How do I question historical sources? A guide on how to deal with historical sources

What questions should I ask? When carrying out an historical enquiry you will need to use historical sources to find relevant information that will help give you answers. You will also need to analyse historical sources. When analysing historical sources historians will ask a number of questions. The same types of questions can be asked of any sources that historians or you have to deal with. When asking questions remember to ask the 5 Ws: WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? Study the sources that follow and answer the questions about them. Remember to choose just one correct statement.

Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919 Questioning Sources Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820 Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820

Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919 Questioning Sources African-American cooks African-American sailors African-American soldiers Choose one correct answer Who were the men? African-American pilots

Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919 Questioning Sources Legal documents A US Bill Medals for bravery in combat Choose one correct answer What have they been awarded? A letter

First World War Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919 Questioning Sources Boer War American Civil War Choose one correct answer When was it produced? Second World War

Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919 Questioning Sources Bronx, New York Queens, New York Harlem, New York Choose one correct answer Where were the men from? Manhattan, New York

Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919 Questioning Sources Few Americans won medals during the First World War Few Americans won medals during the First World War The French gave out few medals during the First World War The French gave out few medals during the First World War Few black Americans fought during the First World War Few black Americans fought during the First World War Choose one correct answer Why is the source a rarity? Few black Americans joined the army during the First World War Few black Americans joined the army during the First World War Return to Sources

African-American soldiers When the United States joined the First World War in April 1917 African Americans joined the US Army. In all 350,000 joined the army. However they had to fight in segregated units. In other words they were not allowed to fight with white soldiers. In fact most black soldiers who joined up were not allowed to fight. However the men of the 396th saw combat and were nicknamed the “Harlem Hellfighters” due to their bravery in combat. Here some men of the 396th are showing off the Croix de Guerre, a medal presented by France. Few African Americans won medals. Return to Questions Men of the 396 th Regiment of the United States Army in 1919

Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820 Questioning Sources Choose one correct answer When did the event take place? 1822

Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820 Questioning Sources Cato Street, Derby Cato Street, Birmingham Cato Street, London Choose one correct answer Where did this event take place? Cato Street, Cariff

Questioning Sources Lord Harrowby John Frost Arthur Thistlewood Choose one correct answer Who led the conspirators ? Edwards Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820

Questioning Sources Policeman killing Thistlewood Thistlewood wounding an officer Thistlewood killing a police officer Choose one correct answer What is taking place in the middle of the scene? An officer wounding Thistlewood

Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820 Questioning Sources Different armed groups fought Conspirators attacked the government Authorities were informed of a plot to kill the government Authorities were informed of a plot to kill the government Choose one correct answer Why did the event take place? Government looked to kill all opponents Government looked to kill all opponents Return to Questions

Cato Street Conspiracy In 1820 a group of men, led by Arthur Thistlewood, planned to assassinate the British Cabinet. This would happen when they ate at the home of Lord Harrowby. The government was informed of the plans. The authorities stormed the room in Cato Street London, where the conspirators met. Thistlewood killed a policeman as he entered the room. Eleven conspirators were eventually arrested and put on trial. Five were transported, and five were executed. The last man, known as Edwards was released. He was the informer. Return to Questions Arrest of the Cato Street Conspirators in 1820