Is This A Primary Or Secondary Source?

1. A diary written by a soldier who fought in the war.

Primary

Secondary

A diary is usually a primary source--the author was an eyewitness to the event.

Explanation

A diary is usually a primary source--the author was an eyewitness to the event.

2. A book written by a historian who didn't fight in the war, but draws on other sources.

Primary

Secondary

This is a secondary source. It is a secondhand source--the author is drawing on others for information rather than sharing their own experiences.

Explanation

This is a secondary source. It is a secondhand source--the author is drawing on others for information rather than sharing their own experiences.

3. Military orders, battle plans, draft laws, and other government materials from the war.

Primary

Secondary

These materials were created during the fighting, so they are primary.

Explanation

These materials were created during the fighting, so they are primary.

4. Which of the following is a primary source?

A biography of a historical figure

A letter written by a soldier during World War II

A primary source is a direct, firsthand account or evidence of an event, created by someone who experienced or witnessed it. In this case, a letter written by a soldier during World War II qualifies as a primary source because it provides a firsthand perspective. Secondary sources like biographies, documentaries, and textbooks interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources, making them indirect accounts.

Explanation

A primary source is a direct, firsthand account or evidence of an event, created by someone who experienced or witnessed it. In this case, a letter written by a soldier during World War II qualifies as a primary source because it provides a firsthand perspective. Secondary sources like biographies, documentaries, and textbooks interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources, making them indirect accounts.

5. A book about the war where the author says things like "I was drafted at age 18..."; "I flew to Vietnam a few months later..."; "We fought in five battles..."

Primary

Secondary

A book where the author provides firsthand accounts of their experiences, such as being drafted, flying to Vietnam, and fighting in battles, is considered a primary source. It offers direct insights into the author's personal involvement in the war, making it a primary source.

Explanation

A book where the author provides firsthand accounts of their experiences, such as being drafted, flying to Vietnam, and fighting in battles, is considered a primary source. It offers direct insights into the author's personal involvement in the war, making it a primary source.

6. A TV documentary filmed by a reporter who toured Vietnam during the war.

Primary

Secondary

TV, radio, and films can be primary if they portray the actual event--not a reenactment. Since this documentary recorded the actual war, it is a primary source.

Explanation

TV, radio, and films can be primary if they portray the actual event--not a reenactment. Since this documentary recorded the actual war, it is a primary source.

7. A 2007 journal article about the Viet Cong with a formal writing style, bibliography at the end, and lots of analysis and interpretation.

Primary

Secondary

The article was written well after the war ended. It has a formal writing style so the author is probably not recounting their own experiences. It analyzes and interprets other sources (it has a bibliography) rather than shares the author's personal experiences. Sounds secondary.

Explanation

The article was written well after the war ended. It has a formal writing style so the author is probably not recounting their own experiences. It analyzes and interprets other sources (it has a bibliography) rather than shares the author's personal experiences. Sounds secondary.

8. A book that compiles letters, poems, and memoirs written by people who experienced the war.

Primary

Secondary

A book that compiles letters, poems, and memoirs written by people who experienced the war would typically be considered a primary source.

Primary sources are materials that provide direct or firsthand evidence of an event or time period and are created by individuals who were directly involved or witnessed the event. In this case, the letters, poems, and memoirs in the book were written by people who experienced the war, making them primary sources. The book itself, which compiles and presents these materials, can also be considered a secondary source when it provides analysis or interpretation of the primary sources.

Explanation

A book that compiles letters, poems, and memoirs written by people who experienced the war would typically be considered a primary source.

Primary sources are materials that provide direct or firsthand evidence of an event or time period and are created by individuals who were directly involved or witnessed the event. In this case, the letters, poems, and memoirs in the book were written by people who experienced the war, making them primary sources. The book itself, which compiles and presents these materials, can also be considered a secondary source when it provides analysis or interpretation of the primary sources.

9. A newspaper article about Vietnam written in the 1960s.

Primary

Secondary

Newspaper articles from the time period of an event are usually considered to be primary. They are original, raw materials created while the event was taking place.

Explanation

Newspaper articles from the time period of an event are usually considered to be primary. They are original, raw materials created while the event was taking place.

10. A biography of General Westmoreland (who commanded American forces in Vietnam) written by one of his officers.

Primary

Secondary

This book is probably primary because it was written by someone who knew Westmoreland personally.

Explanation

This book is probably primary because it was written by someone who knew Westmoreland personally.