CANADIAN HISTORY Mr Yard WHAT IS HISTORY History

CANADIAN HISTORY Mr. Yard

WHAT IS HISTORY? - History tries to account for and understand the past. - It can be a broad view (over centuries) or a narrow view (over one day or hour)

WHY STUDY HISTORY? - - - Consequences of past events are still evident today and will continue to influence events in the future. Studying history helps us to understand the past and present, as well as to plan for the future. Teaches/requires you to be a critical thinker.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS HOW HAS CANADA’S HISTORY SHAPED THE CANADA OF TODAY? - - May lead to more questions Are open-ended; do not have one “correct” response Cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” or one sentence WRONG: When did Canada enter World War One? RIGHT: To what extent did Canada respond effectively to World War One?

HISTORICAL THINKING CONCEPTS • 1. Establishing historical significance • 2. Using primary-source evidence • 3. Identifying continuity and change • 4. Analyzing cause and consequence • 5. Taking a historical perspective • 6. Considering the ethical dimensions of history

1. Establishing Historical Significance • Does the event have serious, long-lasting consequences for many people? • Does the event reveal or shed light on longlasting or emerging issues? • Historically Significant? World War 2 Life of Louis Riel Your last Math test

2. Using Primary-Source Evidence • Includes oral testimony, letters, maps, photographs, tv broadcasts, as well as artifacts such as buildings, clothing, or tools.

3. Identifying Continuity and Change • Continuity – what remains the same? – and change – what is different? – • Thinking about history as specific periods (eg. The Roaring Twenties or Swinging Sixties) can help your understanding. (Then and Now)

4. Analyzing Cause and Consequence • Causes are often numerous and layered • Human beings create or cause change through actions or decisions • Actions may result in unintended consequences • Example 1: Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in Vancouver Olympics. • Example 2: European exploration of North America in 1500’s

5. Taking a Historical Perspective • Taking a historical perspective means putting yourself in the shoes of someone in the past – but leaving behind some of the values and beliefs that shape your thinking today • It does not mean you must agree with the actions or attitudes but it does mean trying to understand them • Eg) One cultural group: • 1) used baby diapers made out of moss • 2) played soccer at three oclock in the morning • 3) used fish to make runners for a sled

6. Considering the Ethical Dimensions • Historians try to guard against imposing today’s ethical standards on the past • The need to make an ethical judgement can conflict with this • One solution is to ask questions that have an ethical dimension (eg. Was the policy of assimilating First Nations people motivated by good intentions? ) • Example: Anti-Terrorism Act and Maher Arar • When should the rights of society outweigh the rights of individuals?

Respond in writing (minimum ½ page) • Why is it important to study the history of Canada? List some topics in Canadian history you would like to learn more about and why. • DUE: Wednesday in class