Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Historical context refers to the social, political, cultural, and economic conditions that existed during a particular time period in history. Understanding historical context helps readers interpret and analyze texts from that time period.
Related terms
Social Movements: Social movements are collective efforts by groups of people seeking social change on specific issues such as civil rights, feminism, or environmental activism.
Zeitgeist: Zeitgeist refers to the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of a particular era. It captures the dominant ideas and attitudes prevalent during a specific time period.
Primary Sources: Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original documents created during the time under study. They provide direct evidence about historical events and perspectives.