1. Logical inference, historical reasoning, and historical proof

These are three related but distinct concepts.

A. Logical inference

A logical inference asks:

If these premises are true, what follows logically?

This inference can be perfectly logical without referring to any historical document.

It is reasoning from general principles.

B. Historical reasoning

Historical reasoning asks:

Given what we know about the historical context, what is the best explanation?

This is no longer pure logic.

It uses historical context.

C. Historical proof

Historical proof asks a different question.

It asks:

Can we demonstrate that historical actors actually held these motives or made these decisions?

This requires:

parliamentary debates,

letters,

diaries,

speeches,

policy documents,

economic writings.

Without these, the claim may remain plausible but unproven.