What History Was, Is, and Will Be: Crash Course European History #50

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course European History, John Green reflects on the nature of historical study, from its early focus on divine acts and monarchical events to the modern emphasis on social, cultural, and everyday life. He discusses the evolution of history's role in nation-building, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the challenges of bias and objectivity. Green highlights the significance of understanding history as a dynamic, global narrative that shapes our present and future.

Takeaways

• 📚 The study of history has evolved from focusing on divine intervention and monarchical events to include a broader range of human experiences.
• 🗣️ Svetlana Alexievich's oral history approach emphasizes the importance of individual memories and narratives, shifting the historical focus from elite to everyday people.
• 🏛️ Early historians concentrated on significant political events and royal genealogies, viewing history as a record of God's and monarch's actions.
• 🌐 The French Revolution and nation-building period led to history being seen as objective and foundational to the legitimacy of emerging nation-states.
• 🏫 The professionalization of history in the 19th century led to the development of teaching methods like the seminar, which emphasized the analysis of documents for objective truth.
• 👩‍🏫 Despite professional historians' focus on 'important' topics, amateur historians contributed significantly by exploring everyday life, village customs, and the experiences of ordinary people.
• 👶 The recognition of previously overlooked groups, such as children and the working class, enriched historical narratives and highlighted the importance of social and cultural history.
• 🌟 The concept of power in history has transformed from a top-down model to a more participatory and societally distributed one, acknowledging the influence of individuals within systems.
• 🔄 Revisionism in history acknowledges the need to update historical narratives with new evidence and perspectives, challenging earlier interpretations and biases.
• 🌐 Understanding global interconnectedness is crucial for historical study, as it recognizes the impact of trade, empire, migration, and cultural exchange on shaping histories.
• 🔍 Current historical practice emphasizes the importance of multiple sources, the recognition of bias, and the pursuit of a balanced and truthful account of the past.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script discussing history?

The main theme of the video script is the evolution of the study of history, from its beginnings to the present day, focusing on how it has changed and the various ways it is studied now, including the importance of understanding history from a broader range of perspectives.

What is an 'oral history' and how does it differ from traditional historical study?

An 'oral history' is a method of studying the past that relies on people's spoken words and memories instead of just written records. It differs from traditional historical study by focusing on personal narratives and experiences, often of ordinary people, rather than just the actions of political leaders or major events.

How did the study of history initially focus on God's actions and monarchs?

Initially, history was viewed as a calendar showing significant events like plagues or weather disasters, which were seen as evidence of God's work. It later evolved to focus on the reigns of monarchs and royal genealogies, as these were considered the most important events shaping human history.

What role did the French Revolution and the age of nation-building play in shaping the study of history?

The French Revolution and the age of nation-building led to history being seen as an objective study based on government records and as a foundation for the growing nation-states of the 19th century. It helped legitimize these new nations by creating a narrative of their formation and development.

Why did the seminar method of teaching history develop in universities?

The seminar method developed to train students in the skills of deciphering, debating, and scrutinizing documents, allowing them to find the true and objective meaning about the workings of politics and government, thus upholding the standards of truth and objectivity in historical research.

How did the role of women in historical study change over time?

Initially, women were often excluded from studying history, especially in the seminar method. However, as the 19th century progressed, amateur historians like the Strickland sisters began to write about a range of topics, including the lives of ordinary people and domestic life, which eventually influenced professional historians and broadened the scope of historical study.

What does the term 'alltagsgeschichte' refer to in the context of history?

The term 'alltagsgeschichte' refers to the study of everyday life as a part of history. It is a German term that encapsulates the idea of making daily life and the experiences of ordinary people central to historical narratives.

How has the understanding of power in historical study evolved?

The understanding of power in historical study has evolved from being seen as the direct force exerted by rulers, to a more participatory concept where power flows through society and individuals, including the influence of systems and the actions of ordinary citizens.

What is the significance of 'revisionism' in the study of history?

Revisionism in the study of history is significant as it involves the process of re-evaluating and re-writing historical narratives based on new research, evidence, or perspectives. It is crucial for achieving historical accuracy and acknowledging previously overlooked or ignored aspects of the past.

Why is it important for historians to be aware of their own biases when studying history?

It is important for historians to be aware of their own biases because these can influence the selection and interpretation of evidence, shaping the historical narrative. Recognizing and acknowledging bias helps to maintain the integrity and objectivity of historical research.

How does the script suggest that the study of history should be approached today?

The script suggests that the study of history today should be approached with an understanding that history is always a work in progress, relying on multiple evidentiary sources, being mindful of bias, and recognizing the participatory nature of power in shaping historical events.