HIS 100 Module Two Activity Sources primary and secondary
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
100-Q1960
Subject
History
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ElderMongooseMaster1017
Jon burnham
HIS100
12/26/2023
Non-graded portion
:
List your historical research topic here: o
Chernobyl disaster Graded portion:
Distinguish between primary and secondary sources.
Primary Sources:
Primary sources are the raw, unmediated materials that directly relate to a specific time, event, or individual. They are firsthand accounts or artifacts created during the period under investigation. These sources offer a direct connection to the subject matter and provide unique insights into the thoughts, experiences, and creations of people from that particular time. Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, speeches, interviews, original research studies, photographs, and artifacts such as tools or clothing. The key characteristic of primary sources is their proximity to the event, offering a direct, unfiltered glimpse into historical or cultural contexts.
Secondary Sources:
In contrast, secondary sources are interpretations, analyses, or discussions based on primary sources. These materials provide context, analysis, and commentary, helping readers understand and interpret the information found in primary sources. Secondary sources are created after the events they discuss and often benefit from hindsight. Examples include books, journal articles, documentaries, and biographies. These sources play a crucial role in synthesizing information, offering different perspectives,
and providing a deeper understanding of historical or cultural events. While primary sources are the building blocks of historical research, secondary sources contribute valuable context and analysis to the overall narrative.
In essence, primary sources are the foundational materials directly related to a particular time or event, while secondary sources contribute analysis and interpretation to help researchers and readers contextualize and understand the primary materials.
Explain why it is important to consult a variety of sources when conducting historical research. Include
specific details and examples. Historical research, like detective work, thrives on a variety of sources to unveil the rich tapestry of the past. Imagine each source as a unique character, contributing a vital perspective to the historical narrative. Eyewitness accounts are the voices of history, offering distinct viewpoints that bring events to life. Like characters in a novel, these perspectives enrich our understanding, providing depth and authenticity. Corroborating facts is the detective's cross-referencing of evidence. It's about ensuring the puzzle pieces fit seamlessly, creating a clear and accurate picture. The process is like checking and rechecking to solidify the historical account.
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One time where we as a government used historical research was during the Cuban missile crisis 1962. Historical research played a crucial role in unraveling the complex web that almost brought us on the brink of worldwide nuclear war. Some examples of things that were used are eyewitness accounts from political leaders, diplomats, and military personal. Another was declassified documents historical researchers gained access to these government documents revealing secret communications and intelligence assessments that helped unveil the soviet union and Cubas strategies and information. Some other things that were used are Archival footage and photos, they also corroborated facts and analyised political motivations.
This examination of these diverse sources allowed historians to piece together a comprehensive narrative of the Cuban Missile Crisis, exploring not only the immediate events but also the broader historical context, long-term consequences, and lessons learned. This example demonstrates how historical research is essential for gaining insights into critical moments in history and informing our understanding of complex geopolitical challenges.
Identify one primary source that would help investigate your research question (include the title, author, and link to the source) .
Title: "INR Information Memorandum from Morton Abramowitz to the Secretary of State: Estimate of Fatalities at Chernobyl Reactor Accident. Secret."
URL: https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/19496-national-security-archive-doc-9-inr-information
Identify one secondary source that would help investigate your research question (include the title, author, and link to the source).
Author: Geist, Edward
Title: "Political Fallout: The Failure of Emergency Management at Chernobyl"
URL: https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/stable/10.5612/slavicreview.74.1.104?seq=4
Both of these were pulled FROM THE SNHU library link provided by you.
Choose a current event related to the subject of your historical research question and explain how they are connected.
Current Event: The war in Ukraine could affect the nuclear power plants
The connection between the current war and Chernobyl lies in the shared concern of nuclear safety and potential nuclear power plant explosions. Below I have listed a couple of issues
1.
Proximity and Risk to Nuclear Power Plants:
The concern raised in the article is focused on the four active nuclear power plants in Ukraine, which supply a significant portion of the nation's power. These plants contain a total of 15 operating nuclear reactors. The worry is that during the conflict, these facilities could be accidentally damaged, left unmaintained, or cut off from the power grid needed to cool the reactors. If any of these things happen it could lead to a situation similar if not exactly the same to Chernobyl.
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2.
Electric Power Dependency and Cooling Systems:
The operation of nuclear power plants relies on electricity to cool the reactors. If these plants are disconnected from the electric grid due to the conflict, emergency measures, such as diesel generators, need to be in place to ensure the continuous cooling of reactor fuel. Disruptions in cooling operations could potentially lead to a meltdown or other serious incidents. If these generators or electrical grids are
damaged, we will have a new Chernobyl with a very similar environmental impact. The war is very dangerous to be having had right near these nuclear reactors not only for Ukraine but also for Russia and bordering cities and countries. The nuclear fallout and effect on wildlife and crops would be devastating as it was before. 3.
Comparison with Chernobyl:
The article I read draws a comparison with Chernobyl, noting that the 15 operational nuclear reactors in the current context are closer to populated cities and towns than Chernobyl. Additionally, the fuel in these reactors is described as much more radioactive than that of Chernobyl. While there's a recognition
that deliberate attacks on these facilities by Moscow are unlikely, the ongoing war could still disrupt their operations.
Work cited page
Current event source
Author: McCausland, Phil
Title: "Chernobyl isn't the biggest nuclear risk. Ukraine's active nuclear power plants are."
Source: NBC News
URL: Chernobyl isn't the biggest nuclear risk. Ukraine's active nuclear power plants are.
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