Why is Canadian history not taught in American schools?

Question

I`m an American and no Nothing of Canada`s history. In school I was taught about other nations history. i.e.China,France, British,Turkey,Russi..etc
Why not Canada? I can almost guaranty throughout the United states
grades 0-12 there is " 0 " curriculum on Canadian History...Why?

Answer 1

"The acquisition of knowledge is itself is indifferent to class and status, and is available for anyone outside of the academic protocol."

History, in my opinion, has never been boring. Many people who make such statements often prefer staring at the light shining out of some celebrity's a.ss, or run to Yahoo answers and ask if a movie like '300' was historically accurate.

I am all in favour of studying the history of nations who have long and involved realtionships with my own country. China's history is very long, while those of France, Britain, Turkey, and Russia also have too many interesting periods/individuals to ignore. But as any good teacher, such as Jeff, will tell you - teaching it is so restricted by the amount of time a teacher has to cover it, and the amount the students can absorb.

I recommend pursuing your knowledge of Canada's history outside of school, since you may have more time to devote to your studies, and I also recommend 'Canada: A People's History' as one the best and most visual textbooks to use.

I think in this day and age, any American publisher of educational textbooks could incorporate parts of Canada's history from works such as 'Canada: A People's History' very easily, and to the enjoyment of the students who finally get to learn about the "Great White North."

Answer 2

Well I think we need to teach Canadian history to Canada's students first - I had to fight for more Canadian and French content in the history courses we teach here in our own Country. However that was quite a few years ago. The American history courses are quite full with the USA history as it stands now. Perhaps later in college courses there could be a course that deals with North American History which would include some of the more interesting facts that tie our two countries together, I mean our shared history and sociology.

Answer 3

As a Canadian living abroad (Japan) who teaches in a high school, I can tell you that there is a limit to how much information can be taught and learned within a set period of time. Also, there are good reasons for choosing the subjects we teach. I can only assume that your teachers, your school administrators, and your state board of education are all concerned about your future -- how can they help you to get into university? What is the minimum information you need to know before you go out into the adult world? It's a tough question, especially when no one knows for sure which path you'll take when you graduate. Will you need Calculus or Statistics or Algebra? Will you need to know US history, Canadian history, or Chinese history? Hard to say. Which countries will you most likely need to interact with in future?
Which of those countries will exert the most influence on the world?

Even as a Canadian (who is happy to be a Canadian), I cannot claim that Canada's history is of much use, or interest, to anyone other than a Canadian. But perhaps there are a few interesting differences between Canadian and American history that might also help to explain our different views of the world. You might learn more about what it means to be American by comparing yourself with a Canadian. We are so alike that it is often shocking to realize that we have real differences.

If you want a taste of Canadian culture, check out The Rick Mercer Show.

Answer 4

Most Americans could not pass the citizenship test because they don't know anything about their own country. That is probably why Canadian History is not taught.

Answer 5

i'm a canadian and in schools in canada they teach you EVERYTHING about the americans (i know all the states by heart).... i have no clue why but i think its because we're like neighbors and the govenment(or the ppl that control the school ciriculums) want the american kids to learn about outside countries and histories.
but i think its wrong!

Answer 6

why would americans need to learn about the wonderful and exciting history of canada? you know cuz they had all those wars....
anyway we learn about the great civilizations from the past that changed the world and then we learn about us.

Answer 7

People are woefully ignorant of US history, let alone Canadian.

Answer 8

They taught some when I was in High School.

Answer 9

It's just really boring

Answer 10

They might,but it will be in spanish