Using Primary Sources: Multiple Perspectives

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Using Primary SourcesMultiple Perspectives
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History is Interpretation
Historians examine multiple perspectives to form
opinions and draw conclusions.
Photo by John Filo for Associated Press
The passion for tidiness is the historian's
occupational disease. - Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
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Primary Sources allow us to examine events from
many viewpoints.
Contributors Kent State University and Ohio
Historical Society at Ohio Memory and OhioPix
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Primary Source Ideas

• Newspapers
• Political Cartoons
• Campaign Posters
• Government Records
• Letters and Journals

History is, indeed, an argument without end.-
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
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Ideas for Exploring Multiple Perspectives

• Choose an Issue or Event
• Present Historical Context
• Assign Roles and Choose Sides
• Primary Source Research

Contributor Ohio Historical Society
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Ideas for Exploring Multiple Perspectives

• Expository Writing
• Journal, Newspaper Article, or Presentation
• Persuasive Speech
• Debate, Political Speech, or Sermon
• Dont Forget the Visuals!
• Poster, Pamphlet, or Picket Sign

Contributor Ohio Historical Society
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Benefits

• Enthusiasm and Active Participation
• Increased Research and Compositional Skills
• Understanding of Complex Arguments and
  Multiple Causation
• Ability to Formulate and Evaluate Alternative
  Actions
• Respect for Diverse Viewpoints and Opinions

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Drawbacks

• Lack of Decorum
• Research and Preparation Time
• Role Identification
• Switch Sides
• Neutral Party
• Discussion

Contributor Ohio Historical Society
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Primary Source Activity
Hocking Valley Coal Strike 1884-1885
In 1882, Ohio coal miners formed the Ohio Miners
Amalgamated Association. In 1883, several mine
operators and iron concerns in the Hocking Valley
united into the Columbus and Hocking Coal and
Iron Company, known to the miners as The
Syndicate. In the spring of 1884, the Columbus
and Hocking Coal and Iron Co. proposed a 10
cents/ton wage reduction for miners, who rejected
the proposal. The Syndicate then reduced the
wage a further 10 cents/ton, and required miners
to sign an iron clad contract. The miners of
the Hocking Valley went on strike. The operators
brought in blackleg workers and Pinkerton
guards. The Governor sent out the militia.
Whose side are you on?