For an effective analysis and study of information about a particular research question, it is essential to distinguish between types of sources. Thus, primary and secondary sources are two fundamental options for the origins of relevant information about a topic. Primary ones imply using direct sources of information such as documents, personal conversations, interviews, testimonies, and others. However, it is possible to study only documentation and archives for historical questions since one cannot directly communicate with historical figures. Primary sources are more difficult to find as they provide valuable information. One may find it in libraries, historical societies, specialized archives, or special forums. However, one should refrain from using primary sources found on any third-party sites, as these may contain distorted data.
In turn, secondary sources include all other information origins, such as scientific papers, statistics, documentaries, and Internet sources. This option is suitable for supplementing the information found in primary origins, as it requires additional verification. Regarding reliability, primary sources are more secure as they were created in the historical period that is being studied. Accordingly, there are no various misrepresentations, political distortions of facts, and other shortcomings in the primary sources.
Speaking about why it is important to consult a variety of sources when conducting historical research, one can highlight several aspects. Primarily, several origins contribute to the confirmation or refutation of the information found in a particular source. In other words, if the fact is the same in all sources, then it probably is true information. At the same time, if a certain fact is presented only in one out of five origins, then it indicates the unreliability of such a source. Moreover, several origins help to consider a particular historical aspect from different points of view. It is vital for compiling the most relevant and objective picture, as well as for the overall development and search for additional information.
On the other hand, relying on one type of source can lead to significant errors in work and inaccuracies in the facts. In addition, as already indicated, several origins allow one to create a more objective picture due to different points of view. Accordingly, the use of a single source may result in the work having one-sided nature without providing additional information and a broader view. Finally, the most significant danger of using a single origin is the possibility of using incorrect information. It may happen if, for example, the author of the original source made a mistake, and in this case, one does not have the opportunity to double-check the information.
The selected research question is about the founding fathers of Haiti, the rise of independence, and the root causes of the slave revolt. It is worth noting that Haiti became the first independent state in Latin America, and numerous attempts to suppress the uprising failed. In addition, Haiti became the only state that became free from slavery and was ruled by formerly enslaved people. The main reasons for the uprising were the inhuman living conditions of enslaved people, high mortality, and the poor attitude of the white population. In addition, some uprisings have already taken place in the world, which also caused the birth of protest sentiments.
Reliable origins have been selected to cover this topic, including both primary and secondary sources. In ‘The Haitian Revolution: The History and Legacy of the Slave Uprising that Led to Haiti’s Independence’, Charles River was based on documentary evidence and archival material (River 3). Due to this, the author managed to create one of the most detailed and reliable works telling about the revolution in Haiti. It also touches on the causes of the revolution, its pros, and cons, as well as the consequences for both the islanders and the outside world. Moreover, the work is supplemented with photographs, which allows one to study the issue in more detail.
A secondary source was also chosen to supplement the information found in addition to the above-mentioned primary source. Therefore, in work ‘Haiti’s Paper War: Post-Independence Writing, Civil War, and the Making of the Republic, 1804–1954’ Chelsea Stieber talks about the revolution in Haiti and post-revolutionary life, relying on scientific works and one’s own search for information (Stieber 5). Moreover, the author considered some other aspects of Haitian life, such as literature. After conducting a study, Stieber was able to establish which ideas prevailed in the literary aspect and whether they changed before and after the revolution. The author reflects on how colonial thought in Haiti changed, what was the root cause of this change and how it turned into a decolonial process.
Current events that are related to the subject of the research question may include modern revolutions. It has a similar principle and approach to the study of causes and effects. Thus, a group of people who are dissatisfied with the current conditions of life take to the streets to demonstrate it, similar to the past. However, it is worth noting that today’s conditions and environment formulate other approaches to the study of this issue. Regardless, one may use similar studying principles such as root cause analysis, consideration of ideas in the literature, and, today, the Internet and television.
Works Cited
River, Charles. The Haitian Revolution: The History and Legacy of the Slave Uprising that Led to Haiti’s Independence. Independently Published, 2020.
Stieber, Chelsea. Haiti’s Paper War: Post-Independence Writing, Civil War, and the Making of the Republic, 1804–1954. NYU Press, 2020.