Ross Hassig2016-01-142016-03-302016-01-142016-03-302001-03-01Hassig, R. (2001). Counterfactuals and revisionism in historical explanation. Anthropological Theory, 1(1), 57-72. doi: 10.1177/14634990122228629http://hdl.handle.net/11244/25376This article addresses the role of counterfactuals in historical and ethnohistorical explanation. Drawing primarily on examples from the Conquest of Mexico, it argues (1) for a useful role for counterfactual analysis, not in writing fiction, but in assessing pivotal causation and proofing causal arguments; (2) for a clearer understanding of causation in historical records, especially of ethnohistorical subjects; and (3) for a way in which this perspective can be employed to argue for solidly grounded revisionist interpretations of events.en-UScausationCortéscounterfactualshistoryrevisionismResearch Article10.1177/14634990122228629false