Contestability in History

What evidence supports the 'west–east theory'?

• Genetic similarities between Europeans and Native Americans.

• DNA evidence and similarities in languages, belief systems, social structures, and tools between Polynesians and South-East Asians.

• Cultural artifacts found exclusively in North America.

• Historical records of trade routes between Africa and Asia.

What is the 'east–west theory' about Polynesian migration?

• It suggests that Polynesians originated from modern-day Peru and floated across the ocean on rafts made of balsa wood.

• It proposes that Polynesians migrated from Southeast Asia to the islands of the Pacific.

• It claims that Polynesians were originally from Africa and traveled eastward across the Indian Ocean.

• It indicates that Polynesians developed their culture independently on various Pacific islands.

What is one exciting aspect of history according to the text?

• It is open to debate and often has no right answer.

• It is always agreed upon by historians.

• It is a collection of unchangeable facts.

• It is only about famous events and people.

What do historians generally agree on regarding early Polynesians?

• They migrated to various islands across the Pacific Ocean from one point of origin.

• They originated from South America and traveled to the Pacific Islands.

• They were primarily nomadic and did not settle on any islands.

• They developed their culture independently on each island without migration.

What can affect the conclusions historians draw from sources?

• Damaged artefacts

• Complete artworks

• Accurate written records

• Uniform interpretations

What types of sources do historians have access to?

• Artefacts, written records, and artworks.

• Oral traditions and folklore.

• Modern newspapers and magazines.

• Digital media and social networks.

What does the concept of contestability relate to?

• Explanations or interpretations of past events that are open to debate.

• A legal principle that allows for the challenge of decisions made by authorities.

• The ability to compete in a market without barriers.

• A method of evaluating the effectiveness of a business strategy.

What similarities do supporters of the 'east–west theory' point out?

• Similarities between Aztec, Incan, and Mayan stone buildings and Polynesian stone statues like the moai.

• Similarities in agricultural practices between the Aztecs and the Polynesians.

• Similarities in language structures between the Incan and Polynesian cultures.

• Similarities in religious beliefs between the Mayans and the Polynesians.

What is the 'west–east theory' about Polynesian migration?

• It suggests that Polynesians originated in Asia and travelled eastwards across the Pacific Ocean.

• It proposes that Polynesians migrated from South America to the Pacific Islands.

• It claims that Polynesians came from Africa and moved westward across the ocean.

• It indicates that Polynesians were originally from Australia and migrated northwards.

What do supporters of the 'east–west theory' argue about travel patterns?

• Regular wind patterns and ocean currents would allow travel from South America to Polynesia.

• Travel was primarily limited to land routes due to geographical barriers.

• Ocean currents only facilitated travel from Asia to the Americas.

• Wind patterns were too unpredictable for long-distance travel.