How is the American War for Independance taught in the UK?

[Mantonio]

It's not really covered. We know that they wanted independence for some reason, they dumped a bunch of tea in the ocean (barbarians) and that they won their independence.

The ins and outs, how and why it happened and how and why both sides were dicks isn't really taught. I guess it's just not considered that important. I mean after all, we left because we were too busy being at war with the rest of Europe to deal with an upstart colony.

(No, I'm not suggesting that the Americans / French didn't give it their all. But it's not like you slaughtered every British soldier and chased who was left to the sea.)

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

They are at A-Level history, and in A LOT of detail, as well as other aspects of poor relief during that period.

I am aware of this as I took A-Level history.
Let me clarify what I meant. The subject should be taught when history is compulsory, its a very important part of British history, and frankly isn't that what history is all about, Learning from your mistakes?

Probably, but like I said in the rest of my post we have a hell of a lot of history to get through. From years 7 to 9 we have to get a pretty comprehensive overview of all the major events from 1066-1945, and when you get to GCSE you have to go back even further and get even more recent, as well as including an acceptable amount of global history as well, not just our own. There is simply not enough time to give everything the degree of attention it perhaps deserves, and some things need to be done in more detail than you can expect a pre-GCSE student to deal with.

Fact is if you included it while History was still compulsory you'd have to do so at the expense of something else that may be equally as important. The people who really do care about learning from our mistakes will take History beyond that anyway and those that don't aren't going to care even if they are being taught it.

 

[AwesomeSuperMelon]

Funny this thread popped up. I just finished studying and taking an exam on this topic.

The way we did it was to start with the basic facts of British Colonization of the New World. You know, like which where the first colonies and where they came from. That part was very brief.
Then did a bit about the general life of Colonialists. They lived much like the people in Europe did, and tended to copy their hierarchy, social and governmental.
Then did the Seven Year War. That was followed up by the leading causes of the War of Independence. E.g: The taxes placed by the British. The refusal of co-operation on Colonialists. Key figures, such as Samuel Adams. So on...
Then the actual War. Strengths and Weakness of Both sides. The Outcome for both sides. Then the American Constitution. That's how we were taught. Didn't go into detail, cuz there is too much of it, but I am willing to give it if anyone wants to know.

 

[Varanfan9]

I've wondered this before. I also wonder how World War 2 and the Holocaust are covered in Germany.

I actually have a friend who moved to my school from Germany and I asked him the same question. He said that they get taught it a lot but the entire thing is about how they shouldn't let it happen again.

 

[MonstersInMyCloset]

im from the new jersey/philadelphia area and they lay the american revolution on thick here.

quite jarring to think it isnt taught at all many places but i guess it makes sense.

its a grand tale though. dont miss out.

 

[Lord_Nemesis]

Been reading through the comments before I wished to add my own and got to page 3 and noticed some recurring themes; Americans are arrogant because the presume to think that we, the UK, would teach ourselves and the younger generations about, in the end after all is said and done, the decline of the British empire. How is that arrogance? It is simple history but I concede that it may be taught in poor taste. I doubt that (back in that time) Romans would teach their young about the fall of their empire and when the time comes I doubt former Americans will teach ot talk about the fall of the US.

And that will happen, if history has taught us anything is that it repeats itself. Empires and nations rise and fall. They may last a 1000 years but they fail eventually. But in conclusion, I agree that the American Revolution SHOULD be taught, not specifically but in a general sense after all it was the rebelion that gave birth to the most powerful nation of our time. BUT on the flip side, I can understand those people who have a strong sense of national pride would not like to hear of the failings of said nation. So a stalemate but I believe it should be taught as much as any other relevant point in history.

 

[Dingo John]

We teach the Magna Carta, John Locke, the Bill of Rights.

America is a more important country than Britain. It's the most important country in the world. It would be remiss not to touch on its founding, especially when that event had ramifications that utterly remade Europe and South America.

Watch that black kettle there.

And that is why people call Americans arrogant. I believe we have a great country, but are we the only ones? Plain and simple, no.

Uh, did I call the US the "only country" or the "only great country."

You probably will never hear me call the US a great country. Or the freest, bestest nation on God's green Earth, or unique or a shining beacon or all that other stuff politicians have to spout to get elected.

But logically speaking, America is the most important country in the world. It is the richest and most powerful economically, militarily, culturally and diplomatically. You may want to dispute the utility of a 'most important' label altogether, and I was trying to push some buttons there, but it would be bizarre to suggest any other state for that title.

In 5 years: China, India and Europe (EU not a country, but getting closer and closer to a confederacy and a real fusion.

 

[Crayzor]

I don't think I was ever taught about the American Revolution of the Revolutionary War at school. The only time I've ever covered it was this year at university because I chose US history as a module.

 

[Azure-Supernova]

We didn't cover in years through 7 to 9:

Year 7 - We started around the Middle Ages, I mainly remember learning about the Battle of Hastings and that malarky. We did a big segment on the evolution of Middle Age defences and weapons too.

Year 8 - We kind of jumped off here and ended up doing random bits and bobs for some reason. We did bits about the Romans and a lot of tie ins with Religious Education lessons (carefully planned so subjects would coincide). I hated year 8; as much as I love learning about the Romans I'd covered them in primary school.

Year 9 - Year 9 was mostly WWI and WWII stuff. I was never particularly interested in that period.

Now I chose History as one of my GCSEs so I carried it on into years 10 and 11.

Year 10 - We did the American West. It was mostly crime and punishment but we did talk about a lot about Indians and then we briefly touched on the Civil War and yes, the Revolutionary one. We didn't elaborate much though because it wasn't really relevant to our unit (Crime and Punishment).

Year 11 - Mostly about the Falklands. An interesting year.

 

[maturin]

We teach the Magna Carta, John Locke, the Bill of Rights.

America is a more important country than Britain. It's the most important country in the world. It would be remiss not to touch on its founding, especially when that event had ramifications that utterly remade Europe and South America.

Watch that black kettle there.

And that is why people call Americans arrogant. I believe we have a great country, but are we the only ones? Plain and simple, no.

Uh, did I call the US the "only country" or the "only great country."

You probably will never hear me call the US a great country. Or the freest, bestest nation on God's green Earth, or unique or a shining beacon or all that other stuff politicians have to spout to get elected.

But logically speaking, America is the most important country in the world. It is the richest and most powerful economically, militarily, culturally and diplomatically. You may want to dispute the utility of a 'most important' label altogether, and I was trying to push some buttons there, but it would be bizarre to suggest any other state for that title.

In 5 years: China, India and Europe (EU not a country, but getting closer and closer to a confederacy and a real fusion.

None of those countries will have the biggest economies in 5 years. None will have military supremacy for over 50. Same with diplomatic clout and cultural influence.

In any case, the U.S. have enjoyed most of those advantages for the last 50-100 years, and it is, after all, the past which determined history curriculum.

And to return to the topic, the American Revolution is an event in *British* history, which means it is in every textbook. Maybe someone could answer the OP.

 

[Grey_Focks]

Seeing as how we (US here) learned a fair bit about European and Asian history, I'd say it wouldn't hurt for them to at least devote a year to history that isn't theirs. Whether or not the American Revolution would be counted in that, considering they WERE involved in it, but they didn't really care, is up for debate. Basically, if it isn't taught, I think it should be, but don't go devoting a semester or anything, just a chapter in a textbook, if that, will be fine. Considering it IS part of their nation's history, albeit a pretty small part.

 

[MightyRabbit]

OK, this has probably been said already but I don't want to wade through the whole backlog. American history isn't part of the UK History Curriculum in compulsory education. It's only taught at University level, generally. Our education system mostly covers English history like the Tudors, the Roman Invasion, WWII etc. and generally leaves American history alone.

Perhaps it should be taught in the UK, but changes to the curriculum that aren't part of an election campaign are generously described as glacial. in pace.

 

[rokkolpo]

To add to the discussion, The Netherlands hardly cover it.

Probably because it screwed our slavery business.

 

[thebolt]

The United States can't even agree on how to teach it. The south, north, and states who weren't involves ALL teach the war differently just in our own country.

 

[Knusper]

As said before it isn't really in the curriculum, but I assure you that in the media and what little we are taught of it we don't exactly paint ourselves as noble. In fact, we paint ourselves in a pretty sour image in most eras.

 

[Harkonnen64]

Can't speak for the U.K, but here in Aus, we don't even mention in. If it is mentioned, its more as a 'America was a colony of England, like we are, and then they decided to fight for their independance'. Most of what I know is from movies and private research.
We barely even learn about our own history, we spend maybe 1 year on it in primary school. To be fair, we don't have a lot of history yet either though...

Awww... America loves you anyways buddy. Especially your steakhouses.

Hmmmm... steak.

Lol, actually I think Outback Steakhouse is a completely American franchise.

 

[Harkonnen64]

The United States can't even agree on how to teach it. The south, north, and states who weren't involves ALL teach the war differently just in our own country.

Are you sure you're not talking about the Civil War instead of the Revolutionary War?

 

[Dingo John]

We teach the Magna Carta, John Locke, the Bill of Rights.

America is a more important country than Britain. It's the most important country in the world. It would be remiss not to touch on its founding, especially when that event had ramifications that utterly remade Europe and South America.

Watch that black kettle there.

And that is why people call Americans arrogant. I believe we have a great country, but are we the only ones? Plain and simple, no.

Uh, did I call the US the "only country" or the "only great country."

You probably will never hear me call the US a great country. Or the freest, bestest nation on God's green Earth, or unique or a shining beacon or all that other stuff politicians have to spout to get elected.

But logically speaking, America is the most important country in the world. It is the richest and most powerful economically, militarily, culturally and diplomatically. You may want to dispute the utility of a 'most important' label altogether, and I was trying to push some buttons there, but it would be bizarre to suggest any other state for that title.

In 5 years: China, India and Europe (EU not a country, but getting closer and closer to a confederacy and a real fusion.

None of those countries will have the biggest economies in 5 years. None will have military supremacy for over 50. Same with diplomatic clout and cultural influence.

In any case, the U.S. have enjoyed most of those advantages for the last 50-100 years, and it is, after all, the past which determined history curriculum.

And to return to the topic, the American Revolution is an event in *British* history, which means it is in every textbook. Maybe someone could answer the OP.

Actually all countries in EU combined are equal to the US economically speaking.. And China will be at that level withing the next 5-10 years. They also have the largest military in the world. And India is also on the rise.

But yes, historically speaking America has been the greatest player in the last 75 years, but before that the UK was the greatest for about 150 years. the US is without a doubt incredibly important, but you could never say it is the most important.

 

[kickassfrog]

They don't really, our education system is much the same as your own in that we're only taught wars where we're the valiant courageous underdogs who win in the end.