Myth and the Experience of War

How to Read Primary Documents

Now that you know what a primary document is, you need to know how to read a primary document (whether these texts are written, visual, audio, etc.). By “read,” we mean more than just the ability to comprehend the text (although that is very important!). Rather, we mean the ability to extract information from the text, contextualize this information, and analyze it. Sometimes this means reading the narrative for philosophical or religious ideas. Sometimes it means reading it for details about the world in which the writer is living. And, sometimes it means questioning the veracity of the author.

Historians have to read texts very closely, sifting for valuable information and clues. Of course, all texts are different. Some are rich with information. For example, have a look at this photo.

Embed from Getty Images

Without knowing anything about the context, what information might you be able to glean?

When was this photo taken?

What was the context?

Why are people celebrating?

What kind of message about war is the picture sending?

What does the material culture (clothing and/or objects that people are holding) of this photo tell you about the individuals portrayed?

Does this photo seem to be spontaneous or staged?

Other texts have only a trace of a clue that might point historians towards another clue. Take, for example, this routing slip, which was stolen from an FBI office by activists in 1971.

A government form from 9 August 1968 with the words, "COINTELPRO-NEW LEFT."

What information can you glean from this document? In this case, there is a lot less information to be had. But, the text includes some clues that might offer directions for further research--most notably, the reference to COINTELPRO.

As it turns out, this document--a routing slip--is one of the most important documents in 20th-century U.S. history.

Watch this video to learn about its significance.