He Historical time Is a period of time in which events have occurred that generate a change. This time can be short such as a presidential period, up to as long as the middle ages.
Time is broadly defined as"a physical quantity with which we measure the course between events and changes."
Historical time is something subjective, depends more on the appreciation of the observer. For some, the number of events that happen in one minute is not equivalent to that of another person in different circumstances.
The mastery of knowledge of the history , Is based then not only in knowing the past events, but in finding an explanation of the things observing the movements, rhythms periods and changes presented in her.
In order to find this explanation it is necessary to understand the observed phenomenon, and this is possible only bearing in mind the beliefs of the protagonists who intervened in the facts.
All of the above must be complemented by the Chronological time , Since it is very important to specify the moment in which a fact happens and order it in succession with respect to the events before and after it, which in turn become causes and / or consequences.
The division of history into periods is now accepted. It begins from the origin of humanity, estimated between 3 and 4 million years, divided into prehistoric, paleolithic, neolithic, mesolithic, age of metals. It happens history with protohistory, old age, middle age, modern and contemporary.
We can say that it is the changes in society and not the passing of the years, which generate historical time.
Since historical time is based on changes, it is necessary to know how to identify these changes throughout history.
Identify the events that marked the beginning or end of stages of the same, the set of events that happened in different societies at the same time, and the duration and pace of historical processes.
Qualities of time
Historical events have the following characteristics:
- They are indissoluble, can not be modified or eliminated
- They are Irreversible: Historical time can not be turned back.
- They are Relative: They depend on the observer and his point of view, on his notion of the event.
- Multiplicity: Each observer can interpret a fact and understand it differently.
There are several concepts related to historical time that are worth defining to better understand this theme:
Periods of time
It is about grouping topics that are studied in a specific amount of time. These intervals are called phases, ages, ages, periods, etc.
For example we have the old age, the presidential period, the digital age, etc.
Temporary relationships
They are the connections that exist between two or more facts in history, that generate a different (new) situation as a result or consequence of its occurrence.
There is also a relationship when a process of change occurs in a society as a result of a fact; And the simultaneous occurrence of several historical facts or processes.
The events that occur in the same chronological time are simultaneous.
Duration
The nature and scope of a historical fact depends on its duration in time. There are historical moments where an important fact occurs at a given moment and its consequences extend from that moment on, generating the changes that take place.
On the other hand, there are facts that mature over time and only achieve their concretion after a long chain of events.
Here we speak of events of medium duration (years, decades) and of long duration (hundreds of years).
Precision
It is the set of data that give details of a historical fact or event, such as the time (date, time), geographical location, names of the characters, and in general the context or global situation of the moment in which the event occurred.
Permanence and change
In societies there are facts that begin their occurrence and, with small variations, are maintained in time, becoming part of the traditions, customs and part of the culture of society.
The way of cooking, dressing or reacting to a fact becomes permanent in time.
On the other hand, some of these facts are affected by changes in them, where from a given moment, whether abrupt or gradual, society reacts differently to a fact and is shaping a transformation until it exceeds the limit of rejection and Achieve the acceptance of the new fact as permanent.
Synchrony
When historical facts take place in different places but in a relatively simultaneous time, or maintain a cause-effect relationship, we speak of the synchrony of historical fact.
This relationship can be observed, for example, in the War of mexican independence With the French invasion of Spain.
Diachrony
Diachrony is about events that are of a similar nature, from facts that start from a given situation and develop into a different one, a consequence, and occur in different places at different times, for example the abolition of slavery, or the right Of women to vote.
Succession
It is the organization of the facts happened in linear order, before and after.
Rhythm
Rhythm is the speed between two or more changes presented. Accelerated changes are made quickly, the stagnant ones happen in a way that can not be perceived; The shifts in regression lead us to a deteriorating state of the initial moment and the ruptures are a sudden change that leads to significant transformations.
Other ways of measuring historical time
We have already analyzed historical time based on the development of society and its most relevant events.
There is a current that breaks down history based on the materialistic point of view and how the means of production were obtained for society.
In this sense, the ordering is divided into the following levels:
- Primitive communism.
- Slavery society.
- Feudal society.
- Capitalist society.
- Communist society.
Historical time can also be measured by the evolution of empires, means of transport, forms of energy, etc., everything depends on the subjectivity of the author.
References
- White, A. (2007). The representation of historical time in the first and second textbooks of compulsory secondary education . Doctoral Thesis, University of Barcelona.