How to Recognize Historical Perspectives · To learn how to recognize historical perspectives, ask yourself these questions: When was the statement made? To what event or time does

Interactive Skills for Students

How to Recognize

Historical Perspectivesclick your mouse or hit enter to advance animation

Why Learn This Skill?

� As you study current or historical events,

you will have to analyze the actions taking place or the beliefs being expressed.

� To understand events or statements, you

must carefully consider the time period and perspective, or the experiences and viewpoints, of the people involved.

� Using this skill will help you understand

cause-and-effect relationships, be able to more accurately predict outcomes, and make inferences.

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Learn It!To learn how to recognize historical perspectives, ask yourself these questions:

� When was the statement made?

� To what event or time does the statement refer?� What other related events had occurred

before or were occurring at the time?

� Who is the author or speaker of the statement? � What past experiences or current

considerations might influence that person’s viewpoint?

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Apply It!Read the text.

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate SpeechMay 12, 2011

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Apply It!What is the main idea?

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these

methods, which I do not believe were in the best interests of

justice or our security or the ideals that define us and which we

have sacrificed much to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

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Apply It!

Additional information

� Provides valuable background knowledge

� Helps us understand the speaker’s point of

view.

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Apply It!Ask yourself:

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate SpeechMay 12, 2011

When was the statement made?

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

The date was May 12, 2011.

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Apply It!Then ask:

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

To what event or time does the statement refer?

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to

approve these interrogation methods, and I know that those who

approved them and those who employed them in the interrogation of

captured terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the

American people from harm. I know they were determined to keep

faith with the victims of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that

the United States would pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and

successfully, no matter how long it took. . .But I dispute that it was

right to use these methods, which I do not believe were in the best

interests of justice or our security or the ideals that define us and which

we have sacrificed much to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

To what event or time does the statement refer?

The speaker is referring to events that took place during the U.S. war on terror.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

What other related events had occurred before or during

that time?

On May 2, 2011, the U.S. located and killed Osama bin Laden.

Recall that bin Laden organized the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., on

September 11, 2001.

The United States declared a war on terrorism following those attacks.

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Apply It!Next, ask yourself:

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

Who is the author or speaker?

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Apply It!Next, ask yourself:

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

Who is the author or speaker?

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How To Recognize Historical Perspectivesclick your mouse or hit enter to advance animation

Apply It!Next, ask yourself:

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods, which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

Who is the author or speaker of the statement?

John McCain is a U.S. Senator at the time of this speech.

Senator McCain gave the speech before the U.S. Senate.

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Apply It!Now ask:

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

What past experiences or current considerations might influence the

person’s viewpoint?

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Apply It!

John McCain served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy

during the Vietnam War.

In 1967, McCain’s plane was shot down over Vietnam.

He survived but broke his arms and a leg.

McCain was then captured by the Viet Cong and held as a

prisoner of war.

McCain was beaten, denied medical care, and held in solitary confinement.

McCain was eventually released and later became a U.S. Congressmen before becoming a senator.

McCain has been awarded several medals for his service in the Navy.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

Now that we have background information about the speaker we are able to better

understand historical perspective.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

McCain makes several statements prior to giving his opinion.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to

approve these interrogation methods, and I know that those who

approved them and those who employed them in the interrogation of

captured terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American

people from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the

victims of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States

would pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter

how long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

McCain’s military experience as well as his experience in government, give him the authority

to make this statement.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved

them and those who employed them in the interrogation of

captured terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the

American people from harm. I know they were determined to keep

faith with the victims of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the

United States would pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and

successfully, no matter how long it took. . .But I dispute that it was

right to use these methods, which I do not believe were in the best

interests of justice or our security or the ideals that define us and which

we have sacrificed much to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

As a former soldier, McCain understands that soldiers are motivated to protect U.S. citizens from enemies.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the

victims of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United

States would pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and

successfully, no matter how long it took. . .But I dispute that it was

right to use these methods, which I do not believe were in the best

interests of justice or our security or the ideals that define us and which

we have sacrificed much to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

As a leader who also lived through the September 11th

terrorist attacks, McCain understood the significance of catching the terrorists who attacked the United States.

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these

methods, which I do not believe were in the best interests of

justice or our security or the ideals that define us and which we

have sacrificed much to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

McCain’s main argument is that using torture during the interrogation of terrorist suspects is not in the best

interests of the United States.

He also believes that using torture during interrogation is inconsistent with the “ideals that define us and which we

have sacrificed much to defend.”

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Apply It!

I understand the reasons that governed the decision to approve

these interrogation methods, and I know that those who approved them

and those who employed them in the interrogation of captured

terrorists were admirably dedicated to protecting the American people

from harm. I know they were determined to keep faith with the victims

of terrorism, and prove to our enemies that the United States would

pursue justice tirelessly, relentlessly and successfully, no matter how

long it took. . .But I dispute that it was right to use these methods,

which I do not believe were in the best interests of justice or our

security or the ideals that define us and which we have sacrificed much

to defend.

—Senator John McCain

U.S. Senate Speech

May 12, 2011

Knowing more about McCain’s background makes his speech more interesting and easier to understand.

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Apply It!Now summarize what you have learned.

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Remember

� Learning how to identify historical perspectives will

help you accurately evaluate an event or a statement.

� To understand historical perspectives, you must

consider both the time period as well as the experiences and viewpoints of the people involved.

� This skill will also help you evaluate information

related to current events or your other studies.

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