I feel like I'm making too many flashcards..

Are flashcards the way you learn best?

Yeah I like to go over the information then do a form of active recall where I try to write down all of the events in order on a timeline from memory. I find it helpful to have all of the information in a neat pile like on flashcards rather than going from my notes in my books which can get quite messy and unorganised.

Then it definitely sounds as though it is worth your time. Stick with it if the method works for you.