what was a common belief among historians in the early 20th century that makes their sources biased

One common belief among historians in the early 20th century was the Eurocentric perspective, which often led to biased interpretations of historical events. Eurocentrism is the tendency to view European history, culture, and civilization as superior or more significant than those of other regions. This perspective influenced historical narratives and analyses, resulting in a skewed view of the world.

As a consequence of Eurocentrism, historians of the early 20th century often downplayed the contributions and significance of non-European cultures and societies. This bias affected the interpretation of primary sources, the framing of historical events, and the portrayal of non-European peoples. It also contributed to the perpetuation of colonialist narratives that justified imperialistic practices.

This Eurocentric bias has been criticized and challenged by later generations of historians who advocate for a more inclusive and diverse approach to understanding and interpreting history. Contemporary historians strive to incorporate multiple perspectives and sources to provide a more comprehensive and accurate representation of historical events.