Historical knowledge – filling in the gaps
You have been researching a (fictional) British politician – Mr. Jones. During your
research you have discovered various artifacts:
1. A letter dated 9th December 1909, from the them Prime Minister, praising Mr. Jones
on the recently passed Labour Exchanges Act:
“Although the world has not yet had the chance to appreciate your invaluable labour,
I shall always remember you, my dear Jones, as the true initiator of the Act.”
2. Household accounts showing that over a 15 year period ten bottles of whisky per
week were delivered to the Jones household.
3. Various newspaper cuttings and letters from party leaders, dating from the 1906
election, showing that Mr. Jones was regarded as a rising politician.
4. Mr. Jones’ marriage certificate, dated 3rd March 1903
5. A transcript of the court proceedings, dated March 1911, in which his wife divorced
him.
6. Parliamentary records which show that Mr. Jones never achieved office and that he
“faded out” of politics during World War One.
7. The parish register recording his date of birth as 20th August 1873.
What can conclusions can you reach about the Mr. Jones’ life? Use these resources to
write a brief (200 word?) article about Mr. Jones.
Some TOK History discussion questions
a) History can be said to comprise two aspects – “What happened?” and “Why it
happened?”. Do you agree? If so compare and contrast the ways of obtaining
answers to these questions. If not explain why.
b) It has been said that history books reveal more about the era they are written in than
the era they are written about. Consider how books written about your country’s history
for previous generations differ from contemporary ones. Does this provide support for
the assertion?
c) History is often written by the winners and is intrinsically tied up with issues of
patriotism. Consider the history of your country as you learnt it. Are there incidents
that you feel may be viewed in a very different way by those in other countries?
d) “The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn from history” – Hegel
“Those who do not study their past are condemned to repeat it” – Santayana
Are these two statements as contradictory as they might seem? Which do you think is
more accurate? Consider some incidents that would support your case as well as
some that could be used to counter it.
e) There are things in the past we are certain of and things in the past that are shrouded
in mystery. Think of examples. Why are we so certain of the former? Is there room for
doubt? For the latter does the lack of an objective reality matter?
Link to “A brief history of the USA” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqh6Ap9ldTs