Understanding HistoryThree Dimensional Thinking

History is a written record of past events (We use primary and secondary sources to learn about history)

The study of history is the study of change over time. Personal, Societal, Regional, National, Global

What is History???

Any event, movement, action, group, person that caused\s change or resisted/s change can be examined on 3 levels:

3 Dimensions of Historical Perspective (Point of View)

• Politically• Socially• Economically

Political – Laws, rights, leaders, armed conflicts, policies, etc

Social - Family, Groups interactions, religion, values population size, growth, urban distribution, infant mortality rate, education

Economic - Buying and Selling Capitalism, Socialism, wages, jobs, distribution of wealth

Examples of Each

Technology is a catalyst, impetus, and or engine of social, political and economic change. It is not change within itself.

Examples:Agriculture. Writing, Printing Press, elevators, Internet, Steam engine, spy devices, Space industry

Technology

Change wants to be slow, evolutionary, gradual (Hippo)

An object at rest will stay at rest until a force is acted upon it (Newton)

The Rate of change

Existing power structure leaders, existing holders of wealth, tradition, shared values

Fear of change!!!

What are the forces for the status quo? (Remaining the same)

Ambition, ideals, power, discomfort, Technology .

What are the forces for change?

Rapid change is a revolution (Industrial, Technological, Agricultural (non violent)

Quick change of a political system American, French, Russian Revolutions, War)

Revolution