Do you believe that history, as it's been recorded and taught in the United States is accurate?

Question

Or does the axiom "History is Written by the Victor" speak volumes ?
http://devitoblog.blogspot.com/2006/06/history-is-written-by-victor_07.html

Please don't accuse me of hating America .. I don't. Democracy depends on free thought , try it sometime.

Answer 1

When it comes to which events happened on which dates, yes.

When it comes to the socio-cultural influences to historical events, no.

Plus, the contributions of women and people of color are usually watered down, if they are included in the curriculum at all.

Answer 2

The version of American history as we know it today, stands (in my opinion) up with other international accounts of historic events. I suppose that I could say , "why wouldn't it be accurate" but that wouldn't satisfy your question. America is only a few hundred years old, if we had anything grossly wrong or inaccurate, it would be apparent to us through the international community that something was ill. I see that people have mention the "bias persons" factor and to that I would say: I'm not sure if in the last two hundred years, the scholars responsible for recording history were ignorant enough to inject their recording with propaganda.

I would like to pose a small example for you. The events of September 11th have already made it to the history books in schools and libraries. We KNOW what happened on that day because most of us saw it on television and still can't get away form it. If the history books said something different we would know about it...don't you think. And eventually, someone would speak up to insure that accuracy is respected.

You can use the example above and apply it to any major U.S. historical event. Our history has got to be accurate...and if its not...its because the American public had decided to look away.

Answer 3

No, it is not accurate. If you compared the history books from several book companies, you will discover most of the material is almost word for word the same. What happens is that they all take the same view or slant on history. They also just skim over events and don't go into depth. I am currently enrolled in a Teaching American History Program and have learned tons of things I was never taught in school. I am now sharing this alternate history with my students.

Answer 4

The problem with history is a human problem in that it is Society's perspective written by human beings with bias and varing views. History, like Medicine is only an art... not a science. The best we can do is get as many interpretations on an event and then form your own opinion. Good Luck

Answer 5

Unfortunately history is always written by the victors. But then they are the only ones left around with the power to do so. Much of history can be interpreted by the context in which it was lived. What would we now call a bunch of radicals whose primary purpose for existence was to overthrow the legitimately sanctioned government by using what ever tactics seemed to do the most harm and instill non combatants to join the cause. Tactics such as routine use of snipers to murder those in power, intentional sabatoge of governmental and economic installations and facilities? Today we might call them terrorists. In the 1770's and 1780' we called them our founding fathers, whom I respect and revere.

Answer 6

Some of US history has been accurate, but a lot has also been left out. The person who referred to bias in writing/recording is probably quite right.

Answer 7

History taught in public schools are not accurate. i know for a fact that Canada did more in WW2 or 1 (forget which one) cuz it had a strong army at that time, yet the curriculum teaches that the Americans were the sole victorious ones

Answer 8

History is subjective, and you're quote "Written by the Vicor" is accurate.

I have a history book printed and published in 1846, and when I read it, well, I can't place the events to what I learned in school. I even compared this book to a grade school history book, and they are completely different.

Answer 9

No, I actually think that they are concealing some facts. Did you know that History teachers are supposed to take an oath to stay loyal to the textbook?

Answer 10

no, there's always bias when information is recorded.