Final answer:
A causal order looks at the reasons behind events and their outcomes, focusing on the sequence of events to establish cause and effect, which historians use to analyze the significance of historical occurrences.
Step-by-step explanation:
A causal order examines why things happen and the results that ensue. Understanding the timeline of events is crucial when analyzing historical developments. By pinpointing what happens first, followed by what happens next, historians can discern the cause and effect relationship between events. This analytical process involves delving into both immediate and long-term causes, evaluating their significance, and determining their impact on subsequent events. For instance, considering why a student is reading a history textbook involves examining immediate reasons such as course requirements, as well as deeper societal values regarding the importance of education for personal and community development.