Historical context refers to the time, place and circumstances in which something happened or was created. It involves understanding the historical events, cultural movements, social norms, political climate, economic conditions, and other factors that influenced a particular event, person, work of art, or artifact. Understanding the historical context helps provide insight into why things occurred as they did, what motivated people to act in certain ways, and how their actions were shaped by external forces. It also allows for a better appreciation of the significance of events and developments, and provides a basis for evaluating them within the broader framework of history.