1. DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT HISTORY

2. Historical Perspective
Definition: The viewpoint of which we see AND interpret things of the past
One historical event may have multiple perspectives
Different Interpretations, same time
Example: Civil Rights movement
Pro: finish the full integration of minorities started by the Civil War
Con: minorities demanding rights not granted by Civil War AND the US govt. overstepping its power

3. Different interpretations, different times
Example: Japanese Internment Camps of WWII
Then: Necessary program to keep US safe from potential Japanese threats
Now: Horrible civil rights violations on a grand scale
Conclusion: The conventional historical record is written by ____________

4. Ways of looking at History
Themes—All interchangeable parts & affected by one another
Social
Class structure, national importance & identity
Scientific/Technological
How a nation develops, assimilates new advances
Economic
How wealth is structured within nations and globally
Religious/Cultural
How spirituality, art & entertainment influence & are influenced by people
Political
Leaders, law & order, foreign policy

5. Types Chronological Historical Comprehension Historical Analysis
Naming correct names, dates & places
Textbooks
Historical Comprehension
Identifying intent and viewpoint of events & figures
Primary documents
Historical Analysis
Judging the validity of choices made and options overlooked
Compare/contrast, cause/effect through primary & secondary documents
Historical Research
Formulate your own historical questions and research them through the scientific process
Writing your own research papers
Historical Issues-Analysis
Using past events to evaluate contemporary issues

6. History in the US Main perspective
White, European, male, pro-American, big capitalist, egotistical
Groups usually left behind
Women, minorities (black, Latin, immigrants, Native Americans), economically depressed