The Rewards and Risks of Historical Events Studies Research

Abstract

2016), 'The rewards and risks of historical events studies research', in Ian Lamond and Louise Platt (eds) Critical Event Studies: Approaches to Research. London: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 87-107. There may be small textual differences between this version and the published version. Any reference made to this paper should refer to the published version. WHY HISTORY?When we think about events we think of them as being current, contemporary, in the here and now; history does not readily spring to mind. And yet history has much to offer the study and development of events.Aside from needing to critically understand the politics, finances, and consequences in relation to events, researching their history enables students to approach the event from a new perspective. The use of history provides students with a greater understanding of the development of, amongst other things, policy, funding and organisational structure and behaviour. It will allow the student a valuable insight into the evolution of an event over time. This in turn can illustrate the processes which were undertaken and influence the current format of a particular event.Matthews (2012, p. 4) has suggested that historical events should be looked at by students because they: Offer an understanding role of events stakeholders (with three key categories: owners and organisers, participants, spectators)  Relationships between the three key stakeholders  Design of events through the use of ritual.Different models can certainly be applied towards studying the history of events, including ones of management and marketing. For the purposes of history, however, it can sometimes be necessary to apply a more flexible approach towards interrelationships within the organisation and management of these events. Our expertise is in the history of sport, including sporting events, and thus they will be the focus of our chapter.Events do not just appear overnight: they evolve from earlier versions of the same thing. So, by studying where these events came from, we can begin to understand the evolution of the event in its current form. For example, the modern Olympics were first held in 1896. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.Purported to be based ancient Olympics as participated in by the city-states of Greece, they nevertheless firmly reflected contemporary Victorian values of Empire, maintenance of the social order, and the pursuit of 'Christian' ideals.One of Coubertin's founding ideals of the modern Olympics was to bring nations together in 'peace' through sporting competition, something which is still evident today. However, the Olympics also provide a forum in which the spotlight can be turned on international politics.The 1936 Olympics, held in Berlin, were used by the Nazis to demonstrate their power, and arguably their Aryan policies. The Nazis sidestepped the Games' usual vision of internationalism and cooperation, and instead promoted a vision of power, dominance, and scale, drawing on ancient Greece ...