What were you taught about the American Revolution?

Question

Just a curious American.

Obviously it's a huge part of our (relatively short) history, but I'm guessing it's not considered such a big deal across the pond.

Answer 1

Very little as I recall. I mean what can you say? In hindsight it looks like a pretty stupid fight to get into and I don't doubt that popular opinion in Britain was for the colonists, the government obviously "knew" better and the powers that be taking the time away from grouse hunting for just long enough to decide to teach those upstarts some gratitude, half heartedly started what was to become a disaster.

A fight over what?

I'm not buying the official story about a valiant group of saintly souls, Jefferson, Adam's, et al, bravely striving to better the lives of the oppressed and downtrodden.

This was about money. Money and power, who wanted it and who didn't mind stirring up some **** to get it.

..john

Answer 2

I'm from across the pond on the other side near Asia. Years ago, the American revolution was studied in considerable detail and some still do. This was probably because, it was the first case of a British colony breaking away and declaring independence. The constitution was instrumental in the hammering out of many other constitutions around the world especially in Asia and Africa. Unfortunately, not many are intact and not as jealously guarded. Admitted, that some aspects of the American Constitution has been twisted for purposes other than what the founding fathers had in mind.

The underlying fact here is, whether you know what it is to be a citizen of the United States. It carries a far greater responsibility than a citizen of any other country. This is something that is not well known. Your decision as a voter will eventually affect your rights and the rights of many other countries. That is awesome.

The American Revolution was an idea that fired the imagination of many contemporaries and the lessons that were observed were transported back to Europe to change it forever. People like Lafayatte and others like him who came to lend a hand went back to Europe with these new ideas that sowed the seeds of freedom in feudal Europe.

I think, you have to look abroad to see what an impact the American Revolution had on the rest of the world. Today, it is all the more needed, that the same ideals be studied well and not distorted. If the US is to make a worthwhile impact on the world in a humane way, they must study their humble beginnings and realise that there are still many countries which cannot even achieve that beginning.

That my friend, would change your whole perpective of everything from American pie to Iraq.

Answer 3

Taught? Well than that's the usual. That we wanted to break away from England and the taxation, the British didn't like it and came after us. Well the French didn't care for the British either and came to help us gain independence. While everyone was fighting, they all took to killing the American Indians on top of it, ticking off the Indians.

Now, across the pond? Yes, they still remember this and harbor some resentment to this day. I visited a friend in Scotland and she warned me that some people in Great Britain don't take too kindly to Americans because of what was done to them over 200 years ago! Thankfully nobody was rude when they heard my American accent, but at least I knew that the sentiment still was there.

Answer 4

Since all history is written by the victors, until you get a look at some of the books written across the pond; as you say; you will not know really how different the opinions of history actually differ. The extenuating circumstances that the Revolutionary War was about differ in many diverse ways according to the British as opposed to the new-Americans. Try reading some of their history of that era and you will see that although we were the victors we were also big losers too.

Answer 5

Actually, it's more of a deal to Americans than it is to the Brits because when the war was going on, the British Empire was in the process of taking over India with it's millions of people and an established upper ruling class.

America was just an annoyance and most british people at the time couldn't be bothered to look up from their pint in the pub when the subject of the American Revolution came up.

Answer 6

Hey
Am from the UK myself.
We werent taught much but when I was in high school (1995-2000) they taught us some as it was needed to answer examination questions; and to show that we had wider knowledge of the world.
I believe my sister who has not long left highschool was taught much more.
But you as an American are bound to be taught it till it comes out of your ear holes seen as it is part of YOUR heritage and forms part of the history of how America was founded.
I have noticed that here we do general history such as the Egyptians, Vikings, Romans, Tudors etc.
I read lots of books when i was younger so much of the knowledge I have for the US is from them; but my history teachers were always happy to help and if we asked we usually got an answer!
My friend from Pakistan learnt mainly about their history, but they knew alot about the British coz they were ruled for so long by them. Another friend from Malaysia knew alot about the British too, but because she went to a special school and coz they big into their education there she knew alot about America and world affairs.

Anyway I dont know what else to chatter on about. I hope this has given you some insight into the way people are schooled!!!

Your welcome to contact me if you want!
Hugs
Fizzy

Answer 7

I know the Americans were taught that they were fighting for a good cause. But we were not taught much about it. Just that it was another war.

Answer 8

I learned enough. It was the only interesting event in American history, at least according to me.

Answer 9

you just need to watch the patriot to see how we were not taught. every country makes the other country out to be the bad guys read up on it yourself that is the only way you will find out what really happened. Use books from other countries other than your own to.

Answer 10

Oh yes, we were taught about it. Great pity, though as a lot of people died. Good luck American from cockney londoner!