Source Analysis/Assessment

Evidence In order to understand the revealing nature of historical sources we need to try and interpret evidence by assessing its value to the study of history- not just assessing the content of the source. Evidence must always be interpreted taking in to account the context of the time Origin, Purpose, Content, Value, Limitations

Was militarism actually a concern that could lead to war? The Daily Mail, 1909, an article by an Army officer. “The risks of Britain’s position unarmed in the face of a Europe armed to the teeth cannot be too clearly realized by the British public.” 

Was militarism actually a concern that could lead to war? Origin: Source A is a newspaper article written by a British officer. It was published in The Daily Mail in 1909. Purpose: The article is intended to inform the British public of Britain’s current state of readiness in contrast to the rest of Europe. This is a primary document. The suggestion is that Britain is likely not as effectively armed or possibly as prepared as some of the European states if a conflict was to break out.

Was militarism actually a concern that could lead to war? Value: The value of this document is that it offers a personal interpretation of Britain’s state of readiness in the years just prior to the outbreak of WWI. As an army officer, the author would have had first hand knowledge of Britain’s military preparation, as well as those of other European powers. The content itself speaks to the realisation, at least for military personnel, that Britain should begin to prepare for the chance of war.

Was militarism actually a concern that could lead to war? Limitations: This document is limited in its usefulness because the author is an officer in the British military and may be attempting to promote greater military spending in order to serve a personal or, at most, military agenda. As such, the officer may be misrepresenting the situation in order to inspire alarm at Britain’s lack of readiness in the hopes that the public will pressure their government to pursue militarism. Also, this is one officer’s position and may not be representative of the military leadership as a whole. The selection of this article for publication may also reflect the interests, concerns or values of the newspaper’s ownership/editorial staff rather than accurately reflecting Britain’s state of readiness or the position of the British military.