I believe historiography is an important part of Modern History, and every History for that matter. I study Ancient, Modern and Extension, and in every case reliable quotes are needed to support views stated. However, with that said, no matter how many quotes you have, no matter who said them, you will not receive a good mark unless you can make a critical analysis of the topic you have studied. You use the historiography as a way of supporting your conclusions...they are not themselves your conclusions, poowee.
Amy.
P.S. For Russia national study, a great and easily remembered quote:
Stalin noted in February 1931, We are fifty or a hundred years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this distance in ten years. Either we do so or we go under. This is obviously in relation to Collectivisation and Industrialisation.
P.P.S Poowee, i saw Cantwell in person deliver a lecture on Conflict in the Pacific. Yes, indeed he knows his stuff, but you need to know your stuff as well. You cannot merely regurgitate what Cantwell says hoping to score well...markers are not stupid, they have usually been markers or teachers for some time, and will see through your weak attempt.