History Bias Flashcards
How can a historical source be biased?
It can be written by a person or quoting a person who is in favour of a person or group of people.
What does ‘bias’ mean?
Being unfairly for or unfairly against something.
In what ways are Norman writings about William of Normandy/Norman invasion/the battle of Hastings likely to be biased?
They will probably be:
in favour of the Normans and William
and
against the English (Saxons).
How could each side show their bias?
They only give their side of the story and make it sound as if they are better
Braver
More in the right than the other side.
Define neutral.
Someone who is not biased and tries to give a fair, balanced account of the situation.
How is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle likely to be biased?
Written at the time of the Norman Conquest by English Monks so likely to be biased in places
In favour of the English and Harold
And
Against William and the Normans.
How is the Bayeux Tapestry likely to be biased?
It was made on the order of the Normans so it is likely to be biased in favour of the Normans and against the Saxons.
How is William of Poitiers likely to be biased?
He was William’s servant so likely to give Williams’s side of the story and be biased against Harold and the Saxons.
What do modern historians to in order to try to be neutral?
They try to give a fair, balanced and accurate account of what happened.
(But to be honest, if you care about something you can hardly ever be truly neutral).
