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?
Primary and Secondary Sources W – W – W –
Primary and Secondary Sources W – What happened W – Why it happened W – Why is it important
Primary and Secondary Sources WHERE DO WE GET OUR HISTORY?
Primary and Secondary Sources WHERE DO WE GET OUR HISTORY?
Primary and Secondary Sources What is a PRIMARY SOURCE?
Primary and Secondary Sources What is a SECONDARY SOURCE?
Primary and Secondary Sources A PRIMARY SOURCE is a historical document that was written at the time that the event took place or by someone who witnessed the event themselves.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 and Secondary Sources PRIMARY = FIRST
Primary and Secondary Sources 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.
Primary and Secondary Sources A SECONDARY SOURCE is a historical document that was written after the event took place and was written by someone who was NOT at the event to witness it themselves.
Primary and Secondary Sources SECONDARY = SECOND-HAND
Primary and Secondary Sources 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.
Primary and Secondary Sources What are some examples of PRIMARY and SECONDARY sources?
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.
Primary and Secondary Sources A book written on the American Revolution Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A newspaper article from 2008 about the election of Barack Obama Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A newspaper article from 2010 about the election of George Bush Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A biography about George Washington Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources An autobiography written by Sir John A. MacDonald Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A book of newspaper articles on the Confederation of Canada Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A history textbook Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources An internet site about Pierre Trudeau Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A newspaper article written in 1999 about something that happened in 1972 Type of Source: Why?
Primary and Secondary Sources A newspaper article written in 1999 about something that happened in 1972, authored by someone involved in the 1972 event Type of Source: Why?