Why Study History?

History helps us understand people and societies and why they behave the way they do Muslims Fear of the West The Crusades The Ottoman Empire European Colonialism

History helps us understand change and how the society we live in came to be. Low Voter Turnout 1960s Watergate Viet Nam War What factors could be in place today? Rise of 24 hour News Instant commentary without reflection

The Importance of History in our Lives History well-told is beautiful Troy Alexander the Great Gladiator

History contributes to moral understanding People who have endured hardships can provide inspiration Nelson Mandela Provides lessons in courage, diligence or constructive protest Martin Luther King Jr Mahatma Gandhi Phidipedes and Battle of Marathon Leonidas and the Spartan 300

History Provides Identity Why modern nations require its teaching Histories that tell the national story, are meant to drive home an understanding of national values and a commitment to national loyalty

French Identity France Secular (non-religious) Religious Wars French Purity language Today? Religiosity of Muslim population

American Identity United States Risk Takers Bootstrap Theory Religious Special People Patriotic

Studying history is essential for good citizenship History provides data about the emergence of national institutions, values, problems Encourages habits of mind that are responsible for public behavior such as voter, community leader, law abider

It is important to learn about forces that arose in the past and continue to effect the modern world Ongoing tension between Christianity and Islam that took shape over 12 centuries ago France checking American power as the Delian League checked Athenian power 24 centuries ago

History supports common cultural understanding and dialog Common knowledge of key events in history Pivotal people Ideas, inventions, etc…