Title: Problems of history
Headings: Problems of history
Problems of history
Generalisation
Conspiracy theories
Myths and mythology
Nationalism
Nostalgia
‘The noble savage’
Eurocentrism
‘Top-down’ or ‘bottom-up’?
The militarisation of history

Content: My country, right or wrong”). History students should be familiar with nationalism, which has fuelled unrest, international tension and war for centuries. But nationalism has also infected and distorted both academic history and popular conceptions of the past. Many individuals – and sadly some historians – find it difficult to accept or engage with criticism of their own country. Needless to say, this can lead to an imbalanced view of the past. Sometimes, nationalism can distort a nation’s understanding of its own past by colouring or dominating historical narratives. Nationalist histories often exalt or glorify the achievements and progress of a nation – but can also overlook, dilute or explain away its violence or mistreatment of others. An example of this can be found in Japan, where many histories and student textbooks simply ignore the atrocities committed by Japanese soldiers in World War II. Nostalgia
Nostalgia is when people view the past with fondness and affection. As individuals grow older many yearn for their past, recalling it as a time of happiness and harmony.