Blogger and historian Kevin Levin, a former high school history teacher, was recently dismayed to hear a retired Civil War historian suggest that Americans are becoming more ignorant of history compared to past generations. On the contrary, he argues that such a claim ignores history and historical context, such as racial and social disparities, access to education, the quality and content of history textbooks, and the proficiency of past generations in the subject.
Key Takeaways:
- Our political leaders do not know American history accurately.
- Too much pressure and alteration with history as a subject to be taught.
- False perception of modern students and ignorance compared to past students.
“Our students know nothing about American history and our political leaders are not much better.”
