Primary and Secondary Sources of History for JSS 1

Primary and Secondary Sources of History for JSS 1

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. identify the sources of history;
2. explain how to access the sources of History;
3. distinguish amongst primary, secondary and tertiary sources of history.
4. identify use of sources in decision-making (for the individual or a group)

What is History?

History is the study of past events, especially human affairs. It tells about how people lived, what they did, and what happened in the past.

Understanding history helps people learn from the past and make better decisions for the future. It also helps to understand how societies, cultures, and nations developed over time.

What are Sources of History?

Sources of history are the materials or information that historians use to study and understand the past.

These sources are like clues that help people piece together what happened long ago. Without these sources, it would be impossible to know about the past.

Types of Sources of History

Sources of history can be grouped into different types based on how close they are to the actual event or time period being studied. The main types are primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

Primary Sources of History

Primary sources are original materials that come directly from the time period being studied. They are first-hand accounts or evidence created by people who witnessed or experienced the events.

These sources offer direct evidence about a topic. They have not been interpreted or analysed by anyone else.

Examples of primary sources of history include:

1. Oral Traditions: Stories, legends, proverbs, songs, and myths passed down by word of mouth from one generation to another. These are common in many Nigerian communities.
2. Artifacts: Objects made or used by people in the past, such as tools, pottery, weapons, jewellery, clothing, and ancient buildings.
3. Legends: Traditional stories sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated. They often explain the origins of communities or important events.
4. Folklore: Traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through generations by word of mouth.
5. Archival Materials: Original documents kept in archives, such as old government records, letters, diaries, birth certificates, marriage certificates, official reports, and maps.
6. Eyewitness Accounts: Statements or reports from people who saw an event happen.
7. Photographs and Videos: Original images or recordings from the past.

Secondary Sources of History

Secondary sources are accounts or interpretations of historical events that are created after the events have occurred. They are usually based on primary sources.

These sources analyse, interpret, or summarise information from primary sources. They provide a broader understanding or different perspectives on historical events.

Examples of secondary sources of history include:

1. Textbooks: Books written for educational purposes that summarise historical information.
2. Journal Articles: Academic papers published in scholarly journals that analyse historical topics.
3. Government Publications: Reports or documents published by governments that interpret historical data or events, often based on earlier records.
4. Biographies: Books written about the life of a person by someone else.
5. Autobiographies: Books written about a person’s life by that person themselves. While an autobiography is a primary source for the author’s personal experiences, it can also be used as a secondary source if it interprets broader historical events.
6. Documentaries: Films or television programmes that present historical events, often using interviews, re-enactments, and analysis of primary sources.
7. Newspaper Articles (after the event): Articles written by journalists who were not present at the event but are reporting on it later, or summarising past events.

Tertiary Sources of History

Tertiary sources are compilations or summaries of primary and secondary sources. They are used to get a general overview or to find specific information quickly.

These sources do not usually offer new information or original analysis. Instead, they guide users to other sources or provide basic facts.

Examples of tertiary sources of history include:

1. Bulletins: Short official statements or reports, often summarising information from other sources.
2. Memos: Short official notes or reports, often used for internal communication, summarising information or decisions.
3. Encyclopaedias: Books or digital resources that provide summaries of knowledge on various subjects, including history.
4. Dictionaries: Books that list words and their meanings, sometimes including historical origins of words.
5. Indexes and Bibliographies: Lists of books, articles, or other materials on a particular subject, which help researchers find primary and secondary sources.

Distinguishing Between Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

It is important to understand the differences between these sources because they offer different levels of closeness to the actual historical events. This affects how historians use them.

1. Primary sources are direct evidence from the past. They are original and untouched.
2. Secondary sources interpret or analyse primary sources. They are one step removed from the original event.
3. Tertiary sources summarise or list primary and secondary sources. They are furthest removed from the original event and provide general information or pointers to other sources.

For example, a diary written by someone during the Nigerian Civil War is a primary source. A history book written about the Nigerian Civil War using many diaries and other documents is a secondary source. An encyclopaedia entry that briefly summarises the Nigerian Civil War and lists some books about it is a tertiary source.

Accessing the Sources of History

To learn about history, people need to know where and how to find these sources. Accessing historical sources involves different methods and places.

How to Access Sources of History

1. Oral Interviews: This involves speaking directly with people who have lived through historical events or who have knowledge of oral traditions.

   The procedure involves the following steps:

   1. Identify an elder or a knowledgeable person in the community who has information about the past.
   2. Politely request an interview, explaining the purpose.
   3. Prepare a list of clear questions about the historical event or tradition.
   4. Listen carefully to the answers and record them, either by writing notes or using a voice recorder (with permission).
   5. Thank the person for their time and information.
2. Visit to Archives: Archives are special places where historical documents and records are preserved.

   Archives contain many primary sources like old government papers, letters, and photographs. Visiting an archive allows researchers to examine these original documents.

3. Excursion to Historical Sites: Historical sites are places where important historical events took place or where significant historical structures exist.

   Examples include ancient city walls, old palaces, battlegrounds, or monuments. Visiting these sites helps people to see and feel the physical evidence of the past.

4. Exhibitions: These are public displays of historical objects, documents, or artworks, often organised by museums or cultural centres.

   Exhibitions bring together various sources to tell a story about a particular historical period or theme.

5. Libraries: Libraries are places where books, journals, newspapers, and other materials are kept for reading and research.

   Libraries are excellent places to find secondary and tertiary sources like history textbooks, biographies, and encyclopaedias. Some libraries also have collections of old newspapers or local historical documents.

6. Cultural Festivals: These are celebrations of a community’s traditions, arts, and history.

   Cultural festivals often feature traditional dances, music, storytelling, and re-enactments that can provide insights into the history and customs of a people.

7. Museums: Museums are institutions that collect, preserve, and display objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural importance.

   Museums house many artifacts and other primary sources, often with explanations that serve as secondary sources. They are valuable places to see physical evidence from the past.

Using Sources of History in Decision Making

Historical sources are not just for learning about the past; they also play a crucial role in helping individuals and groups make informed decisions in the present and for the future.

Understanding past events, successes, and failures can guide current actions and prevent repeating mistakes.

Ways historical sources inform decision-making processes include:

1. Learning from Past Mistakes: By studying historical accounts of conflicts, economic downturns, or social problems, individuals and leaders can identify causes and consequences, helping them avoid similar errors. For example, understanding past ethnic tensions can help promote unity today.
2. Understanding Traditions and Culture: Oral traditions, folklore, and artifacts help communities understand their cultural heritage. This knowledge is vital when making decisions about preserving customs, celebrating festivals, or educating younger generations.
3. Planning for the Future: Historical data on population growth, resource management, or climate patterns can help governments and organisations plan for future challenges. For instance, knowing how a community survived past droughts can inform current water management strategies.
4. Resolving Disputes: Historical records and oral accounts can provide context and evidence in resolving land disputes, chieftaincy titles, or other community disagreements.
5. Building Identity and Unity: Shared historical narratives, learned from various sources, help to build a sense of common identity and unity within a group or nation. This is important for making collective decisions that benefit everyone.
6. Informing Policy Making: Governments often refer to historical precedents and outcomes when drafting new laws or policies. For example, understanding the history of education in Nigeria can help shape new educational reforms.