Do victors actually write history? (informational post)

No, not necessarily. But when they do, professional historians use their skills to uncover truth, many times with the help of forensic archaeologists and archivists. History can be written inaccurately, then revised to reflect new discoveries pertinent to the event or person in question.

Victors didn’t write the Lost Cause false narrative of the Civil War. Women’s groups including the United Daughters of the Confederacy did and still do along with the Sons of Confederate veterans. The losers wrote it, and some of their descendants continue to spew lies, a tale of moonlight and magnolias, Gone With the Wind interpretations, and downplaying slavery. Some even use slavery as a means of introducing enslaved Africans to Jesus: a missionary project!

How do historians find historical accuracy?

Researching sources such as government invoices, letters, and court transcripts.

Reading diaries, journals, and medical records.

Including our archaeologist friends who get information from bones, pottery fragments, garbage dumps, and other physical remains from an area.

Asking questions such as "What were societal norms at that time?
What was going on worldwide during this time period?
What were newspapers reporting (not always accurate, however)

Becoming a historian is a long process, filled with research, writing, peer reviews, and of course examinations. The skills refined by the academic process equip historians to investigate, research, and draw conclusions - and determine if the original narratives written by winners or losers are accurate.
It is a noble profession I am grateful to be part of.

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We are glad to have you here also. You often provide unique insights that add much needed context to the discussions.

I love history. I love OLD books. I’m working my way through that massive tome on the first 3000 years of Christianity. Also taking a Hillsdale College course on one of my favorites-- Miltion’s Paradise Lost.

I know of one Victor that teaches history, even if he doesn’t actually write it…

I know the book you speak of! Massive it is!

You should know it-----! You recommended it to me. :grinning:

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Oh yeah! I forgot. Really worth the effort to read.