Thinking like a historian
Historians approach the past with a mindset of hypothesis and discovery. Learn about reading primary documents and interpreting sources.
▶ Meet Kim, one of the creators of Khan Academy's AP US History lessons
Kim earned her PhD in history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and taught US history at the college level for eight years. She has graded the AP US History exam in the past and is currently hard at work creating videos and exercises to help students master US history!
▶ Thinking like a historian
Learning history involves thinking like a historian, a blend of storytelling, science, and law. It's about understanding cause and effect, researching theories, and making arguments based on evidence. This skill helps us interpret the past and apply it to everyday life.
▶ How to read a document: Source identification
The video dives into Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1933 inaugural speech, highlighting its importance as a primary source. It explains the difference between primary and secondary sources, and how Roosevelt's speech, as a primary source, provides a firsthand account of the Great Depression era. The video also explores the significance of Roosevelt's famous quote, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
▶ How to read a document: Analyzing a historical text
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's inaugural speech in 1933 is explored. Amid the Great Depression, Roosevelt uses biblical references and authoritative language to inspire hope. He blames the crisis on bankers and proposes government intervention for recovery. His speech sets the stage for his New Deal policies.
▶ Avoiding common mistakes in historical essays
Avoid common mistakes in historical writing! Don't use "Throughout history," "It was inevitable," or "And that's why [insert country here] is so great today." Be specific about time and place, emphasize choices, and keep conclusions relevant to your topic.
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