INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY
1. Meaning of History
History is the study of past human events and experiences. It explains how people lived, the activities they carried out, the challenges they faced, and how these events affect the present and the future.
The word History comes from the Greek word “Historia”, which means inquiry or knowledge gained through investigation.
History is time-based and factual. It does not deal with imaginary stories but with real events that happened in society.
Differences Between History and Storytelling
|
History |
Storytelling |
| 1 |
History is factual and evidence-based. |
Storytelling may be fictional or imaginary. |
| 2 |
History is time-bound and organized chronologically. |
Storytelling is not always time-bound. |
| 3 |
It studies real human societies and events. |
It may involve animals, spirits, or imaginary beings. |
| 4 |
History is used to preserve truth. |
Storytelling is often for entertainment or moral lessons. |
Sources of History
A source of history is anything that provides information about past human activities. Historians use these sources to reconstruct the past. Sources of history are grouped into three main types:
(a) Primary Sources
These are first-hand, original accounts of events. They include:
- Oral traditions such as songs, proverbs, and stories.
- Legends and folklores that describe the lives of heroes and ancestors.
- Artifacts such as pots, tools, ornaments, and weapons made by people in the past.
- Archival materials such as old government records and manuscripts.
- Inscriptions on stones, walls, or metals.
- Eye-witness accounts of events.
(b) Secondary Sources
These are accounts that were not directly witnessed but are based on information gathered from primary sources. Examples are:
- Textbooks
- Journals and articles
- Newspapers and magazines
- Biographies
- Documentaries
(c) Tertiary Sources
These are collections or summaries of information from secondary sources. They include:
- Encyclopedias
- Students’ projects
- Bulletins
- Yearbooks
- Memoranda (memos)
How to Access Sources of History
Sources of history can be studied or accessed through the following ways:
- Excursions to historical sites such as the Badagry Slave Port, Benin Walls, or the Nok Terracotta sites.
- Visiting museums which preserve artifacts and relics of the past.
- Using libraries which store textbooks, journals, and official documents.
- Attending cultural festivals which showcase dances, music, and traditions connected to history.
- Going to exhibitions where artifacts and historical objects are displayed.
- Consulting national archives where old government documents are kept.
- Observing historical monuments and statues that remind us of leaders and events.
Importance of History
History is important to individuals, society, and the nation.
(a) Importance to the Individual
- It helps individuals to understand themselves and their environment.
- It provides moral lessons from the past.
- It develops the ability to think critically and make better decisions.
- It serves as a reservoir of knowledge that people can learn from.
(b) Importance to the Society
- It helps to transmit culture and values from one generation to another.
- It preserves the heritage and traditions of the people.
- It promotes intergroup relationships and peaceful living.
- It gives people a sense of identity and belonging.
(c) Importance to the Nation
- It promotes nationalism and patriotism by remembering national heroes.
- It helps the nation to understand past and present events.
- It guides leaders in planning for the future.
- It records the progress and challenges of the nation.
- It unites citizens by reminding them of their shared history.
Branches of History
History can be studied under different branches, such as:
- Political History – study of leaders, governments, laws, and wars.
- Social History – study of customs, marriage, festivals, and religion.
- Economic History – study of farming, trade, industries, and commerce.
- Military History – study of wars, battles, and defense systems.
- Cultural/Intellectual History – study of arts, beliefs, inventions, and discoveries.
- Diplomatic History – study of the relationship between nations.
Careers in History
Studying history can prepare people for many careers. Examples include:
- Teaching and lecturing
- Museum and monument management
- Archival and library work
- Archaeology and anthropology
- Journalism and writing
- Diplomacy and international relations
- Public administration and civil service
- Tourism and cultural heritage management
Qualities of a Good Historian
A good historian must:
- Be truthful and objective.
- Be patient and thorough in research.
- Have curiosity and a good memory.
- Be able to think critically and analyze information.
- Be able to explain events clearly.
Limitations of Studying History
The study of history has some challenges. These include:
- Bias – some historians may write in a one-sided way.
- Loss of evidence – many records and artifacts may be destroyed.
- Exaggeration – oral traditions may contain myths or falsehoods.
- Illiteracy – many past societies did not write, so their history was only oral.
- Language barriers – some documents may be in foreign or extinct languages.
10. Conclusion
History is the record of human experiences in the past. It is different from storytelling because it is factual and time-based. It is studied through sources such as oral traditions, artifacts, textbooks, and archives. History is very important because it helps individuals to understand themselves, helps society to preserve culture, and helps nations to unite and plan for the future.
Revision Questions
- Define history and explain how it is different from storytelling.
- List and explain three primary sources of history with examples.
- Mention two ways students can access sources of history and explain why they are important.
- State three importance of history to the nation.
- Identify and explain two branches of history.
- Mention three qualities of a good historian.
