Silas D. Eane's Death by Alec Christian Hernandez

Explain why the authors believe that the view “history is what happened in the past” is, in their words, a “profoundly misleading” view of history. Do you agree with their view? Why?

fcisner7_2 — 2024-08-27 18:57:00 UTC

I found myself agreeing with the author on their stance. It's rare when we have history that is uncluttered and completely 100% true. It's never set in stone and can be changed on a dime with new texts and information. History is about what we take from the past and piece together rather than a bunch of set in stone facts that are absolutely true.

How do the authors define the word history?

fcisner7_2 — 2024-08-27 19:00:34 UTC

The author has a very eloquent definition of history. They state that history is the byproduct of different minds putting together the pieces from the past. That amalgamation is what they define as history.

Identify from the reading at least 6 general tasks the historian must face if he/she is to produce history. Explain how they will deal with each task.

fcisner7_2 — 2024-08-27 19:02:13 UTC

A. Determining which topic to write about.

A topic that has very little historical coverage would be a great thing to research. Or maybe going back to a very popular topic and trying to glean new information.

B. Locating materials on the topic.

The National Archives is a great website to find primary sources. Different research journals that other people have made would also work.

C. Selecting materials from among available sources.

Primary sources would be the best materials to take. Secondary sources might also have some information to take but might not be as truthful.

D. Analyzing available materials on the topic

Deciphering what is true and what is false from different accounts is the hardest part.

E. Determining relationships among selected data.

Piecing together all of the pieces through selective reasoning and logical conclusions is the final part before all of the research turns into history.

F. Presenting data and analyses in a coherent and intelligible manner.

“The Strange Death of Silas Deane” is a secondary historical source. What makes it a secondary source? What is a primary source? Did the authors use any primary sources to help them write the story? If so, please identify a primary source they use.

fcisner7_2 — 2024-08-27 19:03:16 UTC

"The Strange Death of Silas Deane" is a secondary source because it was not written by him or somebody he knew; however, they did include some primary sources such as letters.

What do you think happened to Silas Deane?

fcisner7_2 — 2024-08-27 19:03:52 UTC

I genuinely think that Bancroft had a hand in Deane's death. He had no way to ensure his safety with Deane around, and couldn't deal with that. And was the only one who recognized his death free from the rumors and gossip.

How does this make history fluid?

fcisner7_2 — 2024-08-27 19:04:08 UTC

This makes history fluid because it shows a lot of different facts between periods, and it shows a lot of them being changed or added to those facts.