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Why Study History?
Abraham Lincoln said, “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history.” Lyndon B. Johnson stated, “History is the knowledge which gives dimension to the present, direction to the future, and humility to the leaders of men.” John F. Kennedy commented that, “The future arises out of the past.”
Finally, President George W. Bush said, “America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught these principles. Every citizen must uphold them. And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less America.”
Each of these statements reflects the importance of the study of history. In our changing world, students must be taught to reflect on the past and learn its lessons. It is essential that students acquire a basic knowledge of how to interact with the world around them. Furthermore, the study of history fosters the development of what Thomas Jefferson called “an educated electorate” which is vital to the success of our democratic society.
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