Artifact+4


 * Personal Narrative, Andrew S. Cobb, Architect**

Witness to the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion in 1917.



__**Benchmarks of Historical Thinking:**__

Primary Source - Oral account from a witness to the event. This was transcribed by a police officer who was taking a statement. Not sure how long after the event this took place but can assume that it would be fairly soon after the event.

Historical Significance - The witness detailed specific events that he had witnessed. He told it from a first person account as it was happening. This is different from other accounts that we read after the fact.

Continuity and Change - The Communications system has changed significantly in hopes of preventing such a disaster again. Emergency measures would be much different these days.

Cause and Consequence - Historical Perspective - This account brings an empathetic feeling to the story. Reading it from a first person perspective helped us understand the profound effect of this event on all those involved.

Moral Consequence