What is a primary source?

A primary source is defined as an original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about a subject or event. This could include diaries, letters, official documents, photographs, or artifacts that were created during the time period being studied. These sources are invaluable in research as they offer unique insights and perspectives that secondary sources, which interpret or analyze primary sources, may not capture.

In the context of historical research or any inquiry, primary sources serve as the foundation for understanding how events unfolded and allow researchers to draw their own conclusions based on the direct information presented. This distinction is crucial in academic work, emphasizing the importance of engaging with original materials to form a well-rounded understanding of a topic.