Think As Historian: THINK AS A HISTORIAN: IDENTIfY ASSUMPTIONS SHAPING POINT Of vIEW

The point of view of a source is often shaped by underlying assumptions. For example, the Korean Declaration of Independence states: “We proclaim [our independence] to the nations of the world in affirmation of the principle of the equality of all nations.” The underlying assumption that shapes the point of view in this statement is that all nations are equal, a position with which reasonable people agree. That sound assumption establishes a legitimacy to other aspects of the declaration. If it had instead said, “. . . in affirmation of the principle of the superiority of Koreans,” the point of view would be sufficiently narrowed that its legitimacy would be questioned, since enlightened opinion recognizes equality of people and nations.

Identify the underlying assumptions in the German laws on the previous page. Explain how the assumptions shape the point of view of the authors of the laws and how that point of view might affect a reader’s response.