What defines a primary source?

A primary source is defined as a document or physical object that was created during the time period under study, meaning it is a direct or firsthand piece of evidence. This can include original documents like diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, and official records, as well as artifacts from that time period, such as tools, clothing, and artwork. By being created in the specific context of the events or experiences being researched, primary sources provide an intimate and direct glimpse into the thoughts, actions, and conditions of the past, allowing historians and researchers to interpret historical events and cultural practices from the perspective of those who experienced them.

In contrast, sources created after the fact, analyzed by historians, or synthesized from other documents do not fall into the category of primary sources as they do not originate from the relevant time period. These secondary sources, such as textbooks or articles that discuss and interpret primary sources, offer analysis rather than direct evidence, thus distinguishing them from primary sources.