Applying these ideas to the early history of the caliphate, Kharijites only accept Abu Bakr and 'Umar as legitimate caliphs. Of 'Uthman's caliphate they recognize only the first six years as legitimate, and they reject 'Ali altogether.
The principles applied to the early caliphate history by Kharijites are that they only recognize Abu Bakr and 'Umar as authentic leaders, and limit their acceptance of 'Uthman's rule to the initial six years, while completely disavowing 'Ali.