Final answer:
When analyzing a historical document, it is crucial to consider its purpose and the circumstances of its creation to determine if it shows bias or presents the facts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing a historical document, it is important to consider the purpose and intent behind its creation. The document may have been written to provide a factual account of an event, or it may have been intended to persuade the reader. Bias can be present in historical documents, whether it is due to the writer's personal beliefs, the political climate of the time, or other external factors.
To determine if a document shows any bias or simply presents the facts, it is crucial to consider the circumstances of its creation. Questions about the time period, events happening at the time, and the writer's motivations can help uncover any potential biases. For example, if the document was written during a time of religious conflict, it may lean towards a certain religious perspective.
Overall, historians must use critical thinking skills to analyze historical documents and consider multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the subject.