Part One: Reading response paper

Introduction:

For this assignment, I have chosen the topic "Digital History". Digital history uses digital tools

and techniques to gain new perspectives and insights about historical events. It analyses the

historical data and identifies the trends that may be undiscovered and unidentified.

Digital history uses methods and strategies from various academic fields such as computer

science, data analytics, cliometrics and quantitative history and combines this knowledge to

create and disseminate knowledge about the past. Since information about history is

digitized, it is easily accessible worldwide and appeals to people outside the scholarly

community. Digital history is a constantly changing field and is evolving at a rapid pace and

has the ability to change the way we interpret and perceive history.

Before the development of digital history, historians faced multiple challenges regarding

accessing the required sources while conducting research. Since historical documents and

artefacts were available only in physical archives and collections, it took a considerable

amount of time and effort to access these documents. In some cases, historians have had to

travel long distances to inspect records or rely on secondary sources that may be unreliable,

not comprehensive or only offer a partial picture of the entire.

When historians focus on a small number of purportedly representative phenomena, they

run the risk of ignoring other sources and creating a historical synecdoche in which the part

represents the total1. In other words, by focusing on a small number of cases, historians

1
(Hobbs, 2013)

1
could mistakenly believe that these examples are representative of a larger historical trend

or era and disregard other important sources that might offer a complete perspective. It can

lead to a disproportionate understanding of history due to the possible exclusion of crucial

viewpoints and voices.

The Times, a newspaper that was published in Victorian England, was seen to be

representative of all newspapers at the time by historians and academics. This assumption,

however, is incorrect because The Times was a unique publication and did not represent the

majority of newspapers published in the nineteenth century. De Nie's claim that certain

scholars have treated The Times and other prominent London newspapers as though they

were representative of the entire British press lends credence to this theory2.

The three monographs by Joel Wiener, Mark Hampton, and Jean Chalaby offer further proof

that drawing conclusions about Victorian journalism from limited sources from major cities,

particularly London, can be limiting and insufficient3. The implication is that depending just

on these sources only provides a small part of the whole picture since it ignores the diversity

and complexity of journalism during the Victorian era, particularly outside of London. These

monographs emphasize the importance of considering a wider range of sources for a

complete understanding of Victorian journalism. Therefore, to fully understand the history

of nineteenth-century publishing, other parallel traditions such as unstamped Chartist press,

Sunday newspapers, and local and county-wide provincial weekly magazines must also be

explored.

2
(Nie, 2004)
3
(Chalaby, 1998 ) (Hampton, 2004) (Wiener, 2011)

2
By placing an undue emphasis on one particular source, historians and other academics

have made significant errors in their studies. For instance, Lois Schwoerer failed to recognise

the significance of the bicentennial of the "Glorious Revolution" in 1888 because she overly

relied on The Times and ignored other publications with opposing viewpoints and regional

events4. This begs the question of why some academics fall into this trap, which can be

attributed to a number of factors, including the tendency of journalism to fabricate myths,

the longstanding emphasis of British researchers on political history, the unconscious use of

subpar sources, and the accessibility of a particular source5.

Historians must carefully analyse their sources and be aware of the limitations of their

research in order to avoid producing a limited and incomplete account of the past. Good

scholarly practices, which involve questioning prevailing theories, approaches, and sources

while avoiding anachronism, might be helpful in this area. The digitization of newspapers has

provided access to numerous primary sources, making it easier to adhere to best practices6.

However, as Bob Nicholson pointed out, digital assets still need context and familiarity. It is

necessary to delve into the language of the times and rigorously check the accuracy and

validity of keywords7. Digitized newspapers can be used as an index or search aid for

relevant material in the offline penumbra, which refers to the majority of non-digitized

newspapers held in local and central libraries8.

4
(Schwoerer, 1990) (Rogers, 2011)
5
(Hobbs, 2013)
6
(Hobbs, 2013)
7
(Nicholson, 2012)
8
(Leary, 2005)

3
The scope and potential of digital history have considerably increased as a result of the

accessibility of digital archives, which allows researchers to easily access enormous amounts

of primary source data. Historical researchers have access to significant primary data sources

from digital archives that they can utilise to research and examine historical processes and

occurrences. For a variety of reasons, digital archiving is essential to keeping historical

documents safe.

1. It stops originals from degrading as a result of frequent handling by researchers.

2. It promotes accessibility for researchers and enables broad distribution and

institutional collaboration.

3. It offers more searchability and editing flexibility.

4. In addition to reducing collection space requirements, it improves user satisfaction

and utilization of archive collections.

Despite these advantages, there are also drawbacks to digital archiving, such as the

necessity for costly and time-consuming faculty and staff retraining in digital archiving

procedures. Additionally, digital technology is developing more quickly than print

technology, necessitating regular file migration and updating. High costs are incurred in

terms of time, space, and monetary outlays because of this. However, these concerns do not

detract from the importance and benefits of digital archiving9.

Benefits of Digital History:

The ability to swiftly and effectively analyze enormous amounts of data is one of the main

advantages of digital history. With the aid of digital tools, historians can search huge

databases of original documents, such as letters, diaries, and newspaper articles. They can

9
(Lynch, 2014)

4
now spot patterns and trends that would be challenging or impossible to find using

conventional research techniques. Digitization enables a deeper investigation of the sources

themselves instead of just rewriting the same story.

Digital History also enables historians to visualize data in new ways. For instance, interactive

maps that display the locations of key events, the movement of people, or the spread of

illness can be made using GIS mapping. This type of data visualisation can make historical

events more concrete and approachable for both historians and the general audience.

Another advantage of digital history is the opportunity for joint research and the ability to

provide research developments on a global scale. Because of the digitization of history, any

individual having availability to the internet can access these digital archives and libraries,

making them substantially more accessible.

Limitations of Digital History:

Despite having a variety of benefits, digital history has some limitations as well. The biggest

limitation is the quality and authenticity of data. During the process of digitization, it is

possible to make certain errors such as missing pages, half-copied data or inaccurate data

which affects the authenticity of the data. Therefore, it is crucial that the researchers

consider this possible error and thoroughly check the validity and authenticity of the data.

Skewed data is another drawback of digital history. While using tools such as text mining or

algorithms to analyse the data, they might reflect the author's biases which might lead to

inaccurate results. Historians must be conscious of this issue and must make vigorous efforts

to conduct impartial research.

5
The digitization of historical documents and artefacts is a time-consuming and expensive

process. Since a lot of resources are required in terms of funds and skilled personnel to

create and maintain digital archives, it is not necessary that all organizations have enough

resources to fund their digital history projects. Historians must adopt creative ways like

crowdfunding to fund their digital history projects.

Digital History Projects:

Some of the notable projects of digital history include The Library of Congress's American

Memory project, the National Archives' digitization effort, The Valley of the Shadow: Two

Communities in the American Civil War, Race and Place: An African American Community in

the Jim Crow South, Victoria’s Victoria, the Problem of Urban Historical Knowledge and The

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database.

Conclusion:

Digital history is a method for studying and presenting the past that makes use of

cutting-edge communication tools like computers and the Internet. To develop and

distribute historical information, it makes use of key components of the digital world,

including networks, databases, and hypertextualization. It has revolutionised the way

historians have perceived and interpreted historian knowledge thus far. Several tools and

technologies are available that help in the digitization of history such as digital archives, text

mining and GIS mapping (geographical information system).

Digital tools have revolutionised historical research, allowing for a deeper and more complex

understanding of the past. Due to these technological advancements, historians are now

6
able to monitor longer periods and simplify complex historical perspectives. Big data has

facilitated historians in examining historical events and investigating if and how one event

triggered the occurrence of another event. During this investigation, an important aspect to

consider is the scope of the investigation, whether to see a larger context or a smaller one,

as it can alter the results of these historical interpretations10.

Digital history has opened up new avenues for the general public to interact with history by

making it possible for anyone to do historical research in ways that were previously

unfeasible. Digital history has some restrictions such as data privacy, the need to confirm the

reliability and veracity of digital sources and the risk that it might reflect existing biases and

influences of people in power.

Despite these limitations, there are a lot of potential advantages to digital history, and this

field will continue to influence how we approach historical research for many years to come.

By taking advantage of the opportunities provided by digital tools and platforms, historians

can deepen their understanding of the past and ensure that the lessons from history are

preserved and passed on to future generations.

10
(Big questions, big data, 2014)

7
Part One Bibliography

Big questions, big data. (2014). In J. Guldi, & D. Armitage, The History Manifesto (pp.
88-116). Cambridge University Press.

Bingham, A. (2010). ‘The Digitization of Newspaper Archives: Opportunities and Challenges

for Historians’, Twentieth Century British History, . 225– 231.

Chalaby, J. (1998 ). The Invention of Journalism. Basingstoke: Macmillan.

Hampton, M. (2004). Visions of the Press in Britain, 1850–1950. Urbana: University of Illinois
Press.

Hobbs, A. (2013). The Deleterious Dominance of The Times in Nineteenth- Century

Scholarship. Journal of Victorian Culture.

Leary, P. (2005). Googling the Victorians. Journal of Victorian Culture, 10.1, 82.

Lynch, J. (2014). The HBCU-CUL Initiative: A Case Study of the Digitization of Archives of the
Black Experience. Fire!!!

Nicholson, B. (2012). Counting Culture; or, How to Read Victorian Newspapers from a
Distance. Journal of Victorian Culture, 17, 238– 46.

Nie, D. (2004). Eternal Paddy.

Rogers, E. (2011). 1688 and 1888: Victorian Society and the Bicentenary of the Glorious
Revolution. Journal of British Studies 50.4, 892 – 916.

Schwoerer, L. (1990). Celebrating the Glorious Revolution, 1689 – 1989. Albion 22.1 , 1– 20.

Smith, R. (2003). Encyclopedia of African American Politics. Facts On File.

Wiener, J. (2011). The Americanization of the British Press, 1830s–1914: Speed in the Age of
Transatlantic Journalism. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

8
Part Two: Evaluation of a textual source

Introduction:

This analysis is centred on a textual source that is a letter titled "Letter from Birmingham

Jail." It is one of the most important works of the American civil rights movement. Dr Martin

Luther King Jr. wrote this letter in 1963 in response to criticism from a group of white pastors

who questioned the wisdom of his tactics and his presence in Birmingham, Alabama. In his

letter, King advocates the significance of the civil rights moments. He promotes the notion

that individuals must use non-violent protests to combat injustice and bring change. While

responding to the criticisms of his presence at Birmingham and his methods, he defends that

ethical practices are fundamental in order to break unjust laws.

In order to persuade his readers, King presents a number of arguments throughout the

letter, drawing on his in-depth understanding of history, philosophy, and theology. He

considers every person to be valuable and deserving of respect. His goal is to establish a

society that is fair and just. Many people around the world have been inspired by and driven

by this vision, and it continues to do. King's letters persuade the reader of the significance of

a just society and the necessity of bringing about social change through his compelling

language and personal conviction. A well-known instance of civil disobedience 1112 is Letter

from Birmingham Jail as well as an important document created by a modern-day

revolutionary prisoner.13

11
(Smith, 2003)
12
( Tiefenbrun, 1992)
13
(Greene & Gabbidon, 2009)

9
Context and Provenance:

The setting of King's letter emphasises the racial discrimination problems that were

prevalent in America in the 1960s. African Americans were the target of this racism and

were denied their basic constitutional rights such as the right to vote, equal treatment

before the law and the right to education. To end this institutionalized discrimination,

African Americans engaged in numerous acts of protests, boycotts and other forms of civil

disobedience. During this period, Birmingham, Alabama was an especially dangerous city as

it had a history of acts of violence against African Americans who spoke up against injustice,

making it one of the most segregated and racially divided city in the country. In the year

1963, King along with his companions planned various nonviolent protests such as boycotts,

marches and sit-ins in Birmingham to protest against the city's racist supremacist practices.

These demonstrations were vehemently opposed by the city's white officials and they

attempted violence and intimidation to put an end to this movement. The municipal jail is

where King famously wrote his letter after he and other activists were arrested. On April 16,

196314, it was composed and mailed to the eight white pastors who had challenged him and

his practises. The clerics expressed their displeasure of the protests and demanded a halt to

the demonstrations in an open letter titled "A Call for Unity."15 They said that King's

strategies were foolish and out of date and that the African American community should

instead try to advance its demands through the legal system rather than resorting to

violence.

14
(King Jr. M. , 1964)
15
(Rieder, 2013)

10
King reacted by explaining the moral justification for the civil rights struggle and justifying his

actions. He argued that all citizens had a duty to use peaceful means to protest against

unjust laws that supported prejudice and segregation. When criticised for acting

inappropriately, he stated that the gravity of the situation demanded quick action in order to

safeguard the African American community from future harm. King's letter addressed the

entire American populace in addition to the eight clergymen to whom it was written. It

outlined his beliefs for a good and fair society and convinced the reader that the Civil Rights

Movement needed to get started right away. Letter from Birmingham Jail became a mainstay

of the literature of the Civil Rights Movement and was recognised as one of the most

significant and important records of the 1960s. This letter became a vital piece of literature

for the Civil Rights Movement and is regarded as one of the most important and significant

writings of its time.

Primary Notions and Themes:

The primary notions and themes presented by King Martin Luther Jr. in his Letter from

Birmingham Jail are as follows:

1. Peaceful protests: In his letter, King emphasised the importance of peaceful protests

as a tool for social change and justice. He claims that this approach is more effective

and morally appropriate than using violence.

2. Just vs. Unjust Laws: King distinguishes between just and unfair laws, and he claims

that it is the duty of all citizens to peacefully oppose unfair laws. He states that since

the segregation laws were unjust, breaking them was ethically right.

11
 3. The Importance of Prompt Action: King underlines the importance of the civil rights

struggle and believes that the time for change has arrived. He expresses

dissatisfaction with people who continually advocate for tolerance and slow change.

4. Unity: King highlights the need for everyone uniting together in the fight for civil

rights. He contends that the pursuit of justice is an issue of human rights that affects

everyone, not just African Americans.

5. Religion and Morality: King justifies many of his assertions on moral and theological

principles. He argues that segregation is morally wrong in addition to being politically

and socially unjust.

6. Love and Forgiveness: King emphasises the significance of love and forgiveness in the

fight for civil rights. He contends that forgiveness is essential for healing and

reconciliation and that love is the most potent force in the universe.

7. Critique of White Moderates: White moderates who have argued for patience and

gradual change are criticised by King, who claims that their passivity and inactivity

have only contributed to maintaining the status quo.

King's letter is a strong and persuading call to action that is based on ethical and religious

ideals and is motivated by a strong commitment to nonviolent resistance and justice.

Publication History:

Dr King wrote the letter with the assistance of his attorneys on scraps of paper that were

smuggled out of jail. The New York Times Magazine editor, Mr Harvey Shapiro, had asked

King to write a letter for the publication, but the Times declined to publish it16. Large

portions of the letter were published in the New York Post Sunday Magazine on May 19,

16
(Fox, 2013)

12
1963, without King's permission. The American Friends Service Committee first made the

entire letter public in May 1963 under the title "Letter from Birmingham City Jail."17.

Significance:

King Martin Luther Jr.'s letter, which he wrote while imprisoned in Birmingham, had a

significant and enduring impact. It demonstrates how a single person's choices may shape

history in significant ways. The moral and intellectual leadership of King Jr. was emphasised

in this letter. Particularly among white moderates who had previously been unwilling to

embrace more radical forms of protest, it was essential in inspiring public opinion and

fostering support for the civil rights movement. Its revelation dramatically influenced public

opinion in favour of support for civil rights and helped raise public awareness of the issue of

racial inequality.

Many consider the letter to be one of the most significant documents of the 20th century

due to its growing relevance in the fields of history, political science, and literary studies. It is

a crucial resource for historians, educators, and students who want to learn more about the

history of the civil rights movement and its long-lasting impact because of its powerful and

convincing arguments, historical context, and unique status as a primary source.

Potential Uses:

King's Letter from Birmingham Jail is regularly cited as a primary source by historians. In the

disciplines of history, political science, literature, and cultural studies, it has been referenced

countless times in books, papers, and thesis. The letter has been used by historians to

17
("Letter from Birmingham City Jail". )

13
examine a wide range of civil rights movement-related subjects, such as the background of

segregation and racial prejudice in the United States, nonviolent opposition tactics and

methods, the significance of individual activism and leadership in bringing social change, and

the function of religion and morality in political activism.

Additionally, the letter offers essential context for the points of view and experiences of

African Americans who took part in the movement for equality and justice in the 1960s. It

illuminates the ways in which African Americans sought to use moral persuasion as a tool for

change while negotiating the difficult and frequently perilous terrain of the civil rights

struggle. Historians have studied the strategies of rhetorical and persuasive strategies used

in this letter. Academics have carefully examined King's use of words, imagery, and reasoning

in the letter. They have also examined how he organised his ideas to be understandable to a

variety of audiences, from white moderates to African Americans. Historians have also used

the letter to evaluate how King presented his case and used American political and religious

speech conventions to invoke morality and justice.

King's Letter from Birmingham Jail has served as a major source for research and scholarship

as well as a teaching resource in classrooms at all levels, from middle schools to universities.

To help students understand the social and political context of the civil rights movement, the

strategies and tactics of nonviolent resistance, and the significance of moral and intellectual

leadership in bringing about social change, it is included in courses that teach about

American history, civil rights, and political science. This letter is studied to research how it

affected political discourse and public opinion, later social movements and advocacy

campaigns, and comparing its justifications and rhetorical strategies with those of other

14
social and political actors. These approaches are used to get a better understanding of the

letter's historical and cultural significance and to utilise it as a prism for examining more

significant social, political, and cultural concerns.

Conclusion:

King Martin Luther Jr., who was being held in Birmingham Prison for organising a peaceful

protest against segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, penned this letter there on April 16,

1963. The letter was sent to the eight white pastors who had publicly denounced King's

protest strategies and counselled him to wait for gradual change rather than pushing for

urgent action. After being originally smuggled out of the jail, the letter was widely circulated

and played a significant role in the civil rights struggle. It appeared in various periodicals.

People all around the country were moved by the letter's powerful arguments, which served

to gather support for the campaign. Since then, the letter has been widely read and studied,

becoming one of the most important and enduring works of literature of the 20th century

The letter's historical value stems not only from its strong arguments and eloquence but also

from its distinctive status as a primary source that documents a crucial period in the civil

rights movement. The letter throws insight into the experiences and viewpoints of African

Americans who were striving for justice and equality and offers a window into the political,

social, and cultural backdrop of the time. The letter is also a unique sample of private

correspondence that was not meant for publication yet ended up playing a crucial role in

American history. As a result, it offers insightful pieces of information about how people can

advocate for change and write about it even in the midst of oppression and injustice.

15
Part Two Bibliography

Tiefenbrun, S. (1992). "Semiotics and Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail".
Cardozo Studies in Law and Literature, 255–287.

"Letter from Birmingham City Jail". . (n.d.). American Friends Service Committee.

Fox, M. (2013). "Harvey Shapiro, Poet and Editor, Dies at 88". The New York Times.

Greene , H., & Gabbidon, S. (2009). Political Prisoners. In Encyclopedia of Race and Crime
(pp. pp. 636–639). SAGE Publications.

King Jr. , M. (1964). Why We Can't Wait. New York: Signet Classic.

King Jr., M. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail.

Rieder, J. (2013). Gospel of Freedom: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 'Letter From Birmingham Jail'.
New York: Bloomsbury Press.

Smith, R. (2003). Encyclopedia of African American Politics. Facts On File.

16
Part Three: Evaluation of a non-textual source

Figure 1 – West, Benjamin. “The Death of General Wolfe.”1770, Oil on canvas, 152.4 x 214 cm, National Gallery
of Canada, Ottawa.

Introduction:

The focus of this evaluation is on the non-textual source, the painting entitled "The Death of

General Wolfe." This study intends to shed light on the value of this non-textual source in

aiding our comprehension of the time period in which it was produced through a thorough

analysis of the composition, style, and visual components of the painting. Benjamin West, an

Anglo-American painter, created the painting "The Death of General Wolfe" to depict the

death of British General James Wolfe in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. It is

frequently regarded as a seminal piece in the evolution of American and British painting and

is one of the most well-known and iconic works of art in Canadian history. Just over ten

17
years had passed since the scene's occurrences when West painted it in 1770. The dying

Wolfe is represented laying in the foreground of the painting with his eyes closed,

surrounded by a number of British soldiers. The soldiers are shown in the artwork mourning

their dead commander, with some of them appearing to be looking up in prayer.

The historical painting that West created was a departure from the traditional style of

history painting of the time. He decided to represent the event as a touching moment of loss

and sadness rather than as a great triumph. With the use of this technique, new emotionally

expressive painting techniques began to develop, and West became recognised as one of the

greatest artists of his time. The painting "The Death of General Wolfe" from the 18th century

quickly gained notoriety and was widely imitated. Its profound emotional effect and the idea

that the British and North American colonies had the same cultural background contributed

to its acceptance. The artwork is generally seen as a reflection of Canadian identity and has

had a profound impact on Canadian art and society. It is still considered an iconic and

well-known artwork despite having been replicated in many ways, including on stamps,

coins, and banknotes.

This picture depicts the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, which happened on September 13,

1759. The artwork's backdrop is quite emotive, and a number of the figures display a variety

of emotions. In the middle of the image, General Wolf is seen with his eyes closed and in

severe condition. He is seen wearing a military uniform, his cap laid aside, and his right hand

extended in front of the viewer in a potent and emotive gesture. This was interpreted in

numerous ways over time. Others viewed it as a tribute to the heroic death's long history,

while some saw it as a symbolising the dying general's final message. The emotional impact

18
of the picture is heightened by the fact that the other people in the artwork also display a

range of emotions. While some of the soldiers are depicted in tears, other soldiers are

represented to be unflappable and fierce. The Native American, who is supposed to be the

Mohawk chief, is depicted staring up at the sky in despair while the priest is shown soothing

and consoling the dying general. Wolfe's pale figure standing out against the dark backdrop

and the vibrant crimson of the other troops' uniforms enhances the painting's emotional

impact through the use of dramatic lighting and colour.

The artwork is significant because it is both historically accurate and emotionally compelling.

Benjamin West performed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding

Wolfe's passing, speaking with eyewitnesses and visiting the scene of the conflict. The effect

is that the painting is regarded as a very accurate depiction of the conflict and its aftermath.

Benjamin intended others to be inspired to follow in Wolfe's footsteps of selflessness, not to

persuade them that his painting was absolutely real.18

For a variety of reasons, historians consider Benjamin West's "The Death of General Wolfe"

to be a significant work of art. A significant turning moment in both British and Canadian

history, the death of British General James Wolfe at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in

1759, is vividly represented. Because of this, the painting provides historians with a

distinctive and potent approach to comprehending and interpreting this event. The painting

also captures the creative and cultural milieu of its day. It was produced in the 18th century,

a time of significant social and artistic upheaval, and it provides historians with useful

information on the prevailing social, political, and aesthetic trends of the day. The

18
(death-of-g-wolfe, n.d.)

19
composition, style, and visual components of the painting show the contemporaneous

influence of historical painting and neoclassical art. The artwork serves as a case study for

the investigation of historical memory and identity. Because of its ongoing appeal and

significance to Canadians, historians can use the picture as a case study to examine historical

memory and national identity. Historians can learn more about the manner in which

national identities and cultural memories are created and passed down by analysing the

various ways in which the picture has been understood, copied, and celebrated across time.

This painting has great historical significance. However, there are also limitations for

historians. The veracity of the artwork cannot be trusted because it is not a photograph, and

West used artistic licence when composing and delineating the scene. Second, the artwork

was made from a British perspective, which exhibits some biases and viewpoints. It is

important for historians to be aware of this bias and work to put this picture in a larger

historical and cultural perspective. Third, multiple interpretations of the painting have

developed throughout time, so historians must be careful not to impose their own on the

work. The artwork only captures a single moment in time, and it does not fully convey the

intricate historical circumstances that preceded and followed the Battle of the Plains of

Abraham. As a result, in order to fully comprehend the historical context, historians must

add additional primary and secondary sources to their interpretation of the picture.

Benjamin West's painting The Death of General Wolfe is unique as there is only one original

picture by the artist. However, the image has been copied by different artists in a number of

20
ways, including prints, engravings, and replicas. The painting's appeal contributed to its

status as one of the 18th century's most widely circulated and recognisable works of art. The

picture has been a popular subject for artists and collectors throughout the ages due to its

emotional impact and historical relevance, and both the general public and art historians

continue to study and admire it. The painting's digitization has expanded its audience, but it

also presents certain methodological and ethical questions.

Methodological issues:

1. Technical challenges: Digitization can be time-consuming and expensive because it

requires the use of specialised tools and software. The competence of the individual

digitising the image as well as the calibre of the tools employed both affect the

accuracy and quality of the digitised image.

2. Preservation: By making a digital duplicate of the painting, digitization can be utilised

to keep it safe. But just like any other digital file, the digital image is susceptible to

problems with deterioration, obsolescence, and technical obsolescence.

3. Accessibility: Digitization can increase the painting's visibility to a wider audience,

but it must be done carefully to make sure that all users, including those with

disabilities, can access the digital image.

Ethical Issues:

1. Ownership and copyright: Digitization may raise copyright and ownership issues. The

actual painting is owned by the National Gallery of Canada, however, the digital

version may be subjected to different copyright laws and guidelines.

21
 2. Cultural heritage: Since the painting is an important piece of Canada's cultural

heritage, digitization may lead to moral dilemmas regarding who should have access

to and utilise the digital image. There can be worries about the painting being

appropriated or commercialised for uses that are inconsistent with its cultural

importance.

3. Privacy: The digitization of the painting can give rise to privacy problems, especially

if it contains images of identifiable people. To preserve these people's privacy and

ensure that the digital image is used properly, measures must be taken.

Potential issues relating to controlling the archive:

The original painting of "The Death of General Wolfe" by Benjamin West is currently kept at

the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The National Gallery later acquired it in 1921 after

receiving it as a gift from the 2nd Duke of Westminster in 1918. 19

To control the archive of this picture, the National Gallery of Canada must address a number

of possible challenges, as with any institution that houses significant pieces of art and

cultural heritage. They are as follows:

1. Conservation and preservation: In order to ensure its long-term preservation, the

painting needs specialized care and attention because it is more than 250 years old.

The National Gallery of Canada must devote adequate time and resources to the task

of keeping the picture in good condition and guarding against damage or

deterioration.

19
(West)

22
 2. Access and exhibition: The Gallery must strike a balance between the necessity to

preserve the painting's physical integrity and its obligation to make the painting

available to the public for study and exhibition. The Gallery must also handle

problems with visitor flow, safety, and other logistical challenges.

3. Ownership and legal issues: The painting is currently owned by the National Gallery

of Canada, however, ownership questions and legal challenges may arise in the

future. If it is claimed that the artwork was taken unlawfully or if there is a dispute

over its origin or authenticity, the gallery may need to defend its ownership in court.

4. Interpretation and representation: The artwork is a national relic and has significant

historical importance. The National Gallery of Canada must thus make sure that

artworks are displayed and discussed in a respectful, accurate, and thorough manner,

taking challenges with interpretation and representation into account.

By carefully handling these problems, the National Gallery can ensure that the painting is

maintained and made available to future generations

Conclusion:

Benjamin West's painting "The Death of General Wolfe" is a major historical piece that

captures a crucial period in the histories of Canada and the Seven Years' War. As attitudes

about war, heroism, and nationalism change over time, it has been interpreted in a variety of

ways. The artwork has also been significant to Canada's cultural and political history, serving

as a marker for discussions about the nation's past and current position in the globe as well

as a symbol of Canadian identity. It is now kept at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa

and has been reprinted in a number of media, including prints, postcards, and the Canadian

$5 note. Methodological and ethical concerns of technical difficulties, preservation,

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accessibility, ownership and copyright, cultural heritage, and privacy are brought up by the

digitization of the picture. Overall, the picture continues to be a significant cultural and

historical relic, and historians and academics continue to research and discuss its legacy.

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Part Three Bibliography

death-of-g-wolfe. (n.d.). Retrieved from kentmonkman:

https://www.kentmonkmangallery.com/death-of-g-wolfe
West, B. (n.d.). The Death of General Wolfe. National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.

List of Images

Figure 2 – West, Benjamin. “The Death of General Wolfe.”1770, Oil on canvas, 152.4 x 214
cm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.

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