Shifting Perspectives in Historical Events

Shifting one’s vantage point when examining historical events is primarily termed as changing perspective. This plays a significant role in studying history because different perspectives provide diverse interpretations of the same events. Considering different perspectives enables historians to depict a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of the past. Under the lens of history, perspectives could be influenced by many factors including education, social constructs, historical empathy, and causation.

This perspective shift allows for a multidimensional understanding of the historical events instead of a linear, biased understanding. This act of shifting perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of an event or a situation is often described as the practice of 'historical empathy'. The goal is not to pass personal judgements based on our present understanding and values but to understand the past from the then-existing viewpoints.

The complexity of history means that our interpretation and understanding can always evolve with changing perspectives and continuous research. This perspective shift is the foundation for objective and inclusive study of all aspects of history including LGBTQ+ studies, Indigenous studies, and the history of the Global South.