History is the lie commonly agreed upon. Voltaire, Enlightenment Thinker

History is the study of the human past History is the study of the human past. Based on careful analysis of surviving texts (primary and secondary documents) and artifacts (objects made by humans), the historian attempts to reconstruct past events and processes which have created the current world. What is U.S History? A chronological story of events in American History. Analysis of when, why, and how events shaped and influenced America’s past, present and future.

Historians, through careful analysis, attempt to reconstruct the past. But every historian views the world through a cultural lens.

Geography Geography is the study of the earth and its geographic features. Geography is also the study the distribution of human life on the earth and the effects of human activity. Elements of Geography Physical geography – think “deserts or mountains; the surface of the earth” Human geography – think “how people adapt to a particular environment”

Therefore, an element of historical writing is interpretative. Questions to consider: Whose perspective is voiced? Whose perspective is ignored? What sources are chosen? What elements are emphasized (political, social, economic)?

Consider the historical record on Columbus

Is the encounter told from an indigenous perspective or Did Columbus discover the Americas or did he accidentally land in the Americas? from a European perspective?

“The present informs the past “The present informs the past. It defines the historical questions we ask.” Questions: Explain the quotation.

The Underlying Principles of U.S. History History is interconnected Current events have historical roots To understand the present, the past must be examined

Work with a partner and think of a historical event or topic previously studied that impact the world today and for each, complete the information that follows:

The first historical event/topic: __Holocaust________ Description of the event/topic: WWII Killing of Jews Concentration camps Impact on the world today: Creation of State of Israel Geneva Convention on Genocide Genocide in Rwanda

The second historical event/topic: _____________________________ Description of the event/topic: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Impact on the world today: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

Reflections: What is “point of view” and why is it important to consider point of view when analyzing historical documents? Why is it important to identify the historian’s point of view? Why are World Historians interested in connections?

Was Voltaire correct? Explain your answer. Why is the study of history important? What is your Hi(S)tory?

“Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters.” ~African Proverb

“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.” ~ CICERO, Pro Publio Sestio

People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them. James A People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them. James A. Baldwin E. Napp

What story is being told. Whose story is being told. Identify the bias What story is being told? Whose story is being told? Identify the bias? Compare and Contrast the Pictures

Let the journey begin!