How to Study History (and Actually Enjoy It)
History gets a bad rap sometimes. Maybe you remember memorizing dates, names, and places in school and wondering, "Why does any of this matter?" But history isn’t just about dusty old textbooks and endless timelines—it’s the story of us. It’s full of drama, conflict, revolutions, betrayals, inventions, and triumphs. The key to studying history is learning how to connect with it, not just collect it.
Here’s how to study history in a way that makes it meaningful, memorable, and even fun.
1. Start With the Big Picture
Before diving into the tiny details, get an overview of the time period or event you're studying. Ask yourself:
What were the major forces shaping the world at that time? (Think: war, religion, economics, etc.)
Who held power, and who didn’t?
What was changing?
Creating a timeline or watching a short documentary can help build context so that the details make sense later on.
2. Make It a Story, Not a List
People remember stories way better than lists of facts. So when you study a historical event, treat it like a narrative:
Who were the main characters?
What did they want?
What obstacles did they face?
How did it end?
For example, instead of memorizing “1066 – Battle of Hastings,” learn about William the Conqueror and how that battle changed English history forever. Suddenly, it's not just a date—it's a turning point in a gripping tale.
3. Use Multiple Sources
Textbooks can be dry. Don’t rely on just one source.
Try:
Podcasts (like Hardcore History or You’re Wrong About)
YouTube channels (CrashCourse, Kings and Generals, Oversimplified)
Historical novels or films (with a grain of salt for accuracy)
First-person accounts like diaries, letters, or speeches
Different perspectives help you form a fuller picture—and it’s easier to engage with content you enjoy.
4. Ask Questions, Don’t Just Absorb
Treat history like a mystery to be solved. Ask:
Why did this happen?
What if it didn’t happen?
Who benefited? Who suffered?
What would I have done in their place?
This kind of active engagement not only helps with memory but also sharpens your critical thinking skills.
5. Connect the Dots to Today
History matters because it helps explain the world we live in. Look for links between past and present.
How do the roots of modern political systems trace back to past events?
What lessons can we learn from previous mistakes?
Are there historical patterns repeating today?
When you see how history shapes current events, it stops being a school subject and becomes a tool for understanding life.
6. Teach What You Learn
The best way to really learn something? Try explaining it to someone else.
Whether it’s writing a blog post, talking to a friend, or even posting a summary on social media, teaching reinforces your own understanding and forces you to think clearly.
7. Be Curious, Not Just Correct
Studying history isn’t about having all the right answers—it’s about curiosity. It's okay to go down rabbit holes, ask weird questions, and follow your interests. Wondering how the Mongol Empire impacted trade routes? Dig in. Curious about how revolutions start? Go explore.
Let your interest lead the way, and history will start to come alive.
Final Thoughts
History is more than memorization—it's imagination, empathy, and detective work. The more you connect with it as a living story, the easier (and more enjoyable) it becomes to study.
So next time you open a history book, don’t just ask what happened. Ask why, how, and what it means today. That’s when the real learning begins.
Let me know if I can help you study for your next history exam! ~Lucas