who's the winner in history?

Question

Most people would agree with the idea that history is written by the victors, meaning that the more successful (militarily, economically, authoritatively, etc.) countries both receive the most attention and decide on how to present themselves to the world.

Is such a conclusion fair?

Answer 1

Not always! Anyone who thinks that only the winners write history has never read about the American Civil War, World War II, or Vietnam.

From 1865 down to the present the Confederate story has been told and retold. (And, as a boy, I often wondered how it was that the South managed to win EVERY battle so decisively but still lost the war?)

Likewise, the writings of the World War II German generals could fill a library. (Yup, blame Hitler, not them!)

And the bookstores are still full of dozens of histories of the Vietnam War written by Americans. (We did lose that one, didn't we?)

Answer 2

Many people spout the old cliche that History is written by the winners (or victors in your case), and in many cases throughout history this was true.

However, I think today we live in an age where there is more and more scholarly and objective history being written.
Such a conclusion is fair if you only generalize, but should you be more specific - this statement no longer applies as it once did.

p.s. James, it's 'LOSE', as in to lose a war, NOT "loose."

Answer 3

It is not fair. But it IS true.
History is written by the victors. Please note further that it is HIStory not HERstory nor HUMANstory, etc. So you can figure out where those silly women fit in.

Answer 4

Yes, but views of History change periodically. Believe it or not it is constantly changing. New discoveries new views.

Answer 5

Of course it isn't but then let's face it war isn't either is it. If we read what is writen the good always win. Do you belive that, because I certainly don't.

Answer 6

I agree.