In AP US History, you won't just learn facts; you'll learn how historians know those facts. This means becoming a super-sleuth who can critically evaluate historical evidence and sources. In our modern world, where information (and misinformation!) flies around at warp speed, this skill is more important than ever!

Why Source Evaluation Matters

Think of it this way: if you're building a strong argument, you need solid building blocks. In history, those blocks are sources. But not all blocks are created equal!

• Bias is Everywhere: Every source is created by a human, and humans have perspectives, beliefs, and agendas. This isn't necessarily bad, but it means you need to identify it.
• Understanding Purpose: Why was this source created? To inform? To persuade? To entertain? To justify an action? The purpose impacts its content.
• Reliability: Is the source trustworthy? Was the author present at the event? Do they have expertise? Is it fact-checked?
• Completeness: No single source tells the whole story. You need to look at multiple sources to get a fuller picture.

The ACE Method (for sources, too!)

While "ACE" is often for SAQs, the principles apply here:

• A - Author: Who created this source? What do you know about them? Their background, beliefs, position? Are they credible?
• C - Context: When and where was this source created? What was happening in the world at that time that might have influenced it?
• E - Evidence/Purpose: What specific evidence does the source provide? What is its main message? What was the author's purpose in creating it? How might their point of view shape the information presented?

Types of Sources

You'll work with two main types:

• Primary Sources: First-hand accounts or artifacts from the time period you're studying.
  • Examples: Letters, diaries, speeches, photographs, political cartoons, government documents (like laws or treaties), newspaper articles from the time.
  • Pros: Give you direct insight into the past.
  • Cons: Can be biased, incomplete, or difficult to interpret without context.
• Secondary Sources: Accounts created after the time period by historians or scholars, who analyze and interpret primary sources.
  • Examples: Textbooks, academic articles, biographies, documentaries.
  • Pros: Provide synthesis, context, and different interpretations.
  • Cons: Can reflect the historian's own biases or be based on incomplete primary evidence.

In the real world, this skill translates directly to being an informed citizen. When you read a news article, scroll through social media, or watch a documentary, you're constantly evaluating sources. By practicing this in APUSH, you're building critical thinking muscles that will serve you well for life!