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Western Civilization II: Primary Sources

This guide was designed as a starting point for researching topics in Western Civilization, Hist102, 1500 - Present

What is a Primary Source?

Builder's photo of the RMS Titanic.

A primary source is a document or object created at the time of the event. Considered eye-witness or firsthand accounts, primary sources come in a variety of formats:

  • Examples of primary sources include:ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, 
    autobiographies, official records 
  • CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art 
  • RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
  • Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII 
  • The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History 
  • A journal article reporting NEW research or findings 
  • Weavings and pottery - Native American history 

http://libguides.princeton.edu/history/primarysources

Learn more about primary sources at Primary Source Village.