What Is History?
E.H. Carr
21 min
7 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore the essence and purpose of history through a series of lectures delivered at the University of Cambridge, challenging traditional views and encouraging a deeper understanding of historical events.
You'll learn
1. How do we study history?2. What's the individual's role in history?3. What does a historian do for society?4. Is there progress in history?5. How does a historian deal with facts?6. Why is cause and effect important in history?Key points
01The Genesis of Historical Understanding
The genesis of historical understanding is a fascinating journey that traces its roots back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. It was here that history was first recorded as a means of understanding the past, with pioneering historians like Herodotus and Thucydides laying the groundwork for historical study. Their meticulous recording of events set the stage for the evolution of historical thought, marking the beginning of a discipline that would continue to evolve and shape our understanding of the world. The Enlightenment era marked a significant turning point in the evolution of historical thought. Historians like Voltaire and Hume began to move away from the mere chronological recording of events, instead opting for an analytical interpretation of these events. This shift in approach signaled a new era in historical study, one that placed emphasis on understanding the underlying causes and effects of historical events. The concept of 'historical facts' is a crucial element in the study of history. These facts, as explained, are not simply accepted as truth but are carefully selected and interpreted by historians. This was exemplified by the historian Leopold von Ranke, who believed in presenting history 'as it actually happened'. However, this approach was later contrasted by historians like Marc Bloch and Fernand Braudel, who emphasized the importance of social and economic structures in shaping history. This divergence in approach underscores the complexity of historical study and the importance of interpretation in understanding historical events. The role of history in shaping our understanding of the world cannot be overstated. The French Revolution, for instance, has been interpreted in various ways, leading to different understandings of its causes and effects. Similarly, differing interpretations of World War I and II have shaped our understanding of war and peace. These examples highlight the profound influence of historical interpretation on our perception of the world. In the latter part of this stage, the importance of history extends beyond understanding the past. It also plays a crucial role in understanding our present and future. The Cold War, for instance, has shaped our current geopolitical landscape, with historical understanding of this event influencing contemporary international relations. Similarly, the role of history in shaping national identities is evident in the formation of modern European nations. In conclusion, the genesis of historical understanding is a complex and evolving journey. From the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome to the modern era, the study of history has continually evolved, shaping our understanding of the world. It is not just about understanding the past, but also about understanding our present and future. The importance of history, therefore, cannot be understated. It is a discipline that continues to shape our world, influencing our perception of events and our understanding of the world around us.
02The Historian and His Facts
The role of a historian is often perceived as a mere recorder of events, a chronicler of facts. However, this perception is challenged when we delve deeper into the intricate relationship between the historian and his facts. The historian is not just a passive observer, but an active participant in the creation of history. The first step in this process is the selection of facts. A historian does not simply record every single event that occurred during a particular period. Instead, he sifts through a vast array of information, selecting only those facts that he deems significant. This process of selection is not arbitrary, but influenced by the historian's own perspective and understanding of the event. For instance, in the study of the French Revolution, the historian chooses to focus on certain events, individuals, or ideas, based on his interpretation of their significance to the overall narrative. The interpretation of facts is another crucial aspect of historical writing. Historians do not just present facts as they are, but interpret them based on their own understanding and perspective. The same event can be interpreted differently by different historians, depending on their individual perspectives. For example, the French Revolution might be interpreted as a struggle for democracy by one historian, while another might view it as a violent upheaval. This interpretation shapes the narrative that the historian presents to his readers. The presentation of facts is the final step in this process. Historians arrange facts in a certain way to create a narrative. This narrative is not a mere recitation of events, but a story that is shaped by the historian's own perspective and understanding of the event. A historian might present the French Revolution as a linear progression from monarchy to democracy, while another might present it as a series of chaotic events. However, this process is not without its pitfalls. Historians, being human, are influenced by their own biases and perspectives. This bias can influence the selection, interpretation, and presentation of facts. A historian with a pro-democracy bias might select, interpret, and present facts in a way that portrays the French Revolution in a positive light. In conclusion, the historian and his facts share a complex relationship. Facts are not independent entities, but constructs of historians. They are selected, interpreted, and presented based on the historian's own perspective and understanding. This process, while it can be influenced by bias, is crucial in shaping our understanding of history. It is through this process that historians bring the past to life, creating narratives that help us understand our present and shape our future.
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03Society and the Individual
04History as Progress
05The Historian as Prophet
06The Future of History
07Conclusion
About E.H. Carr
E.H. Carr was a British historian, diplomat, journalist, and international relations theorist, known for his works on Soviet history. He was a proponent of historical materialism as a methodology for historical analysis. His most famous work is "What Is History?" which discusses the nature of the facts of history.