A brief course in the teaching process

by George D. Strayer

c. But “great man theory” not well applied.

1. Persons selected for study often not representative. May be exceptional. Often at best merely picturesque.

2. Historical characters often distorted for moral ends.

3. Doubtful anecdotes used to excess.

d. The “great man theory” not generally accepted by historians.

e. Individuals often more easily grouped about events than events about individuals.

f. The general tendency of the biographical method is to leave a series of disconnected impressions.

References: Kemp, Outline of Method in History, pp. 264-295. Hinsdale, How to Study and Teach History, pp. 30-31, 44-45. Bourne, Teaching of History and Civics, pp. 18-20, 86, 356. Mace, Method in History, pp. 289-294. Lawless, in Nineteenth Century, Vol. L, pp. 790-798. Bernheim, in Neue Bahnen, Vol. X, pp. 338-342.

VII. The Social and Economic Point of View

1. Great Men not excluded, but the “Masses” included.