
While many people across Mansa Musa's empire enjoyed wealth, the extent of their wealth and how it affected their lives varied.
Historians must consider both the shared experiences and the unique challenges people faced.

People’s experiences differ because of many factors. Social class, gender, religion, and location can all influence how a person experiences an event.
During Mansa Musa’s reign, a person's social status or proximity to trade routes could significantly impact their experience of prosperity.
Those close to Mansa Musa's gold trade routes were more likely to benefit from the wealth it generated.
Understanding these differences helps historians explain why events affected people in different ways.

It is important to remember that people in the past were individuals.
Historians study how events, beliefs, and values shaped people’s lives, but also how people made their own choices.
By considering both the similarities and differences, historians can create a fuller picture of what life was really like for people in the past.

Which of the following best explains why historians group people together in history?