Reasons to study history “The supreme purpose of history is a better world.” -Herbert Hoover

Ever Wondered…. “Why do we have to learn about history?” Why do we have to go to history class year after year and learn about the past when we could be learning about what’s going on RIGHT NOW?!

Ugh! Many students don’t like history at all. They believe that learning about the past is totally pointless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v gmNkYUL_Cw&feature=youtu.be

#1 – Illuminates the Present History helps us understand and survive the world we live in Understanding the history of issues facing us today, we will be able to solve them. Examples: Economic inequalities in the United States Racial conflicts Immigration Debates “If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.” - Aristotle

Studying history gives us an opportunity to develop extremely important skills that will help us in all stages of our lives, no matter who we are or what we do. Examples: Evaluating the reliability and credibility sources Thinking for yourself Reading, writing, research, technology, public speaking and listening Teamwork, Organization, Responsibility #2 – Skills

#3 – History Equals Power By manipulating what people learn about the past, people and institutions may control what people believe and how they behave in the present. Examples: During Saddam Hussein’s rule in Iraq, students were taught that all of their nation’s wars were just and ended victoriously. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past” - George Orwell

#4 – Inspiration Through History Through history we find INSPIRATION in the great individuals, groups, and events of the past. Learning about this can inspire us to lead greater lives in the present. Examples: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement Gandhi, non-violent protest and independence for India “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” -John F. Kennedy

#5 – Avoiding Mistakes of the Past Through history we learn to avoid repeating the terrible mistakes of the past. Examples: Slavery The Holocaust Child Labor Japanese Internment “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” -Maya Angelou

#6 – Decision Making By examining complex questions and issues from the past, we can learn to make good decisions in the present History is not about memorizing dates and names- it’s about learning how to THINK! In class we will: deliberate, debate, persuade, simulate, roll-play Examples: The Declaration of Independence The Atomic Bomb The Cuban Missile Crisis “History is a guide to navigation in perilous times.” - David McCullough

#7 – A Common Culture History helps to provide us with a common culture, or common identity that unites us. Our history provides Americans with a common bond that ties us together. In order to understand books, movies, television shows, cartoons, the news and every- day conversations in your own country, you must share in this “cultural literacy.”

A Common Culture “History is especially important for Americans. In many nations- Japan or Sweden, for instance- most citizens share a common background. They have a similar look. They may worship in the same church. That isn’t true of us. Some of us were once Chinese, or Italian, or Turkish, or Ethiopian. Americans don’t all look alike. Sometimes we don’t think alike. But as Americans we do share something. It is our history. We Americans share a common heritage. If you are an American, then the Indians, the Vikings, the Pilgrims, and the slaves are all your ancestors. You will want to know their stories.” - Joy Hakim, Historian

#8 – Current Events Through the study of current events, history gives us the opportunity to evaluate what’s happening in our world RIGHT NOW and to make an immediate impact. Examples: Human Trafficking The Economy Immigration Universal Healthcare “History is a guide to navigation in perilous times.” - David McCullough

Open Letter to Students Returning to School… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x78PnPd-V- A&feature=youtu.be

Open letter to students returning to school https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x78PnPd-V- A&feature=youtu.be