Historian

and so, many historians would argue that to effectively narrow the subject and thus reasonably study the idea of a feudal structure, one must focus on specific criteria. Barendse would agree with this sentiment, as he states in his article, “The Feudal Mutation,”…

Like many works of social history that primary source material are first person material such as personal correspondence, memoirs, or diaries. This type of source material is the bread and butter of any social history and in some areas of history is abundant. One of the key early indicators of a change in Germany society came in the a decline in sociability. Long before people entered the gas chambers German Jews died a social death. This connection with friends, co-workers, authority figures,…

While recognizing the importance of these pre-1960s historians, we usually associate the rise of women’s history with the late 1960s-1970s, inspired from the ferment of the long sixties political movement. In the context of these works, Canadian women sought greater recognition of the social, economic, legal, and political positions in society. Feminists, newly aware of forms of contemporary oppression that never before had been ‘named’, were understandably interested in explanations for…

Numerous historians, such as Stampp, Fogel and Engerman, and Genovese, have interpreted the attitudes American slaves had toward their work experiences; however, each historian presents a unique perspective, which often conflicts with the view of other historians. The Peculiar Institution, a nonfiction book published in 1956 and written by Kenneth M. Stampp, contains a chapter titled “A Troublesome Property.” In his chapter, Stampp disputes the claim that slaves “...unthinkingly accepted…

Historians regard the American Civil War as an inevitable outcome as a result of conflicting ideologies of the Confederate States and the Union, by which Abraham Lincoln sparked debate in his 1858 House Divided Speech declaring: ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.’ The division came as a result of Lincoln’s presidency in 1860 as eleven southern states seceded from the United States, stimulating the outbreak of war in 1861. Progressive Historians, such as Charles and Mary Bead believed…

The history of love and sexuality is one of complicated circumstances in which many historians have both agreed and disagreed on the foundation of ideals that shaped it. In order to study the history of love and sexuality one must first look at how modernity shaped gender, marriage, emotions, and sex. Modernity which Matt and Stearns would define as the period in which the “rise of science, some political systemization, and some of the beginnings of industrialization” began to appear, marked the…

Beowulf acts as an open door, leading modern day historians into a deeper view and understanding of Anglo-Saxon religion. In more recent years it was discovered that Christianity wasn’t established during this time period, but rather Paganism was the dominant religion of the people. This has caused controversy over the fictional religious aspects of the epic. Nevertheless, the controversy is able to give historians a view of the older culture and society, even if it is through modern day…

inability to make decisions politically that would assist the cause. It was also due to Grant’s ability to build good relationships with many of his generals, particularly Sherman, and the President was key to his success within the war. As the historian T. Harry Williams stated, “There is no difficulty in composing a final evaluation of Ulysses S. Grant. With him there be no balancing and qualifying, no ifs and buts. He won battles and campaigns, and he struck the blow that won the war.”…

northern pivotal votes in Congress to reveal whether they were pro or anti south. It provided southerners with critical information about the future of national politics and about the future of slavery in the nation. In conclusion it is viewed by historians that the Fugitive Slave Act was not an irrational measure sought by Southerners for symbolic reasons, but instead was based on the problem of runaway male slaves in the border states and on the future security of slavery in the nation.…

that they were not extinguished as other tribes did in the ancient times. The Old Testament relates their survival which stresses the trust they put in their God. Contrast to other ancient civilizations, the Hebrews history gives very little to historians to trace; this because their history is related mostly by prophets or priests guided by God. Other civilizations history has more fact to trace, from…