Why do we study history?Why do we study history?

What’s the big deal?What’s the big deal?

1. History warns us!1. History warns us!

• George SantayanaGeorge Santayana

““Those who cannot learn Those who cannot learn from history are doomed from history are doomed to repeat it.”to repeat it.”

2. It defines us.2. It defines us.

• David McCullough: David McCullough: “History is who we “History is who we are and why we are are and why we are the way we are.”the way we are.”

3. Helps us develop an 3. Helps us develop an appreciation for othersappreciation for others

4. It inspires us.4. It inspires us.

5. History entertains.5. History entertains.

6. History provides job skills.6. History provides job skills.

7. Teaches the nature of mankind. Teaches the nature of mankind.

InfanticideInfanticide

Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifice

Killing for sportKilling for sport

LynchingsLynchings

GenocideGenocide

SlaverySlavery

Holocaust

RapeRape

CharityCharity

EqualityEquality

RescueRescue

FreedomFreedom

CompassionCompassion

LoveLove

8. History teaches the History teaches the importance of the individual…importance of the individual…

for better…for better…

William Wilberforce

Joan of Arc

Abraham Lincoln

Clara Barton

Esther

……Or for worseOr for worse.

NeroNero

Bedford ForrestBedford Forrest

Margaret Margaret SangerSanger

StalinStalin

Peter Peter SingerSinger

9. Ideas have consequences.9. Ideas have consequences.

DarwinismDarwinismSocialismSocialism

NazismNazism““Superman”Superman”

10. History is God’s 10. History is God’s Autobiography.Autobiography.

Group Activity

• Discuss the following questions and Discuss the following questions and copy your group answers into your copy your group answers into your notes.notes.– How do we study history, meaning what How do we study history, meaning what

tools do we use?tools do we use?– Does history change? Why or why not?Does history change? Why or why not?– Can history be trusted?Can history be trusted?

How Do We Study History?How Do We Study History?

• We are like Crime Scene Investigators.– Documents, letters,

newspapers, art, photos, videos, emails, medical records, diaries, physical evidence, bodies, blood, etc.

What are the tools?What are the tools?

Does History Change?Does History Change?

• Yes!Yes!– BiasBias– New EvidenceNew Evidence– Accuracy of witnessesAccuracy of witnesses– Agendas— “revisionism”: writing history to Agendas— “revisionism”: writing history to

suit your interestssuit your interests