Title: Why does history matter? | The Historian's Apprentice
Headings: Why does history matter?
Why does history matter?
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Content: Every event in the course of history is subject to such significant difference in detail, from country to climate and from socio-economic standing to political stability, that it would be impossible to gain a definitive evaluation of today’s situation based on history alone. Generally though, this simply tells us that whilst history is useful in drawing comparisons from the past and providing a starting point for analysts, it is not definitive as it is far too ambiguous and broad in its nature. [ 6] By likening our actions to those of historical figures we can follow a moral template only to be filled in by the details of the present. Furthermore, history is significant in its ability to provide us with a strong national identity that constantly updates itself as it traces our nations’ paths through time. We are provided with an extensive aetiological knowledge by tracing the steps of our forebears and in doing so are bound to embrace the substantial collective memory evident in every united nation. Nationalism is at the core of our educational system, if not always at the core of our policy aims. In the early twentieth century significant portions of state budget was focussed on improving education with the central goal of disciplining children via nationalistic ideologies in north-western Europe. This was implemented by further secularising schools and training the youth with the morality of patriotism by teaching them the history of their ‘great’ nation. Whilst being highly educated is key to a free and democratic society and providing a strong sense of devotion to one’s country, can instil a sense of heritage and belonging, already we can see the beginnings of a secret agenda and the building of a biased collective memory. The aforementioned steps to improving education in the early twentieth century were undoubtedly steps towards the militarisation of their individual nation with the aim of indoctrinating the country to form a united front.