Historical Interpretation Guide
History is a discipline in which facts count, but what counts just as much are the interpretations that different historians present. A historical interpretation presents a conclusion and defends it with arguments that logically lead to this conclusion. Readers of historical interpretations should remember that they are only getting one viewpoint that must be carefully analyzed.
To analyze interpretations, students should ask critical thinking questions – Why should I believe this? How do I know this is true? The strengths and weaknesses of the interpretation can be judged by examining individual components of the argument:
Assertion – statement or conclusion concerning an issue, person, or idea (thesis)
Key words = so, then, thus, therefore
Example = Thus, American imperialism was not a result of pressure by business.
Evidence – information that is used to support assertions
Key words = according to, ___said, use of quotation marks
Examples = referring to witnesses, documents, photographs
Reasoning – the logical process through which a person reaches a conclusion
cause and effect – identify causation (which is the main cause?)
Key words = led to, because, caused, resulted in, reason for
Example = Prohibition led to a tremendous increase in organized crime.
comparison – how are cases similar, how are they different?
Key words = like, better/worse, similar to
Example = FDR was a better president than Hoover because of his willingness to act.
generalization – statement that says what is true for one will be true for all
Key words = all, none, some, most, few, plural nouns (women, teenagers)
Example = Most Americans remember the Vietnam War.
debate (eliminating alternatives) – attempt to refute opposing interpretations
Key words = others believe, the traditional view is, other viewpoints are
Example = Others believe Kennedy was shot from the grassy knoll, but his wounds do not support this theory.
Assumptions – ideas that the author takes for granted
Example = British ships seized the cargo of neutral ships, but German submarines sank passenger ships. (killing is worse than stealing)
Values/beliefs – what the author believes is worthwhile, important, or good
Example = The New Deal granted the federal government excessive powers.
To compare two historical interpretations, analyze each argument, then decide which is the strongest or most compelling. Be prepared to defend your choice.
Adapted from O’Reilly, Critical Thinking in U.S. History: Spanish-American War to Vietnam War
2004-05 APP-5