Analysis and Criticism of the Comparative Historical Method

Abstract

Comparative history which intellectually emerged at the end of the 18th century, is a method of explaining, analyzing and interpreting the similarities or the differences which are put forth as a result of comparing the various historical units. The purposes of the method are; to reveal the subjects which can not be performed without comparison, to make generalizations with obtained data from comparison of individual events, to give broader perspective to historians. While reaching the aim the temporal/spatial/social etc. features should be considered. This article reveals general features to be considered in the comparative history and then discusses the mistakes in using this method and critics about these mistakes.