Here are some passages with brief comments from Benjamin's "These on the Philosophy of History"

A historical materialist cannot do without the notion of a present which is not a transition, but in which time stands still and has come to a stop. For this notion defines the present in which he himself is writing history. Historicism gives the "eternal" image of the past; historical materialism supplies a unique experience with the past. The historical materialist leaves it to others to be drained by the whore called "Once upon a time" in historicism's bordello. He remains in control of his powers, man enough to blast open the continuum of history.

This passage notes many important aspects of historical materialism. Primarily it notes the use and control that history is commonly subjected to. Benjamin, here, claims the power behind historical materialism: specifically in its ability to uncover the process that is history and historicism.

The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that the "state of emergency" in which we live is not the exception but the rule. We must attain to a conception of history that is in our task to bring about a real state of emergency, and this will improve our position in the struggle against Fascism. One reason why Fascism has a chance is that in the name of progress its opponents treat it as a historical norm. The current amazement that the things we are experiencing are "still" possible in the twentieth century is not philosophical. This amazement is not the beginning of knowledge--unless it is the knowledge that the view of history which gives rise to it is untenable.

One thing that is important to note is the inherent political bent of Historical materialism. Looking toward oppression and marginalization of populations necessitates a look at their history which is given by the hegemonic ideologies. This "state of emergency" requires a re-presentation, it requires another look at the the present as it is influenced by the past.

The true picture of the past flits by. The past can be seized only as an image which flashes up at the instant when it can be recognized and is never seen again. "The truth will not run away from us": in the historical outlook of historicism these words of Gottfriend Keller mark the exact point where historical materialism cuts through historicism. For every image of the past that is not recognized by the present as one of its own concerns threatens to disappear irretrievably. (The good tiding which the historian of the past brings with throbbing heart may be lot in the void the very moment he opens his mouth.)

In a simple sense, what is interesting and important to remember concerning the relationship between the present and the past (history) is the control and use and manipulation of images and memories. These brief flashes of memory serve to cement our political, economic, and cultural ideology. Much of this can be aligned with N.'s three theories concerning the interpretation of history: monumental, antiquarian, and critical.