Historical Concepts and Terms

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Turning Points

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Important events or developments in history that cause change in societies, cultures, or civilizations.

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Era

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A long period of history marked by different characteristics, events, or developments. For example, the Neolithic Era and Paleolithic Era are 2 major eras in prehistory.

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Prehistory

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The time before written records were created.

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Primary Source

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Original materials created at the time under study. They provide firsthand evidence of the past.

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Secondary Source

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Accounts of past events created by people who were not present during the events.

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Artifact

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An object made or used by humans in the past, such as tools, pottery, or weapons.