Primary and Secondary Sources. So far, we have covered what history is and what is important to look...

Primary and Secondary Sources


So far, we have covered what history is and what is important to look at when studying history. Just as a quick reminder – what are the Three W’s of history?


W – W – W –


W – What happened W – Why it happened W – Why is it important


WHERE DO WE GET OUR HISTORY?


What is a PRIMARY SOURCE?


What is a SECONDARY SOURCE?


A PRIMARY SOURCE is a historical document that was written at the time that the event took place or by someone who witnessed the event themselves.


PRIMARY = FIRST


This type of source provides a first-hand account of the events that occurred. It lets you know what happened, the reaction of the people to the event, and sometimes will even tell you why it happened. What a primary source CANNOT tell you (usually) is how this event impacted future events.


A SECONDARY SOURCE is a historical document that was written after the event took place and was written by someone who was NOT at the event to witness it themselves.


SECONDARY = SECOND-HAND


This type of sources provides a second-hand account of the events that occurred. It is written by a person who was not at the event, but by someone who has read PRIMARY SOURCES that came from the event. A secondary source DOES tell you about what led to the historical event, the event itself, and the impact that the event had on the future.


What are some examples of PRIMARY and SECONDARY sources?


YOUR TASK: WORKING WITH YOUR PARTNER OR IN A SMALL GROUP – OF NO MORE THAN FOUR PEOPLE – LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF SOURCES AND YOU MUST DECIDE WHETHER EACH IS A PRIMARY OR A SECONDARY SOURCE. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT YOU MUST ALSO EXPLAIN WHY YOU FEEL IT IS THAT TYPE OF SOURCE. WE WILL BE DISCUSSING YOUR RESULTS IN CLASS.


A book written on the American Revolution

Type of Source: Why?


A newspaper article from 2008 about the election of Barack Obama



A newspaper article from 2010 about the election of George Bush



A biography about George Washington



An autobiography written by Sir John A. MacDonald



A book of newspaper articles on the Confederation of Canada



A history textbook



An internet site about Pierre Trudeau



A newspaper article written in 1999 about something that happened in 1972



A newspaper article written in 1999 about something that happened in 1972, authored by someone involved in the 1972 event


Primary and Secondary Sources. So far, we have covered what history is and what is important to look...

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