What do British history books teach about the US Revolutionary War?

Question

What do British history books teach about the US Revolutionary War?
Just curious what British history books teach about the US Revolutionary War? What is their perspective? What historical significance is placed on the loss of the colonies, if any? Just a curious American asking..

Answer 1

Good question...I think it depends partly on when you're learning in the UK. For example-at school we learnt little about the revolutionary wars, mostly relating to things like the Boston Tea Party and some elements of the war itself. But by and large there was little about what it actually meant for the British Empire at that time.

If you study British history at University/College you get a slightly different perspective. We looked much more at the economic impact of being in control of the colonies and their gradual strain on the British economy. In many cases losing elements of the colonies to a rival power was economically a blessing in disguise as it meant there was less need for the Empire to support failing economies in certain areas. On the other hand, the impact of losing the vast areas of land and natural resources of the US, as well as the gains made by the French at the same time, were politically and economically problematic.

We also learnt a little about the aristocracy who were in power within the UK at the time. Many of them feared for their political and economic positions as well as their lives. They saw something of a gloomy future for themselves with the potential for a similar revolution in the UK, much like that which occured in France just a few years later. And, of course, some books touch on the failures of the ruling classes and the monarchy in controlling the colonies by this time, as well as the enmity between Britain and France and their involvement in the war itself.

I think we learn much less about the war at an early age than is taught in the US, but, then again, you probably learn less about the history of Europe at that time than we do! I think History is often taught at this level to show the 'good' points of the country you live in. If you go on to study that period of British history to a higher level then you do learn about the economic, social and political aspects of the war and its impact on Britain at the time-it certainly sent shockwaves through certain elements of the populous.

Isn't it amazing that the subject still revives such strong, often xenophobic, opinions 230 years on?

Answer 2

The short answer is not a lot.

They tend to treat the "American War of Independence" as a preliminary to the French Revolution, i.e. as part of an ideological shift from absolute monarchy to democracy.

Many people would remember the Boston Tea Party and the slogan "No taxation without representation", without knowing much more about it.

Actually, it is notorious that at the present time history teaching in Britain concentrates to a huge extent on the Second World War and the evils of Hitler (not always at all accurately). The US Revolutionary War is far from the only thing neglected in British history. One reason is that politically correct historians and educators are uncomfortable about teaching British history in schools that may have many pupils whose families came into the country within the last fifty years.

Answer 3

What a ridiculous question? Its like asking, What does eating a banana teach us about the colour mauve? British history books teach about British history. Best place to find out about the U S revolutionary War is to probably look at an American history book. But don't quote me on that, i'm no historian. However, if u want my opion on the war, Great Britain would always have had to withdraw, we just couldn't spend the rest of our lives living in trailer parks.

Answer 4

I've talked to many a Brit and they have told me they know little about and that it doesn't concern them in the least (can't blame them really, it was hundreds of years ago - talk about current affairs...).

But it might be interesting that some Americans (like myself) teach themselves or take courses about other countries' histories. For instance there was an European History course taught in my high school. In college (I'm an Art Education major) I took many an Art History course which went into great detail about the history of the country to what artwork we were discussing. For art (it use to before modernism came along - but its still a great movement) mirrored what was happening in the world and it was a great way to learn.

I have great pride in the knowledge I have about Europe, Africa and Asia (I only know so much about South America). I actually complained to my mother about why they only teach American History in school when all I wanted to learn was about all the other countries in the world (I'm greatly self-educated).

If there is something I don't know about - I look it up - I read up on it - I research. I love research. I adore research papers. Okay, I'm a dork and I'll stop rambling.

Answer 5

Most British textbooks talk about the American Revolutionary War as being a failure in colonial expansionism and as a traitorous period of time against the Crown.

Answer 6

Excelent question. It can shows two sides of a global manipulation period. If we have same version in both opposite sides of same situation.

In Brasil, we study that US started is revolution due the high taxes and one of multiplies triggers are the Tee Tax. Of course it was leaded by other factors like more independent burgesy and stronger local Elite made by their own achievments and seeking for more freedom to its negotiations and general policy.

heheheh Of course, I've found discrepancies between common Euroepan history and Brazilian History. Same happens wth press.... a lot of versions.

Answer 7

You British. If it were not for us trailer park living Americans as one of you so poetically put it ,you would be goose stepping around London right now with your little swastikas on your arms and your little sissy mustaches stuck under your noises.
Now as far as the what the history books say, ours tell us just how weak you all really were and that you could not cut it against us.

Answer 8

Nothing. American history isnt the center of our universe. What do americans learn in regards to the napoleonic wars that took place in Europe or for that matter the Korean or Vietnam war? Do they teach how well the americans lost.

Answer 9

I'm sure there are many books about it, but at school we didn't even touch it... seems there was a hell of a lot more important things going on all over the world for a lot longer.

Answer 10

Basically, we learn more about everything than you do. And we celebrate the 4th of July as the day we got rid of you. Oh, if only it were true!