Historical interpretations

In an essay not to exceed 1000 words compare and contrast the historical interpretations of an event that we’ve discussed over the course of this
semester. Your main focus should be on how the same event can be interpreted in many different ways,
depending on the historians’ personal biases.
You might, for example, compare Larry Schweikart’s interpretations of the American Revolution with those of
Howard Zinn in his book, A People’s History of the United States. Zinn, a noted anti-war activist, has written
some pretty damning critiques of America’s past. Schweikart, on the other hand, is a bit more conservative in
his views. If neither author excites you, feel free to pick somebody else. Gary Nash, for example, is another
‘leftist’ whose book, The Unknown American Revolution, does a great job discussing some of the era’s
forgotten people. Or, Paul Johnson’s A History of the American People. Johnson, an English newspaper
columnist, looks at the world through conservative eyes. Who you select is totally up to you, just as long as
they have opposing views.
If Zinn writes one thing, and Schweikart another, how do you know who is right? The answer is simple – you
don’t, unless you actually look at their sources. That’s why you’re going to have to bring in at least one primary
document. These are materials produced by people, groups, or entities directly involved in the event or topic
under examination, either as witnesses or participants. Basically, a primary document is the author’s original
source. If you’re researching the Emancipation Proclamation, for example, you need to read it (you might be
surprised what it actually says). On a similar note, you can’t argue that Thomas Jefferson was a racist without
reading his Notes on the State of Virginia.
Having done that, you then need to be very clear about whose view that you find most convincing. After all, that
is the whole point of this assignment – to help you realize that history is only as good as the person who is
writing it. Just remember the old adage: “She said, he said, and what actually happened.” Simple, huh?