Here's why:
* Surrounding Circumstances: This refers to the specific events, social structures, and political climate that existed directly around the event in question. For example, if we are discussing the French Revolution, the surrounding circumstances would include the economic hardship, social inequality, and political instability in France at the time.
* Influences of the Time: This encompasses the broader historical forces and trends that shaped the event. These could include intellectual movements, technological advancements, cultural norms, and even global events. In the French Revolution example, the Enlightenment ideas about liberty and equality, the growth of a wealthy merchant class, and the American Revolution all played a significant role.
Understanding the historical context is crucial for interpreting an event accurately. It helps us understand the motivations behind actions, the significance of the event in its time, and its lasting impact on the future.