What you’ll learn to do: use analysis techniques to examine primary source documents and photos

In this section, you’ll learn about a technique you can use to help you think critically about the sources you read in history class. The H.A.P.P.Y. Analysis asks you to examine the historical context, audience, purpose, point of view, and significance of a document. Understanding these components will not only aid in comprehending the message of the document, but will help you to use the document as evidence when creating your own historical arguments. You can use a similar type of technique to analyze photographs as well.