1. An Introduction to Origins of Civilizations
THE WHAT, WHY, &
HOW OF HISTORY:
An Introduction to Origins of Civilizations By
Mr. James Kirchberg

2. What is history? Is it “his-story”? Answer: NO!!!
What is needed for history to occur?
Historians, who study history are readers of
documents so writing is necessary!
Writing was 1st invented by the Egyptians &
the Sumerians about 3100 B.C.E.

3. What then is prehistory?
It is all that occurred before writing?
Who therefore investigates prehistory?
Archaeologists
Paleontologists
Anthropologists

4. Then why do we as Americans study history?
To Sleep – NO!!!

5. THE TOP TEN REASONS WHY WE STUDY HISTORY!

6. 1. It is REQUIRED!!!! In order to create good citizens.
In order to prepare one for institutions of
higher learning.

7. 2. It is FUN & INTERESTING! (DARN IT!)
We learn about our crazy predecessors.
Henry VIII Hatshepsut Adolph Hitler
We understand why we are the way we are (learning from the past)

8. 3. One can better predict the future based upon the past.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana
“The best way to suppose what may come is to remember what is past.” -- Lord Halifax
“We cannot say the past is past without surrendering the future.” -- Winston Churchill

9. 4. History is the one all encompassing study/art.
Science Anthropology
Literature Music
Philosophy Foreign Cultures History
Religion Sociology Covers
Political Science Art It All!
Economics Psychology
Sports Geography
Plus: You always win at Trivial Pursuit if you really know history!!!!

10. One learns about other civilizations & cultures so we don’t criticize but understand others.

11. History is studied for the pleasure of learning. (Right………..)
Great, big history books!
I Love to Learn!
Yippee!!!!!

12. 7. It helps in most other courses. …Really!
Teacher’s Pet

13. 8. History gives one a sense of belonging, understanding and identity as all are a “prism of history”
Robert Gould Shaw
Tom Jefferson
Rosa Parks

14. 9. History is the “teacher of life”!
For the past 7000 years, the needs and desires of mankind have not changed.
A need to acquire and have a reliable source of food
A need to better one’s situation in life
A need for an adequate amount of sleep
A desire and need to procreate (sex!!!)
And humans have been pretty much willing to do whatever to attain the aforementioned!!!

15. Knowing why voting is important!
10. Understanding one’s past helps one towards becom ing a better part (citizen) of one’s own community.
Knowing why voting is important!

16. The Six Varieties of History
Now that you know the 10 reasons why we Americans study history, you now are ready to know the
The Six Varieties of History

17. 1. Political History Considered the thread of all history.
Leaders: kings, queens, presidents, dictators, statesmen, and diplomats
Elizabeth I
Julius Caesar
?????

18. 2. Military History (The interesting stuff)
Be prepared to know the “3 C’s” for any unit:
The Cause of a battle or war
The Course of a battle or war
The Consequences of a battle or war
Hint:The source for many essay questions

19. 3. Cultural History
Religion
Literature
Music
Art
& Architecture

20. 4. Economic History = $$$$$$$$$$$$$
Includes Urbanization, farming, industrialization, & political parties.
The cause of many wars
The American Revolution
The Vietnam War
Iraq?????

21. 5. Social History The history of ordinary people.
Sometimes called “the history of the disadvantaged”.
Includes: sports, entertainment, work, eating habits, immigration, birth and marriage records.

22. 6. Psycho History
Simply the study of why people did what they did in the past from a psychological perspective.
Example: Why did Napoleon have the desire to conquer the world?
Example: Why did Joseph Stalin purge 90% of
his officer corps just prior to WW II.

23. WHAT EXACTLY DOES A HISTORIAN DO?
Answer: Hangs out in basements, attics
and libraries and searches for
documents and studies them!
Now doesn’t that sound like fun?
Not!!

24. Types of Documents?
&
Is the Document Real?

25. Primary vs. Secondary Documents
Was the document written by the person making history?
Secondary
Was the document written about a person making history?
Examples: government documents, letters, diaries, autobiographies, letters, narratives & newspapers.
Examples: reference books, biographies, textbooks, teachers & newspapers.

26. Internal vs. External Criticism of a Document
Does the
Document
Make Sense?
External
Look at the ink, paper, and where found?
(Match the Period?)
Famous fakes: The Vinland Map & the Hitler Diaries

27. THE
END!