Historiography and Historical Debate in Essays

8-10 marks The evidence is integrated into a sustained analysis. The argument is sustained and balanced, with some awareness of alternative interpretations and/or historical debate This has been taken directly from the marking instructions for Higher essays – from the Argument section.

Students sometimes feel that it is difficult to build an awareness of alternative interpretations or historical debate into their essays, but it is actually quite easy. You just need to pick an area where there is a bit of argument or debate and show what the different ideas/interpretations/arguments are. Quotes are good, but not essential.

For example: This is about the debate over the importance of the Suffragette campaign : The historian Martin Pugh is dismissive of the campaign of the Suffragettes, believing that the only positive impact that it had was to increase the membership of the moderate NUWSS. However, Midge Mackenzie believes the Suffragettes were the ‘remarkable women who fought for, and won, the battle for the vote’. There is little doubt that much of the Suffragette campaign was counter-productive but it played a crucial part in the enfranchisement of women. Without it votes for women would not have been so high on the political agenda for all the political parties. The First World War alone would not have brought about the enfranchisement of women.

So, what do we have here: Firstly – one historian’s opinion - (use the name of the historian) The historian Martin Pugh is dismissive of the campaign of the Suffragettes, believing that the only positive impact that it had was to increase the membership of the moderate NUWSS. Notice that you don’t have to quote the historian, you can summarise what they think in your own words. Then, another historian’s opinion – However, Midge Mackenzie believes the Suffragettes were the ‘remarkable women who fought for, and won, the battle for the vote’. Lastly, your own opinion (yes, you do need to have one!) There is little doubt that much of the Suffragette campaign was counter-productive but it played a crucial part in the enfranchisement of women. Without it votes for women would not have been so high on the political agenda for all the political parties. The First World War alone would not have brought about the enfranchisement of women.

Other areas where there is quite a lot of historical debate: The contribution of the First World War to the enfranchisement of women. Whether the Liberals were motivated by self-interest or genuine concern to pass their reforms. The success of the Liberal reforms. Pick one and try to do it yourself!