What is contestability?
Contestability refers to the debate that occurs when historians interpret past events differently. World
War One is good example of contestability as historians have failed to agree on its causes, or even
whether Germany was solely to blame.
Interpretation Is there more than one interpretation of this event?
Historians often reach different conclusions about events in the past—even when they study the same
sources.
Presentism Is our interpretation of people and events from the past influenced by modern day values
and ideas?
Historians need to be careful that they do not allow their present-day values and beliefs to influence them
in deciding on the value of the sources available to them, or the importance of events and actions in the
past.
Evidence Can different conclusions be drawn from the evidence?
Most evidence is open to interpretation. Students should consider whether more than one conclusion can
be drawn from the evidence, e.g. was the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles reasonable?
Perspectives What are the different perspectives held by individuals or groups about this event or
person?
Historians have different perspectives or viewpoints on past events. It is when historians argue different
perspectives that contestability arises. When examining an event, students should consider these different
perspectives. They should also understand that there is no absolutely right or wrong perspective if it is
supported by relevant sources.
Lesson
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- identify examples of contested interpretations of the causes of World War One.
Introduction
1. Define the meaning of historical contestability. Ask the students to name past events or actions that are
contested, e.g. was America justified in using the atomic bomb in World War Two? Some historians would
argue that it was while others will argue that it wasn’t necessary.
2. View the online video Contestability.
Development and conclusion
3. Distribute the student worksheet. View the PowerPoint resource presentation, pausing it for each
question to allow the students time to study and use the resources included.
4. Discuss the answers to each of the first three questions on the student worksheet.
5. Debate the War Guilt Clause. Ask students to suggest arguments for and against including it, as written
in the Treaty of Versailles.
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