Introduction to Historical Concepts

Study Notes

History: A Definition

An imaginative and interpretative reconstruction of past events based on records, oral history, artifacts and folk traditions.
A chronological account of past events of a period or in the life or development of a people, an institution, or a place.
The study of past events with added interpretation.

The Study of History: Key Processes

Historical Method: Critically examining and analyzing the surviving records of the past.
Historical Imagination: The process where historians use their creative thinking to reconstruct the past, staying within reasonable boundaries.

Key Figures in History

Herodotus: A Greek historian considered the “Father of History.” His works, like the account of the Peloponnesian War, are known for their anecdotal and entertaining style.
Historiography: The art and science of writing history.

Why Study History?

To learn about the past.
To understand the present.
To appreciate our heritage.
To broaden our horizons.
To acquire background for critical thinking.

Sources of History: Primary and Secondary Sources

Primary Sources: Offer first-hand information, such as eyewitness testimony, diaries, and personal letters.
Secondary Sources: Analyze and interpret primary sources, often providing a broader understanding of events.
Artifacts: Physical remains, including tools, weapons, and other objects from the past, serve as important historical sources.
Written or Inscribed Sources: Written records, such as tomb inscriptions, books, and even graffiti, offer valuable insights into the past.
Graphics and Photographs: Visual materials can provide a unique perspective on historical events, capturing moments, places, and individuals.

Corazon Aquino's Speech Before the US Congress

Corazon Aquino, the President of the Philippines, gave this speech before the joint session of the United States Congress in 1986.
Aquino came to the U.S. three years prior to deliver a eulogy for her husband, Ninoy Aquino, who had been assassinated by the Philippine government.
Aquino notes that her journey from delivering a eulogy to becoming the President of a free Philippines is a testament to the power of democratic values in defying authoritarian regimes.
The speech was delivered to a joint session of the United States Congress, an indication of the international significance of the Philippine democracy movement.
Aquino alludes to the political climate in the Philippines in the 1970's under President Ferdinand Marcos, describing the suspension of the constitution, imprisonment of opposition figures, and suppression of democratic rights.
Aquino describes the hardships endured by her husband during his detention for speaking out against the dictatorship, emphasizing his "unbroken spirit" and his constant fight for democratic ideals.
Aquino emphasizes that her husband sacrificed his own well-being by refusing to compromise his democratic values even when faced with physical and psychological torture.
Aquino highlights the importance of Ninoy Aquino's death as a catalyst for the revolution that led to the Philippines' return to democracy.
Aquino recalls the dictator Marcos's underestimate of her husband's influence, which ultimately led to a massive demonstration of public support during his funeral—a pivotal moment in the Filipino revolution.
Aquino describes her responsibility to continue her husband's legacy and to champion democratic values, quoting Archibald MacLeish to underscore the need to defend democracy through action.
Aquino uses her speech to advocate for support from the United States in the Philippines' transition towards democracy.