Why is it important to study U.S. History? I need one reason!!!!!
2006-08-15 13:40:54 · 13 answers · asked by newyork1990 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
History helps us to learn not only how things were, but also how they got to where they are today. We need to understand the process and evolution inside the events that shaped our world. We need to understand the root of hatred, whether it's in the Balkans, Middle East, Korea, or any other unstable country where genocide develops and political unrest seeps out into the rest of the world.
We also need to study what helped as much as what didn't work in the process of identifying problems as they occured so that we can learn from both past successes and failures. It's also vital that we understand the WHY in the rights and privileges that we enjoy today. WHY do we have freedoms of assembly, religion or speech? What happened in the past that our founders felt it imperative that we enumerate these rights in a special addendum to our Constitution. And what was the effect of our own Constitution on the shaping of other countries? Countries like France, Germany, Japan, etc learned lessons from us and from others. They didn't outright copy us, but instead improved on our Constitution when creating their own. Some have been more successful than others and it's important that we learn how to analyze situations to realize where there are successes and what constitutes a failure. None of this happens without understanding History and how to study it and apply its lessons.
2006-08-15 13:50:29 · answer #1 · answered by yellow_jellybeans_rock 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several reasons why it is important to study history.
First it helps us understand how this world came to be, what were the causes and events that lead to our current situation.
Second, History provides us as a country and you an identity. It describes how our society was formed, the important events and people that shaped this country into what it is now and that should be very important to every person.
Thirdly, History is important to know and understand as a citizen of this country. This is why many people state that it is taught in school.
Fourthly, having a basic knowledge of history will help you become a more rounded person.
A fifth (and a barely taught aspect when I was in high school) is to help learn the ability to analyze and form an opinion. A good history teacher should teach you to analyze every source (even if it is written by a PhD) and to form your own opinion. History is not just facts, everything written has some bias in it.
2006-08-15 13:59:36 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to understand how the country became what it is today.
For instance:
Q: What was the predominant political party in the north at the start of the Civil War?
A: Republican
Q: What was the predominant political party in the south at the start of the Civil War?
A: Democrat
Q: Who was the president when the Civil War Started?
A: Abraham Lincoln, a Republican.
Q: Who was the president of the Confederacy during the Civil War?
A: Jefferson Davis, a Democrat
That is your first lesson from U. S. History.
2006-08-15 13:48:54 · answer #3 · answered by Albannach 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Know thyself. We must study our past to put our present in perspective. We must learn our history in global context, studying the interactions of a fledgling nation to truly understand the US today. Where did our government grow from? Why are Americans guaranteed so many liberties when other nations are so strict or limited? Why are we so materialistic? (hint: capitalism) Where did our language, social ideas, and traditions come from? Why do we tax? Who are our allies? Who is our enemy? Why do some countries seem to hate us? Studying history can answer all of these questions. Learn our roots to know our fruit. Believe me, we are fruity! :)
Also, history is our common ground. Through it, we identify ourselves as Americans. This national pride is imperative to the continued success of our country!
2006-08-15 14:12:15 · answer #4 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We need to learn about the history of the United States because it is important that we do not repeat the same mistakes over and over again. But we also need to learn what is wise and what is rash.
2006-08-15 13:52:14 · answer #5 · answered by LaLaLolita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To learn that history isn't always what the popular stories say it is, and to learn what really happened.
2006-08-15 13:48:44 · answer #6 · answered by Jerry L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take your pick:
To study why things are the way they are no, how society has progressed, why certain events happen, etc.
Also, to prevent the future from making the same mistakes as the past, which leads into progress.
2006-08-15 13:47:34 · answer #7 · answered by crazy_airforce_guy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To learn from the past. If you do not know you history, you are doom to repeat it. Also US History is important so we know are rights.
2006-08-15 13:46:47 · answer #8 · answered by pooh412 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because you will look foolish, when you are older, and do not have a clue on how our country came to be and how the specific branches of government work. Because you should know because you live here! :)
Good luck:)
2006-08-15 13:47:31 · answer #9 · answered by lykes2win 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Psh. If it were for learning something so we wouldn't have to repeat mistakes, then why in the world are we still in a war??!
2006-08-15 13:56:38 · answer #10 · answered by ♪Grillon♫ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋