History is often thought of as the study of “what-really-happened-in-the-past.” However, professional historians know that history is a complicated business—particularly susceptible to a variety of emotional baggage. Just ask any police officer who has tried to determine from several eyewitness accounts exactly what happened in a car accident. Determining truth about the past, or even just the elusive ‘what really happened’, is a sloppy and flawed enterprise, full of ego, self-righteousness, pride, vanity and, if not outright perversion of the truth, at least subconscious obfuscation of it.
Historians often argue over how to interpret the facts of a particular time period. But they rarely fight over the actual facts themselves, since the facts tend to support their varying interpretations. Rather, the differences between historians revolve mostly over what events and ideas were important in a given time period. For example, some historians tend to focus on individual leaders or famous individuals and emphasize their contributions. This approach can neglect historical factors or conditions that do not emanate from these individuals, such as economic changes or social unrest. Other historians, on the other hand, might downplay or ignore certain important individuals and instead focus on groups of people or on broad historical trends.
In addition, different historians approach a specific question from different vantage points. Some historians use sources from a limited geographic area, or from a specific subject group, or they may restrict their period of study to a certain time frame. These limitations help narrow a topic so that it is easier to write about in a short essay or speech. But they also limit the scope of a history paper, making it more difficult to address all of the relevant information in a single essay or speech.
As a result, many students struggle with choosing a good topic for a history paper. It is helpful to find a professor who is knowledgeable about the topic and can offer guidance about how to select a good question and craft a strong argument. It is also a good idea to consult earlier historians who have written on the same subject to see what questions they have already framed and how they have approached the material.
Finally, studying history can be exciting, especially when it is taught well and presented in a compelling way. It can also be useful in understanding your place in the world, which is an important consideration for anyone who wants to live a meaningful life. Knowing where you fit in history helps you understand your own identity and gives you a context for how to interact with others, both in the present and in the future. It’s no wonder that so many students—from the young to the old-at-heart—still love history despite its often-challenging and frustrating nature.