What makes an historical event important?

Question

writing an essay for US history and im STUCK

any help will help :D

thanks!

Answer 1

What a great question; it gets to the heart of the study of history, but is so fundamental that most people don't even think about it. I have a couple of thoughts on your question.

First of all, there are many types of history, ranging from personal history (like a diary), to family history, to national history, to world history. The criterion for each would be a bit different.

Secondly, what people THINK is important to remember can change from person to person, culture to culture, and era to era. Some people might maintain very specific religious history, while others may not. Once again, it depends upon what is important to them.

This being said, I would answer your question this way: An event that had an important impact on the way people lived, worked, and/or thought should be remembered. We should also remember what events changed these ways of living, working, and thinking.

Hope these ideas give you some food for thought!

Answer 2

What makes a historical event important is how it affects the time that we live in. Take for example, Operation Overlord(aka D-Day). Had we not have won that battle and liberated France, we'd probably be all speaking German and saluting Hitler's memory right about now. Also imagine what America would be like had the colonists not been victorious at Yorkshire and Saratoga. So you see, every historical event that produces a turning point or elicits a change is of significant importance.

Answer 3

Because history does repeat itself, and the 'cliche' that we either learn from or repeat history is true.

It might help you to think of a historical event that (a) has repeated itself or (b) changed everything (things) in the time following or (c) changed your view of the world. Perhaps even a personal event ( like, your dad lost his job)

Answer 4

if it makes a profound impact for subsequent events then its important, if it significantly changes the future

Answer 5

as a turning point for the future...

Answer 6

We do!