The individual vs society - a History Masterclass

Who has been more important in shaping the world - great leaders or society? Can we draw scientific laws to predict the future? Does history repeat itself? After reading E.H. Carr's What is History?, I thought it was appropriate for me to attend Debate Chamber's History Masterclass in London to probe these questions further.

The masterclass was primarily attended by those applying for History at Oxbridge next year; so to be in the company of these able, older students was challenging. I had the opportunity to contribute to discussions on a wide range of questions.

I was particularly interested by the notion that the historian is a product of his own era. Therefore, his facts and interpretation of them, are in fact, a reflection of society's views. This is aptly illustrated by the great German historian, Meinecke, who's views change as Germany went through a period of rapid change from the Bismarck to the Weimar Republic to Third Reich.

The day was thought-provoking, and a valuable opportunity to widen my horizon. Perhaps some topics for the "i-history Society" at school...