To understand history, we must examine the evidence left behind. Historians divide this evidence into two categories: Primary Sources and Secondary Sources. Distinguishing between the two is a fundamental skill in historical analysis.

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Primary Sources:
A primary source is an original record created at the time an event occurred. These are first-hand accounts from individuals who directly experienced or witnessed the event.

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• Letters and Diaries: Personal accounts such as a soldier’s correspondence or a traveler's journal.

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• Original Media: Photographs, maps, and video recordings captured during the event.

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• Official Documents: Speeches, legislative acts, and government records.

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• Artifacts: Physical objects such as clothing, tools, or weapons from a specific time period

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Secondary Sources:

A secondary source is created after an event by someone who did not experience it first-hand. These authors analyze and interpret primary sources to explain historical events.

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• Textbooks: General overviews and summaries of historical periods.

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• Biographies: Books written about a person’s life by another author.

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• Documentaries: Films that combine interviews and historical footage to provide an overview.

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• Articles: Academic papers or news reports written after an event has concluded to provide analysis.

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Neither source is better because they have different functions. Primary sources provide raw evidence and perspective, while secondary sources provide necessary context and show how individual events fit into the big picture of history!

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In conclusion, thinking like a historian requires the use of both types of evidence. By analyzing primary sources and comparing them with secondary sources, you can develop a complete and accurate understanding of the history in class.