Why might the authors of Interpretations A and B have a different interpretation about the Great Plains? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1

The authors of Interpretations A and B may have different interpretations about the Great Plains due to their distinct backgrounds and experiences which shape their perspectives.

Contextual Knowledge: For instance, if Interpretation A comes from an author who identifies as a member of a Native American tribe, their views might strongly reflect the historical and cultural understanding of the Great Plains from that perspective. They may emphasize the significance of the land in their culture and the impact of colonialism on their community.

Interpretation B's Perspective: Conversely, the author of Interpretation B might be a settler or a historian studying the area from a Western perspective, potentially focusing on agricultural development and the exploitation of land resources. This can lead to a portrayal of the Great Plains that recognizes economic opportunities rather than cultural ties.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the differences arise from each author's provenance, which includes their cultural background, time period, and intended audience. This results in varied interpretations of the same geographical area, leading to contrasting narratives about the Great Plains.