Historical Thinking Handout

6 Concepts
Historical Significance
There is history everywhere, but it is important to know which events
have significance. When assessing the significance of a historical
event, it is important to look at events that caused a lot change over a
long period of time or affected lots of individuals.
Example: Cortez taking over the Aztecs
Evidence and Interpretation
Using primary sources such as letters, documents, diaries, newspapers
and then interpreting the past from that source. Primary sources are
documents that are original from the past, that have not been altered.
Using these sources you will be able to understand different
perspectives. It is important to look at these sources in their historical
context, as the language may be different than it is today.
Example: Aztec codices
Continuity and Change
Taking two different events or time periods and comparing them to
better understand how it has changed or remained the same.
Example: Before conquest and after conquest
Cause and Consequence
What were the actions, beliefs and circumstances that lead to these
consequences?

Example: Spanish conquest

Activity: What was the biggest consequence from the death of
Moctezuma?
Historical Perspective Taking
Understanding the social, cultural, intellectual, and emotional settings
that shaped peoples lives and actions in the past. It is important to
understand the different perspectives between the past and today.
Example: La Malinche
Activity: Was La Malinche a traitor or a hero?
Moral Judgement
Taking the past and using it to understand and face ethical issues in
todays society. Example: What responsibilities do we have to the Aztec
culture today?