Policymakers | General Education

Political History Fades From View

NEW YORK TIMES   |  September 6, 2016 by Michael B. Poliakoff

The disappearance of political history from the college classroom is a symptom of a larger problem: Why did universities stop requiring American history?

Today, only 18 percent of colleges and universities require students to take a course in United States history or government. Astonishingly, at many of the most highly ranked institutions, even history majors can graduate without taking a single American history class. At programs that do require American history, electives in niche topics often suffice. Instead of a robust survey of America’s history, courses such as History of Sexualities or History of the F.B.I. can pass for adequate.

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The ForumHistorical Literacy

Lexington and Concord: Courage That Forged a Nation

On the morning of April 19, 1775, British troops and colonial minutemen fired on each other at the battles of Lexington and Concord. Referred to eloquently in Emerson’s poem, “Concord Hymn,” as “the shot heard round the world,” this event officially started the American Revolutionary War and paved the way for independence. The minutemen in Massachusetts fought and died for liberty and self-governance, principles on which this country was founded. Sadly, many Americans, even those with a college education, are ignorant of their nation’s history and founding principles. This is not only disappointing but dangerous to national solidarity. It must be rectified to ensure the continued stability and success of the United States.
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