Welcome to the History Forum.

The basics begin with a definition (modified from wikipedia) and some explanations:

History (from Greek ἱστορία - historia, meaning "inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation) is the study of the human past. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. It is a field of research which uses a narrative to examine and analyze the sequence of events, and attempts to investigate objectively the patterns of cause and effect that determine events. Historians debate the nature of history and its usefulness. This includes discussing the study of the discipline as an end in itself and as a way of providing "perspective" on the problems of the present. The stories common to a particular culture, but not supported by external sources (such as the legends surrounding King Arthur) are usually classified as cultural heritage rather than the "disinterested investigation" needed by the discipline of history. Events of the past prior to written record are considered prehistory.


History (basically from the Oxford Dictionary)
noun (plural histories)

1. the study of past events, particularly in human affairs: medieval European history or the past considered as a whole: letters that have changed the course of history.

2. the whole series of past events connected with a particular person or thing: the history of the Empire.

3. a continuous, typically chronological, record of important or public events or of a particular trend or institution: a history of the labor movement


Given the above information and definitions this forum is limited to Human History, as far back as written records allow, up to the History of the Modern Era, circa 1990. This will be a History Forum; not a current events or even recent events forum. Proper discussion of History needs time to allow for the essentials of perspective and objectivity that are necessary for reasonable dissemination of information and discourse and debate. Partitioning out 20 years from the present is a buffer to keep the forum focused (eliminating any current or recent events), but equally important, a time distance from the present helps detach people from events to be discussed, and allows for necessary perspective objectivity, in addition to keeping the forum workable within a predetermined timeframe.

History in most of its categories can be discussed in this forum but be mindful that many forums exist on 2+2 that have overlap with all things historical. For example, the history of film would be better discussed in The Lounge, The History of Science would be better discussed in the Science, Math and Philosophy Forum, Economic history in the Economic Forum, and likewise various specifics of political history would be better discussed in The Politics Forum, which also serves as the current events forum for 2+2. Judgment on what can and cannot be posted is flexible to the extent that the post would not fit into any other forum. These are the general guidelines; as usual specific situations and gray areas will be judged on a case-by-case basis. All contingencies cannot be anticipated at the outset.

Other general information:

Adhere to the 2+2 forum terms and conditions:

http://www.twoplustwo.com/terms.php

Hold exchange of historical information and debate and discussion in a rational manner and with open interest and polite intent. This means being respectful and courteous to other posters; avoid personal attacks and remember that personally or generally directed vicious and bigoted/racist speech is not allowed. Offensive posts or topics will also be curtailed or deleted at the discretion of the moderator(s).

Free Speech is sacrosanct but there are limits (see above for examples, or Oliver Wendell Homes).

Make an effort to be as clear and precise as possible and present information and evidence as required or appropriate. Show some zest and originality in posting. Opinion and interpretations play an important part in Historical discussions and are subjects of great debate, accepted inferences are good starting points but put some original thought into posts and/or penetrating questions. Also make this a quality forum that anyone would be proud to be part of.

Threads should have some time/era or useful limit in time and space to promote and focus the discussion. Open-ended, the best of, or, the greatest of (without a qualifier on time or place), type threads are not that useful and would be better for other forums; The Lounge, OOT or EDF for example

On a practical note, present source material with appropriate links and/or references and within the prescribed copyright laws. Use reliable sources and references as much as possible and avoid propaganda, the preposterous, the conspiracy theory, and bogus motifs, beliefs, documents or records.

The History Forum is not a forum that deals with monetary rewards for doing homework or help with written papers etc. If you have legitimate difficulty with history homework, then make an honest post about the problem and ask for help. All posts will be deleted that deal with money or other forms of reward for ‘homework’. That is not the purpose of this forum. Posters can offer reasonable help to each other here within these limits.

Any disputes or questions or needed clarifications on posts or specific complaints should be sent by PM to the moderator(s) of this forum. All reasonable requests will be given audience. Moderator decisions are final. Warnings will be given to newer posters that break rules; experience posters will be given infractions immediately. Very little leeway will be given repeat offenders with permanent banning the preferred method of treatment. Keep in mind that posting on 2+2 is a privilege, not a right; and that privilege can be and will be revoked for due cause.

Also be mindful that The Lead Moderator of this forum is a Dictator; the bogus fable of democracy is neither believed in nor adhered to. If you can’t accept these blunt facts post elsewhere. The internet is littered with the trash of mob rule.

And Finally; The History Forum will be what you, the posters, make it. Make it worthwhile, interesting and something to be proud of.

-Zeno


Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. -George Santayana

History requires a world of time and bitter hard work when your "education" is no further advanced than the cat's; when you are merely stuffing yourself with a mixed-up mess of empty names and random incidents and elusive dates; which no one teaches you how to interpret, and which, uninterpreted, pay you not a farthing's value for your waste of time.- Mark Twain, from: Following the Equator.

The very ink with which all history is written is merely fluid prejudice.- Mark Twain, from: Following the Equator

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence. -David Hume