LESSON 1.8 SkillBuilder: Historical signiýcance
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to analyse the signiýcance of historical events and sources.
1.8.1 Tell me What is historical signiýcance? To identify historical signiýcance, we must create a set of criteria that helps us to determine what is important from the past. Criteria that can help us decide on historical signiýcance include: • the changes that occurred because of a key historical event, movement or ýgure, and whether these changes have made a lasting impact today • the number of people who were impacted by a historical event, movement or ýgure • how a historical event, movement or ýgure has been remembered, celebrated or commemorated over time • whether a historical event, movement or ýgure was unique or new for the period • what a historical event, movement or ýgure reveals to us about the ideas, attitudes, beliefs, practices and customs of the time. 1.8.2 Showme Let’s apply this set of criteria to determine the historical signiýcance of key leaders in ancient China, using the sources below as evidence. These sources discuss Qin Shihuang, who wanted to be seen as a great and powerful ruler to his people. SOURCE1 is an example of his propaganda. SOURCE2 provides other evidence.
SOURCE1 From an inscription ordered by Qin Shihuang (shown in image). It was carved in 219 BCE.
. . . Great are the Emperor’s achievements . . . All people under heaven Work with a common purpose. Tools and measures are the same . . . The written script is made the same . . . He deýnes the laws, leaving no one in doubt, Making known what is forbidden . . . No evil is tolerated, So all strive to be excellent people . . . None dare to be lazy . . . The ordinary people know peace . . . People help each other, There are no robbers or thieves: People delight in his rule . . . Wherever life is found, All acknowledge his supreme rule . . .
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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