Meaning: This quote by Bruce Jackson, a public servant and scholar, encapsulates an important insight into the study of history. It reflects the influence of the New Social Historians, a group of scholars who emerged in the mid-20th century and sought to broaden the scope of historical inquiry by focusing on the experiences of everyday people and marginalized groups. The quote underscores the idea that historical narratives are often shaped by the perspectives and records of those who hold power or whose documents have been preserved, highlighting the need to consider alternative sources and voices in order to fully understand the past.

The New Social History movement emerged during the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the traditional focus of historical scholarship on political and military events, as well as the deeds of prominent individuals. This approach often overlooked the experiences of ordinary people, as well as the social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. In contrast, the New Social Historians sought to explore the lives of workers, women, minorities, and other marginalized groups, aiming to uncover the untold stories of those who had been largely absent from traditional historical narratives.

At the heart of the New Social History movement was a commitment to using a wider range of source materials to reconstruct the past. While traditional historical research often relied on official documents, such as government records and elite correspondence, the New Social Historians turned to sources such as oral histories, personal diaries, newspapers, and other forms of popular culture. By drawing on these diverse materials, they were able to piece together a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of historical events and social dynamics.

Bruce Jackson's quote speaks to the central tenet of the New Social History movement – that history is not a fixed, objective truth, but rather a complex tapestry of competing perspectives and experiences. The phrase "history belongs to those about whom or whose documents survive" underscores the idea that historical narratives are inherently selective, shaped by the availability of sources and the perspectives of those who have been able to preserve their stories. This insight challenges historians to critically examine the biases and omissions in traditional historical accounts and to seek out alternative voices and sources in order to construct a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the past.

Moreover, Jackson's reference to the importance of documents surviving highlights the role of preservation and access in shaping historical knowledge. Throughout history, the records and artifacts of marginalized communities have often been neglected or intentionally destroyed, leading to significant gaps in our understanding of their experiences. By recognizing the influence of preservation on historical narratives, scholars are prompted to consider the implications of power dynamics and access to resources in shaping the historical record.

In conclusion, Bruce Jackson's quote reflects the enduring significance of the New Social History movement and its emphasis on diversifying historical perspectives and sources. By highlighting the selective nature of historical narratives and the impact of preservation on historical knowledge, the quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing imperative to expand the boundaries of historical inquiry and to amplify the voices of those whose stories have been marginalized or silenced. It challenges historians to critically engage with the biases and limitations of traditional historical accounts and to actively seek out alternative sources and perspectives in order to construct a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the past.