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Review It

So, do you know how to use primary sources as evidence to make a claim? Just to be sure, click through the slideshow below and review the process with me.


Speaker plays audio

      History Detective

Mr Lexington at whiteboard with 'Primary Sources=Evidence' written on it

You’re on your way to becoming a history detective! That’s someone who can use primary sources as evidence to support a claim. But just to be sure, let’s review the process one more time. Remember: You need to use specific evidence from the source to draw your conclusion.

Jasmine talking to the camera with Mr. Lexington in the background talking to class

Good point Mr. Lexington. Ok, let’s do this one more time. Are you ready?

This time our sources are two historical photographs, but before we look at them, let me give you some background information about what you see.

black and white photo of a ship sinking in Pearl Harbor

"In 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise attack against the U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As a result of this attack, America entered into World War II. "

black and white photo of a line of people at a Japeanese internment camp

But another result of the attack was that Japanese Americans faced a lot of suspicion and discrimination. In California, the U.S. government removed Japanese Americans from their homes and sent them to live in camps. The government thought they might be spies.


Take some time to study the following photograph. It was taken at an internment camp in California in 1943. The photograph shows Japanese Americans waiting in line to get a meal. Look closely at the details. What do you notice first? What people or objects do you see?

black and white photo of a line of people at a Japeanese internment camp
Image credit: Library of Congress


The next photograph shows a sign advertising an "evacuation sale." It was posted by a Japanese American who was selling his belongings after being forced to leave his home by the U.S. government. What do you notice first? What words or other details do you see?

black and white photo of mailboxes with a sign that says 'evacuation sale'
Image credit: Library of Congress



How did you do? Did you observe anything that I missed? If so, good for you!