A small lesson.
A clearer next step.

A historical source comes from a particular person, time, and purpose. Before judging its message, look for those clues.

Here is an original fictional example: a factory owner writes a newspaper letter in nineteen ten arguing against a proposed safety rule.

Ask who made it. The owner may understand factory costs, but also has a financial interest in the rule. That perspective matters.

Ask when and why it was written. A public letter before a policy vote may aim to persuade voters rather than describe every side.

Separate what the letter claims from what it proves. A prediction about job losses needs supporting evidence.

Compare the letter with another independent source, such as inspection records or workers’ accounts. Sources can agree on some facts while interpreting them differently.

Context does not mean rejecting a source automatically. It helps you explain its usefulness and limits. Name the author, date, purpose, audience, and evidence.