INTRODUCTION TO SOURCES

Stage 2 Modern History – Zara Anderson

REVIEW

What are the two classifications for historical sources?

Primary: Produced at or around the time of the eventSecondary: Produced later based on primary sources

PRIMARY OR SECONDARY?

PRIMARY OR SECONDARY?

TYPES OF SOURCES

The Works of Historians

Statistics

Autobiographies, biographies and memoirs

Literary Art

Visual Art

Maps and Plans

Diplomatic Documents

Cartoons

Photographs

Private Sources (Diaries and Letters)

Oral History

News Sources

USEFULNESS – THE RRR MODEL

EXAMPLE

Choose a photograph from the Auschwitz-Birkenau selection.

Using the RRR model, assess the usefulness of your photograph if a historian were investigating the conditions and operation of concentration/extermination camps.

EXEMPLAR

“As the photograph was taken at Auschwitz I, and depicts the living quarters of prisoners of the camp, the photograph can be considered as relevant to a historian examining the conditions of Auschwitz I. The photograph itself is not particularly revealing about the experience of those who lived within its walls, as it simply depicts a 2 storey brick building. However the detail on the back confirms that the photograph is from Auschwitz I and therefore reveals information about the types of buildings used to house prisoners. This photograph should be considered a reliable source due to its provenance. The photograph was purchased as part of a collection from the official Auschwitz Memorial Museum and therefore the historian can be sure that the photograph is of a building located at Auschwitz. The content of the photograph is corroborated by other images of Auschwitz, of which there are many of this particular building.”