Rewriting History: Why Historical Accuracy in Writing is so Important

by Carina

Although creating a fun story is important, ensuring your writing is historically accurate is even more important. It can even improve your writing! Historical inaccuracy can affect people’s perceptions of history, be harmful, and unfair. Although it can be difficult, putting in the time and effort to do the proper research is worth it. Historical accuracy is something we should always be able to count on in literature. 

The knowledge that we absorb everyday shapes how we view the world. This applies to the stories we read as well. If you were to read a book about the French Revolution, some of the book’s teachings would contribute to your general understanding of the French Revolution. If this book was not accurate, you would have a tainted perception of the French Revolution. 

To some people, portraying historical events such as the French Revolution inaccurately might not seem like that big of a deal, but that’s just one of many examples. What about events such as World War 2 and slavery? If these events were inaccurately portrayed by authors, we wouldn’t be able to beneficially learn from the mistakes of our past. Learning all the true facts about these events ensures we don’t make the same mistakes again and repeat history, which is extremely important.

In fact, many schools require students to read historical books for this reason. It’s especially important that children read historically accurate books because they’re still developing and have a more malleable view of the world. Kids are also less likely to be able to tell whether a book is accurate or not.  Although I would hope many schools have fact checked required books used for class discussion, some surely haven’t. And those that have can’t always ensure books provided for students to choose in classrooms or libraries are reliable. Additionally, even if a book isn’t completely inaccurate, it can still be misleading, especially for children. 

It’s also important to consider how falsely portraying a historical event could make those affected by it feel. Rewriting what happened could change their involvement and experiences in others’ eyes. If you happen to misportray something or someone that is underrepresented, you could even cause people to view it or them in an inaccurate way.

But historical inaccuracy isn’t just harmful to people’s perception of things. It can also lessen the quality of your writing. Historical inaccuracy can make your writing seem insincere and unfinished. Good historical accuracy allows you to add details that directly relate to the story. While you’re researching you might come across new ideas or details to add to your story. Details like these will allow the reader to understand and immerse themselves in the story more. Sometimes being historically accurate can even help you gain inspiration. 

Finding accurate and useful information can be a tedious process. In order to find accurate information, look for reliable websites such as .edu, .gov, and trustworthy .org. Many of these sources will have reliable sources of their own listed somewhere that you can check out. Local libraries and museums are also a great resource. Many have their own resources with books, databases, archives, and other information you can see in person. Staff are usually willing to help as well. One of the best things you can find is a primary source, or a first-hand account or item from the time period you're looking into. 

We should always be able to rely on authors to provide historical accuracy in their work in order to create a better experience for everyone. Putting in the work won’t just benefit the reader and writer, but the world as a whole.

References:

Wood, Heather . “The Importance of Historical Accuracy.” Fictionary, 23 Feb. 2023, fictionary.co/journal/the-importance-of-historical-accuracy/. Accessed Nov. 2024.