Examining Historical Evidence

Among the most important types of historical evidence are primary sources. Primary sources consist of artifacts, documents, diaries, recordings, manuscripts, photographs, autobiographies, or any other pieces of information that were created at a particular time in history.

A primary source is a first-hand account of an event or topic. They are the most direct evidence of a time or event because they were created at the time or event.

A secondary source does not give original information. It interprets or summarizes information from primary sources. Textbooks, biographies, encyclopedias, and dictionaries are examples of secondary sources.

Historians typically use secondary sources to get a better understanding of a topic and to find additional primary and secondary sources on that  topic. This interactive lesson will use an Unladylike2020 digital short to learn about a Progressive Era changemaker and begin your search for related primary source material. You will then use the primary source that you found to construct your final essay.