Use of Minutes
Definition
The use of minutes refers to the utilization of official records or written notes taken during meetings or conferences as historical sources. In the context of the Congress of Vienna, it pertains to analyzing and interpreting the recorded discussions and decisions made by diplomats.
"Use of Minutes" appears in:
Related terms
Primary Sources: These are original documents or artifacts created during the time period being studied, such as letters, diaries, speeches, or in this case, minutes from meetings. They provide firsthand accounts and direct evidence for historians.
Selective Recording: This refers to potential bias or incompleteness in minute-taking where only certain aspects are documented while others are omitted. It is important for historians to consider which information may have been intentionally excluded.
Interpretation: Historians must analyze and interpret the meaning behind recorded statements since minutes alone may not fully capture nuances or unspoken intentions. Critical analysis helps uncover hidden motivations and contextualize decisions made at the Congress.
