US History - Unit 0

The Past

Everything that has happened before now

History

The study and interpretation of past events

Context

The circumstances or background that help explain an event or source

Causality

The relationship between cause and effect; understanding why things happened

Change over Time/Continuity

How things evolve or stay the same across different periods

Contingency

The idea that events depend on specific conditions and could have turned out differently

Complexity

Recognizing that historical events often involve multiple causes, perspectives, and outcomes

Corroboration

Comparing multiple sources to confirm accuracy or consistency

Analysis

Breaking down information to understand causes, effects, and significance

Inquiry

Asking questions and investigating to gain deeper historical understanding

Sourcing

Examining who created a source, when, why, and how that affects its reliability

Historical Situation

The time, place, and circumstances in which a source was created

Audience

The intended readers or viewers of a source

Purpose

The reason a source was created—persuasion, information, propaganda, etc.

Point of View

The creator’s perspective, shaped by their background, beliefs, and experiences

Values

Beliefs or principles that influence how people interpret or record history

Limitations

What a source cannot tell us or where it might be biased or incomplete

Primary Source

Direct evidence from the time period (e.g., letters, photos, speeches)

Secondary Source

Interpretations or analyses of the past, usually written later (e.g., textbooks, documentaries)

Lateral Reading

Cross-checking information by consulting multiple sources to verify credibility and context