Understanding the “Histories” of History Political, Economic, Social and Cultural History

Political History the narrative and analysis of political events, ideas, movements, and leaders. this type is more of a top down approach to history. How do the actions of those in power impact the nation and the people not in power. i.e. Congressional Acts, Presidential policies, Supreme Court decisions…

Economic History the study of economic events and the collection of economic observations from the past. i.e. panics (depressions), tariffs, budget deficits etc…

Social History Social history is often described as history from below because it deals with the every-day people, the masses and how they shape History rather than the leaders. It focuses predominantly on the actions and lifestyles of ordinary people A people's history or history from below is a type of historical narrative which attempts to account for historical events from the perspective of common people rather than political and other leaders. i.e. women, immigrants, Native Americans, lower classes, African-Americans etc…

Cultural History Cultural history records and interprets past events involving human beings through the social, cultural, and political milieu of or relating to the arts and manners that a group favors. the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group.