Making history and making the United States

Article Abstract:

American history needs to be interpreted from the perspective of the individual rather than the nation-state. A nation-centered approach to history is deeply flawed because it assumes that nations are the embodiment of people's destinies and makes citizens interpret their personal experiences on the basis of national terms and narratives. Historians should rethink their disciplinary approach to studying the nation's past by focusing on individuals and their role in creating the past. History viewed this way would enable historians to create narratives and identify experiences that can shape public policy for addressing a host of social problems.

Analysis, United States history, Historical methods

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Race and representation in the United States: The constitutional validity of majority-minority congressional districts

Article Abstract:

The creation of majority-minority districts in the 1990s were inspired by amendments to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the 1990 Census and redistribution of congressional seats. There has been a fundamental assumption that white voters will not vote for minority candidates in sufficient numbers to elect Hispanic or African American members. The justification for majority-minority districts may need reconsideration, although there was a strong showing of minority House incumbents in the 1996 congressional elections.

Research, United States, Representative government and representation, Representative government, Minority politicians

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Partition, Pakistan, and South Asian history: in search of a narrative

Article Abstract:

The partition of South Asia in 1947 to India and Pakistan has important consequences for the historiography of the region. Up to now, the event is an uncertainty as far as historical narrative is concerned. Instead of trying to come up with a master narrative for the events of 1947, the tension prior to the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations should be the starting point of a narrative line. This will encompass the events of the partition and the story of Pakistan.

Social aspects, India, Pakistan, Indian history, South Asia, Partition, Territorial, Territorial partition, Pakistani history

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