How should historiography be incorporated into an essay?

Historiography is a great way to boost your grade in an essay when used correctly. As well as looking at more general terms such as 'revisionist' or 'orthodox', you can look at specific historians and what their arguments are as generalising doesn't demonstrate the same level of analysis. It is important not to just restate what a historian has already said but also to engage with that historical perspective, so look at whether they have missed out a key component or if their view contradicts with another historian you have researched. However, don't fall into the trap of allowing your essay to be entirely made up of other historians' opinions because then it might lack evidence and your own argument will be less powerful. It is better to pick and choose a few historians who allow you to expand on your points or say something interesting about the subject.

ES

Related History IB answers

All answers ▸

To what extent can WWI be deemed a failure?


History IA: Part A; To what extent was the Catholic Church the cause of the loss of support for, and rise in opposition to, Juan Perón leading to his downfall in 1955?


How would I answer: "To what extent was the revolution of February/ March 1917, in Russia, due to the nature of Tsarism and the policies of Nicholas II (1894-1917)?"


How do I answer source-based questions?