Why are politics often the focus of historical textbooks? What are the limitations of only looking at political change as a factor for understanding the reasons behind development and change throughout history? What other factors should be

Question

considered to have a true understanding of historical change and development?

Answer 1

Answers will vary but correct responses should include: Throughout history, political change and development have been well-documented and provide a multitude of types of evidence that allow historians to develop a good picture of how societies developed and conducted themselves. Leaders are written about, dynasties listed and laws recorded. One of the traditional limitations of history textbooks is that politics, which generates most of the sources, tends to dominate the foreground. But politics is full of short-term changes, while ideas and environmental influences generate the real changes. Religious transformations made the world of civilizations distinct, and the discovery and development of resources that renewed the Old World and opened new frontiers in other parts of the globe became the basis for continued historical change and development. It is important to consider political, cultural, environmental and religious factors to have a true understanding of historical change and development.