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Historical Facts and Social facts, 2004.
Summary and review of E. H. Carr's book about the accuracy of historical facts, entitled "The Historian and His Facts".
986 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper outlines the E. H. Carr's theory in his book, "The Historian and His Facts", which argues that that a historical fact can never be a hard fact that can be taken at face value because it is really just a reflection of the historian?s thought process. The paper summarizes Carr's arguments, which support his theory, and cites the examples used by Carr, which add credibility to his views. The paper also reviews Carr's belief that hard historical facts can not exist independently and objectively of the historian because the view of the past is always colored by the present. Finally, the paper looks at how Durkheim's definition of social facts can both relate to and refute Carr's theory.
From the Paper
"Carr presents several logical and highly persuasive arguments in support of his argument. For instance, he submits that our picture of Greece in the fifth century B.C. is largely based by the documentation and picture left behind by a select group of people in Athens and to that extent is not truly representative since very little was recorded of the history of the Spartan or Corinthian civilizations. Similarly, he questions the current day picture of the medieval man as deeply concerned with religion since the facts of medieval history have almost all been selected by people who were professionally occupied in the theory and practice of religion and who, therefore, may have focused on recording all facts relating to it."
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Thanksgiving: Fact or Fiction?, 2006.
Sorts out historical facts from the origin myths of Thanksgiving.
3,140 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 20 sources, APA, £ 64.95
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Abstract
Many historical facts have been lost in the shuffle concerning the Thanksgiving Holiday traditions in America, in favor of origin myths commonly accepted by mainstream society. This paper examines some of these origin myths and sorts them out from the true historical facts.
From the Paper
"Although physical remains of their settlement have not been found, historians and geographers have utilized surviving navigation logs and other records to reconstruct the 1526 voyage. Based on the latest research, the San Miguel de Gualdape settlement probably was situated on the mainland of what today is McIntosh County in Georgia, opposite Sapelo Sound. Disease and disputes with the local Guale Indian village caused many deaths in the settlement, and finally in November 1526, the African slaves rebelled, killed some of their Spaniard masters, and escaped to live with the local Guale tribe."
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The Trojan War: Fact and/or Fiction?, 2006.
This paper examines the historical facts and archaeological findings and questions if the Trojan war in fact took place.
2,347 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 51.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper ponders the issue of the Trojan war and debates whether the war in fact occurred. This paper discusses the lack of writing and description of the Trojan war until Homer's "Iliad" written some 300 years after the event. This paper examines the modern archaeological excavation findings as well as discusses geographical and historical facts of the Trojan war.
From the Paper
"There are some other curious literary anomalies. If the Trojan war was such an important event to the mainland Greeks, why is it that there are so few other descriptions or writings about it, until Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, some three hundred years or so, later. "Another epic, the Kypria, dealt with the events leading up to the arrival of the Greek forces at Troy at the beginning of the ten-year siege. The full text of this epic no longer survives, but a capsule summary of its contents is preserved."
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Troy: Fact or Fiction, 2002.
An examination of whether the story of Troy from Homer's "Iliad" is based on historical fact or myth.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the historical precedent set by Homer's The Iliad, and seek to understand the mistaken conclusion that it was an actual history, rather than a mythos. By understanding that certain archeologists have shown, the evidence does not, and cannot perpetuate this theory, and hence, never proven. By resenting the facts that have been uncovered from this ancient story, as well as some of facts that are shown in the data recovered for the site of Troy, which is the basic foundation for this argument, we can see how the evidence is severely lacking in the connection of fact with fiction.
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Gladiator: Fact or Fiction, 2001.
This paper discusses the historical facts, as well as the mistakes and fabricated elements, in the movie "Gladiator."
1,155 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Ridley Scott's movie , "Gladiator." The author compares and contrasts the movie's portrayal of Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, and Maximus Decimus Meridius, with what happened to them in their "real" lives in ancient Rome.
From the Paper
"Marcus Aurelius was actually the Roman Emperor at the time the movie took place. The real Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Great Emperors of Rome. He ruled from 161 to 180 BC. The movie corresponded nicely with these dates. As portrayed in the movie, Marcus was a very wise stoic philosopher. In the movie Marcus desired to hand Rome to the Senate and showed so in his handing the Empire down to Maximus. In actuality Marcus Aurelius did often portray the image that he respected the Senate and publicly held a very Republican point of view. Speculations have been made though, that Marcus Aurelius simply may have put up this front to avoid the fate of other rulers such as Julius Caesar."
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Vampires: Fact or Fiction?, 2004.
A look at the historical facts behind the vampire myth.
1,541 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how it is clear from novels and movies, such as ?Interview with the Vampire? and Bram Stoker?s "Dracula?, and long-surviving TV shows, such as ?The Musters? and ?The Addams family?, that there is a genuine folklore fascination with vampires. It analyzes how the vampire genre is a perfectly legitimate theme for horror stories, as legitimate as ghosts, werewolves, and other monsters. It also discusses the lack of empirical evidence as to the genuine existence of vampires, past or present. It shows how myths and folklore about vampires are part of the landscape of history and very easy to come by for researchers, but factual evidence is far more difficult to obtain.
Outline
Vampire Folklore and the Burning of Corpses
Believers, Murderers and Some History of Vampires
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This phenomenon of burning the corpse of a suspected (or ?known?) vampire is universally present throughout folklore literature, notably in the richly descriptive vampire book edited by Alan Dundes . There are myriad customs when it comes to the burning, however. In Romania, for example, as recently as 1914 (Dundes, 17), the vampire corpse was ?disinterred,? undressed and put in a bag; the clothes were put back into the coffin, sprinkled with holy water, and the coffin was returned to the grave. The body was taken to the forest, the heart was cut out, and the body cut up in pieces, and burned, piece by piece, with the heart being burnt last. Those present came near the fire when the heart burned, so the smoking from the burning vampire heart passed over them, to ?protect? them."
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Historical Accuracy in "Midway", 2008.
A film review of Jack Smight's "Midway".
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces and analyzes the film "Midway" directed by Jack Smight. Specifically, it discusses the film and its depiction of the historical battle of Midway. The paper points out that "Midway" is a historical film that uses archival footage to make the action seem more realistic. The paper claims that the historical perspective of this film is overall very accurate, but that there are some lapses in truth. It argues that Hollywood melodrama makes some of the information in the film questionable at best. The paper concludes that, to watch the film for entertainment makes sense, but to base historical fact on the film will only disappoint and misinform the viewer.
From the Paper
"The film shows how military choices and tactics led up to the battle, and how, for the first time, the battle was essentially fought from the air, with the two navies never actually seeing each other. For this reason, the battle is extremely historic, and that is one of the reasons the filmmakers chose to create the film. In addition, it seems in the 70s that there was considerable anti-war sentiment after the war in Vietnam and college unrest, and several WWII films were created during this time, such as "Tora, Tora, Tora!" (1970) which tells the story of the Pearl Harbor attacks from the Japanese point of view, and "Patton" (1970), which tells the story of the life of General George Patton. It seems that Hollywood was attempting to create more patriotism in America by reminding Americans of the great victories during World War II, and this film fits into that category quite nicely."
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Historical Detection, 2006.
An analysis of the application of historical detection to the Salem Witch Trials.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper studies historical detection, the use of modern technology and advanced psychological techniques to shed additional light on historical occurrences. Based on the book "After the Fact: the Art of Historical Detection" by J.W. Davidson and M.H. Lytle, the paper applies modern psychology and medicine to the examination of the witchcraft scare in the late seventeenth century in New England.
From the Paper
"Later, social historians studied the everyday activities and commerce of the villagers in the area, using records indicating land ownership and places of residence. They found that at the time, some of the inhabitants of the original Old Town Salem had moved to outlying areas and were setting up another village, incurring the animosities of their neighbors. This explanation is dramatically confirmed when a map is used showing the location of the various persons known to have been involved in the cases: the accusers, the defenders and the accused. It was revealed that those accused of being witches and those who accused them lived on opposite ends of the town. Those who defended the accused lived closest to them, and can be presumed to be friends and neighbors. A study of the politics of the region confirms further that financial interests of the villagers were affected by the efforts of some to move out of the village and begin a settlement of their own. These historians believe that this could explain the intensity of the feelings of animosity that culminated in death for some of the accused witches. In the case of the activities of Salem, a contemporary study of historical documents viewed from a perspective of modern education in the fields of medicine, socio-political dynamics and religious studies has uncovered the answer to a question that has puzzled historians for more than two centuries."
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Historical Preservation, 2008.
Examines historical preservation as a major land use program and development rights transfers as an historic preservation technique.
3,220 words (approx. 12.9 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that historic preservation, a major form of land use in some areas of the country, is a concerted and detailed effort of federal, state and local government. The paper then reviews the development of laws and various court decisions, which govern historic preservation. The paper relates that laws permitting the transferring of development rights are designed to clarify certain zoning laws and to ensure that certain lands and structures can be protected.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The National Historic Preservation Act
Historic Preservation" as a Major Land Use Program
Historic Landmark Protection
Constitutionality of Historic Preservation
Transfer of Development Rights
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"In addition to the regulations that govern the preservation of historic sites, there also exist protections for historic landmarks. According to the National Park Service Historic landmarks are sites of historic significance that are designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they contain extraordinary worth in demonstrating the heritage of the United States. There are currently less than 2,500 historic sited that have the national distinction of Historic Landmark. In collaborations with citizens around America, the National Historic Landmarks Program utilizes the knowledge of National Park Service staff responsible for nominating new landmarks and assists established landmarks."
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Historical Fiction in Film: Quo Vadis, 2001.
Examines the background and historical accuracy of the legendary Hollywood movie "Quo Vadis".
1,046 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This essay examines historical fiction as seen in the famous Hollywoood movie Quo Vadis. The successes and failures of the film in accurately portraying Roman history and the struggle between early Christianity and Roman society are analyzed. Through a look at real historical sources, we can see that for the most part the film is an entertaining but flawed example of the retelling of a historical event and the personalities of that time. For example, the film leads viewers to believe that this period of history was the climax of the conflict between imperial Rome and early Christianity, but in fact Nero was no worse for the Christians than many other emperors before and after his reign.
From the Paper
"The characters of Marcus Vinicius and Lygia in the film are symbolic of the rift between imperial Rome and the early Christians, however, they are fictional characters and did not exist in ancient Rome. Galba was in fact the real leader who replaced Nero (he does in the film as well), but he was a seventy-year old man who only ruled for about six months before he was executed by rivals in the forum and replaced by Otho."
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Historical Particularism vs. Functionalism, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the schools of thought of historical particularism and functionalism
1,527 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts historical particularism and functionalism. The paper first discusses how historical particularism was a school of thought which concentrated on a holistic historical approach to the study of cultures and civilizations, from the development of their language to their physical appearance. Historical particularists believed in concentrated study of a people and their languages to gain a full understanding on their culture. The paper then discusses functionalism and explains that it sought to be a corrective to the excesses of the evolutionary and diffusionist theories of the nineteenth-century and the historicism of the early twentieth century. Functionalism concentrated all of its resources into describing the material, psychological, physical, and social structures of a civilization. The paper concludes with a brief summary of the differences and similarities of the two schools of thought and notes that they are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
From the Paper
"Historical particularism and functionalism are related in the way that they both concentrate on details and pre-existing conditions. These methods were demonstrated in the various essays by Franz Boas and A. L. Kroeber for historical particularism, and Bronislaw Malinowski and A. R. Radcliffe-Brown for functionalism. Specifically, Boas, in The Methods of Ethnology, argued against the various traditional evolutionary theories proposed by Lewis Morgan, Karl Marx, Sir Edward Tylor, and Herbert Spencer. He criticized the theory of the nineteenth-century evolutionism as non-scientific and claimed historical particularism to be free from preconceived ideas. Stating simply that these theories had a particular resilience, but lacked any sort of empirical evidence, Boas argued that the evolutionary theory was based on the counterfactual assumption that our culture was the most advanced and all others were merely following us (Boas 1920). "
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Historical Fiction in Film: Spartacus, 2002.
A look at how this movie provides many historical untruths and inaccuracies.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This essay examines historical fiction as seen in the famous Hollywood movie Spartacus. The successes and failures of the film in accurately portraying Roman history and the struggle between Spartacus and the Roman Republic are analyzed. Through a look at real historical sources, we can see that for the most part the film is an entertaining but inaccurate retelling of this historical event and the story of Spartacus? life.
From the Paper
"The famous and award-winning film Spartacus was produced by Universal Pictures in 1960 and based on a popular historical novel of the same name by Howard Fast At over one-hundred seventy five minutes, it is a lengthy bit compelling viewing experience. The main characters are played by legendary Hollywood stars Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier, although a host of other renowned talents such as Charles Laughton and Tony Curtis also appear."
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Historical Travel Literature, 2005.
An analysis of both Ludivico di Varthema's and Sir Henry Blount's historical travel literature.
1,935 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a critical analysis of Blount's and Varthema's travel literature, questioning why, in light of their historically questionable content, they can be considered valid historical texts.
Outline
Background
Analysis of Ludovico di Varthema's "Itinerary"
Analysis of Sir Henry Blount's "A Voyage into the Levant"
Historical Significance of Both Texts and Their Purposes
From the Paper
"Blount seeks a more academic understanding of the "Ottoman lands." Although prejudiced in the sense that it is judged and understood from the perspective of the "other," it does provide a simple framework for understanding or defining Muslims. He begins by stating this established rule: "the most important parts of all States are four: arms, religion, justice and moral customs," and explains the presence and nature of each among Muslims and in Muslims lands (Blount 177). Certainly, di Varthema does include in his descriptions accounts of the morals, law, religion and defense but, they cannot be taken as serious representation of the truth because they are so exaggerated."
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The Search for Historical Atlantis, 2001.
A discussion of the historical basis in the Atlantis myth and in what ways it has been researched.
1,546 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the archaeological search for the historical Atlantis, the theories that have been suggested over the years and the techniques which have been used to investigate them. It looks at how the myth has been captured by many authors over the years such as Ignatius Donnelly. It also considers whether K.T. Frost's hypothesis attempting to prove that the lost city of Atlantis was in fact in the Aegean is the solution to the problem of its location.
From the Paper
"However, if we are equating the destruction of Minoan Crete to that of Atlantis, we run into problems. The most obvious of these is that Atlantis was supposed to have sunk under the sea after experiencing ?earthquakes and floods of extraordinary violence? . While Crete probably did experience earthquakes as a result of Santorini, it is quite plainly still there, not sunk under the waves at all. Supporters of the Crete/Thera theory have two arguments to this. The first is that the eruption of Santorini could have caused a tsunami that would have hit Crete. This would certainly be a watery end for the Minoans, but even stretching the imagination one cannot say that it 'sank' the island."
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