Total History: What Is It and Why Do I Study?

Welcome back to Royal History! Your premier destination for uncovering the rich and fascinating history of the UK and the Commonwealth. Through our weekly newsletter and YouTube channel, we bring the stories of monarchs, traditions and defining moments to life. When most people think of history, they picture grand events—wars, revolutions, coronations, and treaties. But history is more than just a collection of dates and major figures. It’s about the people who lived through those times, their daily lives, and the world that shaped them.

That’s where total history comes in.

I first encountered the idea of total history while listening to speeches by historians. At first, I thought history was simply about understanding kings, queens, and battles, but this approach made me realize how much I was missing. The true essence of the past isn’t just found in politics or war—it’s in the clothes people wore, the food they ate, the beliefs they held, the way they spoke, and the places they lived.

Total history isn’t just about what happened; it’s about why it happened by looking at every aspect of life in a particular time and place.

What Is Total History?

Total history is a historical method that focuses on the entire context of an era. It emerged in France about a century ago but has only gained real traction in English-speaking circles over the last 20 years. Unlike traditional history, which often focuses on political and military events, total history examines the full cultural and social environment of a period.

This means studying:

✅ Daily Life – How people lived, what they ate, how they worked

✅ Technology – The tools and inventions that shaped their world

✅ Religion – The role of faith in everyday life and governance

✅ Housing and Architecture – How homes and cities were built

✅ Clothing and Fashion – What people wore and why

✅ Trade and Economy – What goods were available and how they influenced relationships between nations

✅ Social Structures – The roles of different classes, genders, and professions

By looking at all these aspects together, we get a clearer, more human picture of the past.

The Three Pillars of English History

When studying English history, I often focus on what I call the Three Pillars of the English Constitution:

1. Parliament – The laws that governed the people and shaped society. Who made them, and how did they affect daily life?

2. The Church – The religious institutions that influenced morality, culture, and even politics.

3. The Crown – The monarchy and court life, which shaped governance, diplomacy, and national identity.

Each of these forces played a massive role in shaping history. For example, during the English Civil War (1642–1651), the struggle between Parliament and the Crown tore the nation apart, while the Church’s influence determined public support on both sides. This wasn’t just a war of politics; it was a war of beliefs, laws, and daily life.

By understanding these pillars together, we see not just what happened, but why it mattered to the people living through it.

Total History in Action: A Practical Example

Let’s take the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901) as an example. Traditional history tells us she ruled for 63 years and oversaw the expansion of the British Empire. But total history asks:

• What did ordinary Victorians eat?

• How did the Industrial Revolution change their jobs and homes?

• What were the expectations for women in society?

• How did railroads change travel and trade?

• How did the monarchy adapt to a world increasingly run by Parliament?

Looking at history this way transforms it from a dry list of facts into something alive—something we can see, feel, and almost step into.

Why I Study Total History

When I first started exploring history in this way, I found it incredibly rewarding. It made the past feel real, rather than distant. Suddenly, I wasn’t just reading about kings and queens—I was learning about real people who laughed, cried, struggled, and thrived in their own time.

This perspective also made me a better storyteller. As I started working on my YouTube animations, I realized that total history helped me create more accurate and immersive depictions of the past. To animate a historical scene, I needed to know:

• What kind of clothing would someone wear in the 17th century?

• What would the streets of London have looked like in the 19th century?

• What expressions and gestures would people commonly use?

Total history gave me the tools to bring history to life in a way that felt authentic and visually engaging.

Total History and You

History is more than names and dates—it’s the story of people and their world. That’s why total history is so important, and why I want to share it with you.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

• What are your thoughts on total history?

• Is there a historical topic you’d like me to cover next?

• Have you ever found history more interesting when looking at the details of daily life?

Let me know in the comments!