History is often seen as one of the most difficult subjects to teach because it involves memorizing dates and facts. Nevertheless, all modern nations encourage its study at least to some extent because it offers valuable information about how societies and institutions develop while maintaining cohesion. It also provides a basis for identity: family, groups and even nations use history to establish and reinforce their own identities.
Historians themselves have never settled on a definition of history, and there are many ways to interpret the past. Most historians, however, see it as the “study of the past.” Unlike anthropology or biology, which focus on a single organism, history spans time and cultures. It also entails more than just an ordering of events; it requires interpretation, which focuses on the significance of an event. A particular event can have many different interpretations, and determining its historical significance requires careful inquiry and sober judgment.
It is also important to recognize that historians have a responsibility to share their work with the public and make it as accessible as possible. The ubiquity of social media, for example, opens up new avenues to access the past and to reach a diverse audience. Historians can also help students develop their ability to analyze, interpret and communicate historical evidence. A well-rounded education involves experience with all types of data, including written documents, oral accounts and visual materials.
In addition to the enduring value of learning about the past, studying history helps students learn how to deal with uncertainty. History is full of unreliable sources, and historians must constantly evaluate the quality of their evidence and incorporate it into a coherent narrative. They also must take care to avoid promoting their own biases, whether partisan or ideological.
The study of history also builds an understanding of how the past influences the present and future. History can be a weapon at the heart of culture wars, used to justify a particular set of actions or beliefs. It is important to recognize that history can be clumsily wielded by those who seek to promote their own political agenda, and that doing so undermines the value of the discipline as a whole.
For the average person, a good way to understand how historical significance is assessed is to consider your own personal experiences and those of those close to you. Choose five events that you would describe as significant in your life. What made them significant? How did they affect you and your perspective on the world around you? You can then compare your answers to the various ways that our video and Christine Counsell describe what makes an event significant. Then, think about how your perspectives might align with those of a professional historian.