Notes on Primary and Secondary Sources

Distinction Between Primary and Secondary Sources

Definition of Primary Sources

  • Primary Source: An original object or document that provides first-hand information.
  • Produced during the time period under investigation.
  • Enables researchers to get as close as possible to historical events.

Types of Primary Sources

1. Diaries and Journals
  • Record personal experiences during significant events.
  • Example 1: Anne Frank's Diary - Documented her experiences during World War II, published as "The Diary of Anne Frank."
  • Example 2: Sarah Morgan Dawson's Diary - Chronicles the Civil War from her perspective.
2. Autobiographies
  • Personal accounts written by individuals about their lives.
  • Example: Nelson Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom" - His autobiography detailing significant events in his life.
3. Speeches
  • Oral addresses considered primary manifestations of thoughts and events.
  • Examples:
    • Abraham Lincoln’s "Gettysburg Address"
    • Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream"
    • All presidential inauguration speeches.
4. Historical Documents
  • Significant documents created at the time of the event.
  • Examples:
    • Declaration of Independence
    • Constitution
    • Legal documents such as birth certificates and tax records.
5. Published First-Hand Accounts
  • Stories or narratives considered primary resources.
  • Example: Frederick Douglass’ Autobiography - An antislavery narrative reflecting his experiences and activism.
6. Sound Recordings and Interviews
  • Audio work capturing first-hand experiences or events.
  • Example 1: War messages by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during WWII, broadcasted on the radio.
  • Example 2: Televised interviews of Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign.
7. Visual Documentation
  • Photography and videos that capture real events.
  • Example 1: Photographs from WWII illustrating battles.
  • Example 2: Interviews filmed during significant historical events.
8. Letters
  • Personal correspondence that gives direct insight into past experiences.
  • Example: Letters written by soldiers to their families during wars, sharing their experiences directly.

Definition of Secondary Sources

  • Secondary Source: Material written about a primary source, analytically created after an event.
  • Usually provides interpretation or critique of primary sources.
  • Characteristics: Second-hand information, requires analysis of original documents to create a narrative.

Types of Secondary Sources

1. Biographies
  • Accounts written about someone else’s life, usually after the subject's death.
  • Example: Alice Fleming’s Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. written posthumously.
2. Newspapers and Magazines
  • Can be primary or secondary depending on the timing of publication.
  • Example: Articles on events when they happen are primary sources (e.g., Obama's inauguration in 2009).
  • If written later, using past information (e.g., Washington's inauguration), it's a secondary source.
3. Almanacs, Encyclopedias, History Books
  • Typically secondary sources as they summarize and analyze events after they occur.

Practical Understanding

  • Primary vs Secondary Source Analogy:
  • If I share information directly, I'm the primary source.
  • If someone retells my information, they are the secondary source.

Exercises

  1. Identify a primary source you have used or created; explain briefly.
  2. Identify a secondary source you have used or created; explain briefly.