1. Historical Significance

2. What is Historical Significance Asks the question: Why is what we are studying of importance? Another way of putting it is So What?? 3. Criteria to Judge Historical Significance Does the event have serious, long-lasting consequences for many people? Using this criterion, you might decide that World War II was historically significance. Now, think about something important that has happened to you recently. The results might be important to you, but they are probably not significant from a historical perspective. 4. Criteria to Judge Hist. Sig. Does the event reveal or shed light on emerging or long-lasting issues? The experiences of a Saskatchewan farmer during the Great Depression may not have affected millions of people, but her personal story may show how people coped at the time People today may have comparable concerns, so her story may be judged historically significant 5. Apply Your Knowledge In 2008, the federal government declared that the development of the maple products industry was an event of national historical significance. To recognize this, the government pledged to place plaques in McDonalds Corners, Ontario, and Plessisville and Mont-Saint Hilaire, Quebec. Maple products are produced in these communities and many others. Many Canadians agree that maple syrup is important. In 2008, the Dominion Institute announced that maple syrup ranked 40th in a national survey of the 101 people, places, symbols, events and accomplishments that define Canada. 6. What Do You Think? Consider the Federal Governments declaration on the maple products industry and maple syrups ranking on the Dominion Institute survey. Use the criteria for judging historical significance to decide whether the maple products industry should be included in the Grade 10 history curriculum. 7. What Do You Think? Name three historically significant people, places, symbols, events or accomplishments you would have chosen if you had taken part in the Dominion Institute survey. Justify your choices by using criteria discussed in class for deciding on historical significance.