The ‘Great man of History’ theory
You already know that interpretations in history can differ considerably, and that this can sometimes be controversial. However did you know that even interpretations of the study of history as an academic discipline can vary – yes that’s right historians disagreeing on the methods and ideas they use to reach interpretations. Different interpretations on how to reach different interpretations!
One of the most controversial, and famous, theories of history is the ‘Great man of History theory’. This theory is usually associated with the 19th Century Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle. He wrote that:
“The history of the world is but the biography of great men”
Carlyle argued that heroes shape history through the vision of their minds, the beauty of their art, the prowess of their leadership, and, most important, their divine inspiration. In this view of History the world is shaped by significant individuals, who are solely responsible for major events and changes in society. So for example, using this interpretation of history WW2 is seen as the consequence of the actions of individuals. Therefore WW2 happened as a result of Hitler’s aggression and leadership and the failure of leaders in the West (such as Chamberlain) to stop him.
Many Historians have since criticised Carlyle’s theory as being too simplistic. In their view history is the result of a massive range of complex factors, only one of which is the actions of individuals. So from this point of view WW2 was the result of decades of tension between European countries, the flawed peace treaty of Versailles, economic pressures within Germany etc.
However the debate continues. Part of your presentation should attempt to assess how far your individual’s achievements support or disprove the Great Man of History theory. Was it their actions that changed history or are they simply at the mercy of much more complex and powerful forces?