Final answer:
The author most likely chose interviews to provide an insider's view of the Children’s Crusade of May 1963 through personal narratives, offering readers a connection to the event beyond that of traditional historical texts. The correct answer is option b .
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason the author chose to use interviews to tell the story of the Children’s Crusade of May 1963 is to provide readers with an insider's view of the event through the words of actual participants and observers. This approach offers a direct perspective and a personal touch to the historical narrative, engaging readers in a manner that traditional historical writing may not. It captures the immediacy and emotional impact of the events, sharing first-hand experiences that can vividly bring history to life. By choosing interviews, the author bypasses the more detached accounts of historians and instead presents the raw voices and lived experiences of those who were part of the Children's Crusade, offering authenticity and a powerful connection to the past.
When considering why a document was written, it's essential to understand if it was intended as a factual account, to persuade, or to fulfill another purpose. Primary sources, like interviews, can simultaneously serve to document factual events and persuade readers by presenting compelling personal narratives. These sources can profoundly affect how we perceive historical occurrences, offering insights into the participants' motivations, thoughts, and feelings during these events.
In the case of the Children's Crusade, using interview narratives also aligns with the broader goal of history education to include a variety of perspectives, especially those traditionally underrepresented in historical canon. This method enables students to explore the event's complexities from multiple viewpoints, fostering a richer and more nuanced understanding of history's human dimension.