Lessons From History Presentation

Evaluating Historical Sources

Latoya Wilson

Capella University

04/28/2022

Selected topic: Facing Economic Change

Citation for Source 1:

History Matters. (n.d.). “Sir I will thank you with all my heart": Seven letters from the Great Migration. http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5332/

What type of source is this- primary source

When was it written?- no date has been shared

Why was it written?- the source was written for the purpose of communicating to the government the reason why people from the African American community were compelled to immigrate from South to cities in the North and west between 1916 and 1921.

What is the main idea or takeaway? - The main ideas for the letters is to inform the government on main economic challenges that required being addressed to make the region habitable.

Was the writer present at the time of the events he or she was writing about? – the source is in form of letters written by people who were present during the time they were writing about thereby being affected by the harsh economic times of the time. Moreover, the letters are written in first person version.

Does the writer seem neutral? Why/why not? – The writers are neutral as they write from experience that many people at the time could relate with and more so their intention is making the situation better economically. This is not ignoring how they are also communicating the challenges they are facing even in their hosting locations.

What are some of the key facts presented? - That economic challenges affect families to the point of causing relocation and worse still separation. Economic changes for instance economic crisis pushes people to do even the unthinkable in efforts to attain survival.

Explain why this source is credible- The source is credible because it shares first-hand information from the people that suffered the consequences making the source original.

Citation for Source 2:

Facing History and Ourselves. (n.d.). Firsthand accounts of the Great Depression. https://www.facinghistory.org/mockingbird/firsthand-accounts-great-depression

1. What type of source is this? – primary

When was it written? – no date shared

Why was it written?- to share first-hand experiences of people that suffered Great Depression effects

What is the main idea or takeaway?- The Great Depression exposed people to harsh economic times leading to high mortality and loss of livelihoods

Was the writer present at the time of the events he or she was writing about? – No the writer was not present and hence seeks information from those who were present.

Does the writer seem neutral? Why/why not? – The writer is neutral since he only shares information that has been shared by willing participants.

What are some of the key facts presented? - That the Great Depression was a fact exposed many people to the ugly side of life. It took the government massive time before any designed solution could start bearing results.

Explain why this source is credible- because the information of first-hand and aligns with others sources sharing information about economic situation during the Great Depression.

Citation for Source 3:

Gates, Jr., H. L. (2013). Madam Walker, the first black American woman to be a self-made millionaire. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/100-amazing-facts/madam-walker-the-first-black-american-woman-to-be-a-self-made-millionaire/

1. What type of source is this? - secondary

When was it written? In 2013

Why was it written? – to prove to the people from minority races that it is possible to overcome economic challenges and attain high levels of wealth accumulation

What is the main idea or takeaway? – is that there are always opportunities available for growth and all one needs to do is understanding the market and seizing available opportunities in a focused and intentional manner.

Was the writer present at the time of the events he or she was writing about? – No the writer was not present and only shares a story of one of the African women that managed against all odds to overcome poverty through seizing an opportunity.

Does the writer seem neutral? Why/why not? – Yes the writer is neutral as information of both positives and negatives are shared in equal measures.

What are some of the key facts presented? – it is possible to accumulate wealth though with characteristics like discipline, focus, purpose, and willingness to overcome all challenges

Explain why this source is credible – Yes the source is credible as it shares applicable and practical information

Citation for Source #4:

Mauldin, J. (2018). The 2020s might be the worst decade in U.S. history. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnmauldin/2018/05/24/the-2020s-might-be-the-worst-decade-in-u-s-history/#4edfb05e48d3

1. What type of source is this? – Secondary

When was it written? – 2020

Why was it written? – to share insights on how America has been affected by economic crisis and how the year 2020 is likely to be the world decade in the American history

What is the main idea or takeaway? – economic actions Americans must take to salvage their country from economic hardships

Was the writer present at the time of the events he or she was writing about? – no the writer was not present and only using information from American history to prove an argument or observation noted

Does the writer seem neutral? Why/why not? – No, the writer does not seem neutral more so as he is trying hard to prove a point and ignoring some other factors that are contrary to the main argument

What are some of the key facts presented? – America is going through massive economic challenges as a result of covid-19 effects

Explain why this source is credible – the authenticity of the author is not proven and the information appears biased compromising the validity and credibility of the source.

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