Discusses recent trends of historiography, particularly efforts to include women and minority groups in U.S. history. Concludes that history that excludes portions of U.S. culture and ignores the experiences of segments of the U.S. population fails to fully explain the American experience to U.S. citizens and others. (CFR)

Outlines revisionist interpretations of the French Revolution that challenged the dominant historiographical tradition during the 1950s and 1960s. Distinguishes four central characteristics of revisionist works. Identifies a key split in current French Revolution historiography between reflection on nineteenth-century…

Describes changes in historical research and historiography during the past 25 years. Contends that the inclusion of women, minority groups, and average citizens into U.S. history has enriched the concept of the United States. Concludes that multiculturalism has always existed in the United States; it was just not recognized. (CFR)

Argues Fukayama's assertion of "end of history" must be seen as attempt to establish new civil theology to guide political deliberations. Asserts Fukayama thesis is based on Hegelian view of ideas becoming real through human imagination and will. Claims end of era is not identical to end of history and that socialism will be reborn in…

Explores the nature of historical thinking, asserting that no intrinsic differences characterize how people understand ideas. Suggests history's role in the social studies is to inspire creative inquiry into past cultures and into oneself. Examines mythology's power to teach what is timeless and quintessentially human. Highlights Joseph Campbell's…

Reviews works of cultural historians of the French Revolution. Analyzes interpretations of what constituted "the people" in three late eighteenth-century sources: Diderot's "Encyclopedie," contemporary political pamphlets, and Louis-Sebastien Mercier's vignettes of Parisian street life. Contends representation of "the…

Contends that recent historiographic scholarship underscores the need for new approaches to the history of psychology. Introduces the content of an advanced undergraduate seminar based on materials in social constructionism and contextual history. Illustrates its application to the history of psychology through a contextual look at the place of…

Discusses Columbus's motivation for his explorations. Argues that his ideas of geography and navigation were not novel but based on ancient and medieval sources. Claims that Columbus was motivated by a belief that his destiny was to carry Christianity to pagans, thereby ushering in the end of the world and final judgment. (DK)

Discusses influences on the development of Russian nationalism. Describes the development of an intelligentsia and its relationship with both peasants and rulers. Addresses the influence of French and German political and religious thinkers. Emphasizes that the Napoleonic wars provided both a Russian patriotic bond and exposure of Russia's elite…

Reviews the "Encyclopedia of American Social History," a three-volume work that surveys historical scholarship in social history and lifestyles. Outlines the work's three historical categories: (1) lives of ordinary people; (2) experiences of everyday life; and (3) divisions and connections among social groups. (CFR)

The reinterpretation of past events has been a natural phenomenon of twentieth century historiography. Historical revisionism--the reshaping by contemporary scholars of traditional views of the past--has been an inevitable and necessary trait of the profession and has contributed to the growth of humankind's perception of previous generations.…

Examines the contribution of William Prescott's historical writing and the influence that it still exerts over Spanish historical scholarship in the United States. Prescott posited Spain as decadent, aristocratic, and consumed by social stratification and religious dogma, the antithesis of a vigorous and democratic United States. (MJP)

Maintains that the narrative that structured U.S. historiography in the 19th century was composed of 2 strands: (1) the story of Western progress; and (2) the liberal story of U.S. exceptionalism. Discusses U.S. historiography as expressed in the "American Historical Review." (CFR)

Traces the history of business historiography from the turn-of-the-century muckraking journalists to the current trends and issues. Although much of the early work reflected the progressive movement's anti-business bias, historians and social scientists soon strove for a more objective approach. (MJP)

Asserts that recent efforts to demonstrate the weaknesses of Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis only have strengthened its reputation. Discusses the significance of Turner's thesis and its evolution during the past 100 years. Concludes that historical presentism flattens the drama of history. (CFR)