Primary and secondary sources are two types of sources that historians use to study history. Primary sources are original sources that were created at the time of the event being studied. Secondary sources are created after the event by people who did not directly experience it.
An example of a primary source is a diary entry written by someone who lived during the time period being studied. This diary entry is a firsthand account of what happened and is considered a primary source because it was written at the time of the event. Another example of a primary source is a photograph taken during the time period being studied. The photograph is an original source that provides visual evidence of what life was like during that time.
An example of a secondary source is a history textbook. A history textbook is written after the event being studied and is not a firsthand account. Instead, it is a compilation of information from various primary sources. Another example of a secondary source is a biography written about a historical figure. The biography is written after the person has died and is based on primary sources such as letters, diaries, and photographs.
In conclusion, primary and secondary sources are both important in studying history. Primary sources provide firsthand accounts of what happened during a particular time period, while secondary sources provide analysis and interpretation of those events.