What is historiography?

Historiography is simply the study of history itself. It's about looking at how historians have developed their ideas over time and what tools they have had at their disposal to best form an argument. Unlike history, historiography is based less on empirical fact on more on how a historian may write, what context they were working in and how the subject was viewed. Herodotus, the so called father of history wrote lengthy articles often merging mythical beasts with historically attested fact. Modern historians, such as Ian Kershaw, perhaps the most prolific scholar of Nazi Germany, choose to instead critically analyse data to present the most likely form of truth. As you can see, history adapts with society.

OR

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you answer a GCSE history exam question on the ‘usefulness’ of sources?


What were the consequences of the Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948-49)?


Explain why Clemenceau wanted to treat Germany harshly.


Explain why Hitler was able to create a dictatorship in the period February 1933 to August 1934. You may use the following in your answer: the Reichstag Fire; the Night of the Long Knives. You must also use information of your own. (12)(Edexcel past Q)