History is at its core all about telling stories. Historians choose certain evidence from sources to come up with a plot to tell their chosen narrative. Traditionally history has been told by a top-down approach. These historians told the story of the elites and rulers but ignored the stories of the common men and women. They would choose only the evidence that suits the narrative they have weaved. Many rulers and elites knew the importance of having control over the history and gained a lot from it. They knew if their stories were accepted by the people this would give their right to rule legitimacy and they would retain their power.
The elites and rulers no longer have a monopoly over history. As a result there are many hidden histories that have come to light. The internet has helped people access these histories that they otherwise would never have known about. It has empowered groups of people that have been marginalized in society to spread their own narrative of a certain history. This has helped people all over the world gain different perspectives regarding classic narratives.
The internet is revolutionary in the way it can spread information all over the globe. It is exciting seeing more hidden histories being discovered and how this will change peoples perspectives on certain narratives that we have become accustomed to.
Here is an interesting link to check out:
http://forgottenaustralianshistory.gov.au/
History319 blog 