The phrase "historical background of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to discuss the background context of a certain topic or event. For example: "This article will discuss the historical background of the French Revolution."
(Given the historical background of civil war and restoration, that's pretty much what it is).
Testimony on the historical background of the war was from Prof. Mary Wright, Joseph Buttinger, Prof. Wesley Fishel, & Otto Tolischus.
Many critics argue that it is better to leave the existing language unchanged and explain the social and historical background of terms like Neger to children.
Readers who would like to explore the historical background of the tallest buildings of New York, and of the world, should visit the museum's Web site, www.skyscraper.org.org
Writing of all kinds began to reflect a concern with the colonial past in Africa as well as with the national historical background of empire.
The historical background of the picture, preserved unlined in its plaster gilt and glazed frame, played its part in the enormous interest aroused.
This article presents the historical background of foundational questions and 20th-century efforts to construct a new foundational basis for mathematics.
Mr. Hussain was the main soloist and the fulcrum for ensembles; he was also an erudite ringmaster, explaining the legendary or historical background of some rhythms and letting others fly.
The robust historical background of strike and riot and fear of revolution, combined with a corny story in which everyone gets their prescribed comeuppance or reward, turns into an odd cross between Don DeLillo and Harold Robbins.
According to Hughes, Homer's account points to a real historical background of powerful noblewomen in the Mycenean period, 500 years before he composed his poems at the start of the 7th century BC and passed on through oral tradition.
"As a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, he had a nice, cushy job," said Mr. Baldwin, who discussed the historical background of the trials in a recent interview in New York.
