Historiographical Metanarrative

A historiographical metanarrative is a broad, overarching story or explanation that historians have used to make sense of history as a whole. It reflects a dominant perspective or theory about how history unfolds, such as progress, conflict, or economic change. These grand narratives shape how events are interpreted and understood collectively. Over time, many of these metanarratives are challenged or replaced as new perspectives emerge, reflecting shifts in societal values, evidence, and scholarship. In essence, it's the big story that historians tell about history's meaning and direction.