The BIG IDEAS
in History
Contestability refers to the debate that occurs when
historians interpret past events differently.
The criteria used to define Contestability are:
 Interpretation
 Presentism
 Evidence
 Perspectives
German troops marching through France in 1914. Source: US Library of Congress
Use the video to answer these questions.
1. Interpretation Historians often interpret events differently. Write an interpretation that justifies the
German point of view for deciding to sink the Lusitania?
Write an interpretation justifying the British carrying munitions on the Lusitania?
2. Presentism People in Berlin cheered the announcement of war in 1914. How does their reaction to
fighting a war differ from what could be expected today?
3. Evidence Why do you think historians draw different conclusions about the causes of World War One?
4. Perspectives Was it reasonable for the Allies to have included the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of
Versailles? Historians might have different perspectives on this clause. Suggest one reason for, and one
reason against including it.
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