Historical Themes Tutorial

Creating and Proving Historical Themes A filmstrip by: Lisa M Lane

Historians, as we know, rely on facts, but only to prove ideas, known as historical theses. A historical thesis is like a thesis for a paper, which is then proven in the body paragraphs with evidence. Historians, as we know, rely on facts, but only to prove ideas, known as historical theses. A historical thesis is like a thesis for a paper, which is then proven in the body paragraphs with evidence. A historical thesis is like a thesis for a paper, which is then proven in the body paragraphs with evidence. ...This war was the result of conflicting priorities, skillful use of propaganda, and hatred toward the Martian lifestyle.

In order to recognize patterns over time, many historians create analytical themes which span many different eras. Some people call this "macrohistory”. In order to recognize patterns over time, many historians create analytical themes which span many different eras. Some people call this "macrohistory”.

History does not repeat itself. Rather, patterns occur which can be recognized or discovered. These patterns, proven with evidence, can provide a different perspective on the past.

As part of the grade for the last two quizzes, and all of the grade for the final exam, you are asked to construct and/or prove historical themes.

The construction of the answer is the same as creating a historical thesis, but a theme is broader and must be proven more deeply, with more detail and supporting sources. This means that in a standard essay, the three paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence, each of which is like a mini-thesis supporting your theme.
Thesis (Theme)
Topic sentence and paragraph

There are two basic ways to construct an historical theme. One is chronological, where each of the paragraphs discusses a different era. The other is topical, where each of the paragraphs sets up a topic, with the evidence ordered chronologically within it. Each paragraph needs not one, but several examples, and primary sources should always be featured. 1880s 1930s 2000s social political cultural

Here's an example. The test question is: Is international policy usually based on the self-interest of the stronger nation or their concern for other nations? Answer the question with a historical theme, supported by three chronologically-ordered paragraphs . ?

Here's my theme: International policy is usually a balance of self-interest and concern for other nations.

I can then prove this in two ways. Here's the outline for a chronological answer:
During the expansion of the British into India, one imperialist goal was ending violence between the Indian principalities.
During the Spanish-American War, the United States had a goal of saving countries from Spanish domination.
Japanese policy during the Pacific expansion of the 1930s was partly designed to spread a superior culture.

Here's the outline for a topical answer.
Concern for other nations can take a religious focus.
Sometimes the goal is to expand the local economy as well as international trade.
The liberation of a nation from its enemies can also provide opportunity.

Each topic sentence is proven using evidence, especially primary sources, and connected back to the main theme. Concern for other nations can take a religious focus. According to Mark Twain’s letter from the “Sandwich Isles” (Hawai’i) in 1866, “ The missionary ship arrived in safety shortly afterward, timed by providential exactness to meet the emergency, and the gospel was planted as in a virgin soil. “ ( http://www.twainquotes.com/18660922u.html ) Although his own view was sarcastic, Twain is noting the goal of the U.S. missionaries...

And each paragraph needs more than one source to prove its point. Britain had similar goals. According to a letter published by missionaries to justify annexing the New Hebrides in 1883, “150 native evangelists and teachers are employed” in Christianizing the local people for the good of the British empire (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1883hebrides.html). Always be sure to cite the source!

Themes are what historians do. They find patterns in the past, using sources to support their thesis, and thus provide new ways of looking at the past. “ Husband Taming”, John Leech, Punch Magazine, 1859 http://www.john-leech-archive.org.uk/archive.htm

Thanks for listening!

Historical Themes Tutorial

by Lisa M Lane on Jun 07, 2010

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Historical Themes Tutorial — Webinar Transcript