Conflict and Compromise in History

A South Carolina Perspective:
National History Day 2008

During the 2007-2008 school year, National History Day invites students to research topics related to the theme Conflict and compromise in History. As is the case each year, the theme is broad enough to encourage investigation of topics ranging from local history to world history, and from ancient time to the recent past.

To understand the historical importance of their topics students need to ask questions about

• time, place and context;
• cause and effect; change over time;
• and impact and significance.

Students must consider not only when and where events happened, but also why they occurred and what factors contributed to their development. Description of the topic must also include an analysis of information and conclusions about how the topic influenced and was influenced by people, ideas or events.

The theme is a broad one, so topics should be carefully selected and developed in ways that best use student’s talents and abilities. Whether a topic is a well-known event of world history or focuses on a little-known individual from a small community, students should be careful to place their topics into historical perspective, examine the significance of their topics in history, and show development over time. Studies should include an investigation into available primary and secondary research, an analysis of the materials, and a clear explanation of the relationship of the topic to the theme, Conflict and Compromise in History. Students should pay special attention to the possibilities of triumph and tragedy within the same subject. Then students may develop papers, performances, documentaries, and exhibits for entry into National History Day competitions.

Historical Relevance

As with any NHD theme, this topic presents students with many fascinating opportunities to explore history and to learn to use a wide range of primary and secondary sources. This year’s theme also offers teachers an excellent entry into philosophical discussions about personal actions and responsibilities.

Stories of individuals in history are compelling but pose a challenge for a National History Day project. While working with a theme, students must move beyond biographies and description of specific people or events and demonstrate how that person’s actions affected history.

The challenge for students engaged in a National History Day project with the theme of Conflict and Compromise in History is to capture that specific moment in time in which change occurred that changed the course of events and forever altered history.