What Is History Essay

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What Is History? History has two differing meanings. It can simply be the events of the past, which is referred to as history as actuality, or it can be the retelling of said events, which is referred to as history as an account. The events of the past do not change, as they have already happened, but our account of those events do change. These changing accounts are the result of a good few things, and are beneficial to the human race for multiple reasons. One reason there are multiple changing accounts of unchanging events is that history is subject to varying perception by witnesses. Witnesses not only perceive events differently, but they also have varying memory which has a great effect on accounts of events. Many things go unnoticed by many, even if in hindsight they may be seen as important. Not only may witnesses make mistakes in retelling events, but they tend to articulate their retellings differently. All of these things contribute, in part, to changing accounts of events. Furthermore, evidence presented by eyewitnesses is subject to interpretation and assessment by those reporting the events. Just as those present during an event may overlook things, one who is documenting such events may consider certain things to be more important than others. Again, just as witnesses may express themselves differently, those reporting events may articulate their own retellings differently.

Yet another reason for changing accounts is the rediscovery of existing information. There is information on record that either becomes lost or is overlooked. Also, records are different among those lacking information, that is to say different historians may have access to different records and may be missing different bits of information. When this information is rediscovered, it can change an accounts of events, sometimes quite significantly. In addition, the official views and/or values can take a large part in changing accounts of unchanging events. The documented accounts of events are largely influenced by the views established and held by the dominant group. Moreover, if another group gains dominance, documented accounts could change completely. What’s more, history is reevaluated when new information or problems arise. New technology either reveals new information that was either inaccessible, or gives us a better, more detailed view
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