Did the effect stem directly from the event? Or was it simply a coincidence in time and place? Was the effect short term or long term? Which cause was most significant?

The War for Independence – AP US History

Historians often debate the causes and effects of events, because history is complex and filled with multiple variables. Some facts are facts: black and white. But most of history is gray: up for interpretation. When analyzing causation, we must remember that we are making a judgement and defending our viewpoint. And remember every viewpoint has opposing or differing viewpoint. Analyzing the effects of historical events requires similar skill. It is not only listing ways the event impacted the nation, for example, it is analyzing historical significance of those effects. Did the effect stem directly from the event? Or was it simply a coincidence in time and place? Was the effect short term or long term? Which cause was most significant? Which effect was most significant? Etc.