Why do we learn history in school?

Answer 1

When school was invented parents wanted their kids to be out of their hair for an hour longer so history became a subject to fill the gap.

Answer 2

There are many reasons to learn history, not the least of which is to be educated in general. Many people add, also, the general philosophical idea that people who are ignorant of history are condemned to repeat it (meaning, if you don't understand the mistakes of the past, you will make them again).

More specifically, a good knowledge of history will let you view and understand current events better. In other words, if there is something going on between Iran and the United States you will have a better understanding of what is going on by having some knowledge of the histories of both nations and their interactions with each other.

Another reason is enjoyment. Learning about the people and events of the past can be fun. History can be like a great adventure story or a great love story. Take a look at the HBO program Rome that has been broadcast over the last year. It is historical fiction, and a knowledge of Roman history increases one's enjoyment of that program quite a bit.

Maybe the most important reason is just to not seem like an idiot. There is nothing more embarrassing than running into somebody who doesn't know basic things about history and what/when the major events were. If, for example, you don't know which came first, World War One or the American Civil War, you can bet that you seem to others rather dim.

Answer 3

There are a lot of reasons. But here's the essence of why history is important:

A young person is born into and grows up in a society that was there before he/shecame along--and will be there after they're gone. If you are to live in that society--and do so successfully, understanding your "social world" is vital. But any society--its laws, customs, values, etc.--is the product of everything the people of that society have done before you came along. To understand the world you're living in, you need to know about that past--and so something of the reasons why the world around you is the way it is.

That's history. And--to give you an idea of how this plays out in the long run--think about this. History gives you a broad perspective--a foundation. And among the Fortune 500 executive ranks, guess what the most common undergraduate major is? History--not business or law.

Here's another way to look at it. Suppose you want to figure out which team is likely to do well in the upcoming baseball season--or in any other activity. What's the first question you'd ask? Easy--how did that team do last year. The point is that our--and your--only guide to the future is the past--and if you think about it, you'll see that's true of EVERYTHING, one way or another.

Answer 4

History is part of our life.....it's part of our world. We need to learn where we have been, and how far we have come, so we will understand where we are going. But the history we learn in school is really only the tip of the iceberg. There is SO MUCH that can't be covered in the time allotted to educators. I've learned MUCH more about history since I've been OUT of school than I ever did while I was IN school. I didn't like it much then, but I've developed a real fascination with ancient history.

Answer 5

Having a good background in history can help you understand current events. For example, in the Middle East, some Muslims consider all Christians enemies because of the Crusades, which happened over 600 years ago. History influences people's opinions and beliefs, even if they are not aware of how big a role it plays. A good understanding of a nation's history and its past dealings with other countries will help you understand the decisions our leaders make now and in the future.

Answer 6

To learn / know the past, you can avoid making the same errors / wrongs in the future...
History is a vicious circle, at times...

Answer 7

Because in order to understand present situations, we have to understand the past, as it is a direct connection to current events. Also because, as history tends to repeat itself, if we understand it there is less of a chance that we will make the same mistakes twice.

Answer 8

History is important. Looking back shows us what we've done, how we've improved, how we've come down in standards. It shows us warning signs we ignored then and now.
And besides, it's interesting. With the right teacher it becomes a fun thing to learn.

Answer 9

historic past (from Greek ??????? - historia, which potential "inquiry, awareness obtained by utilising examine") is the study of the human previous. historic past may additionally advise the quantity of time after writing became into invented. pupils who write approximately historic past are called historians. this is a field of examine which makes use of a tale to examine and examine the sequence of activities, and it from time to time tries to check out objectively the varieties of reason and consequence that make certain activities. Historians debate the character of historic past and its usefulness. This incorporates discussing the study of the discipline as an lead to itself and as a manner of offering "perspective" on the subject concerns of the present. The memories basic to a definite subculture, yet no longer supported by utilising exterior supplies (such because of the fact the legends surrounding King Arthur) are frequently labeled as cultural history fairly than the "disinterested examine" mandatory by utilising the discipline of historic past. activities of the previous earlier to written checklist are seen prehistory.

Answer 10

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.