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142
Studying History Is Essential for Good Citizenship
A study of history is essential for good citizenship. This is the most common
justification for the place of history in school curricula. Sometimes advocates of
citizenship history hope merely to promote national identity and loyalty through a
history spiced by vivid stories and lessons in individual success and morality. But the
importance of history for citizenship goes beyond this narrow goal and can even
challenge it at some points.
History that lays the foundation for genuine citizenship returns, in one sense, to the
essential uses of the study of the past. History provides data about the emergence of
national institutions, problems, and values—it's the only significant storehouse of such
data available. It offers evidence also about how nations have interacted with other
societies, providing international and comparative perspectives essential for
responsible citizenship. Further, studying history helps us understand how recent,
current, and prospective changes that affect the lives of citizens are emerging or may
emerge and what causes are involved. More important, studying history encourages
habits of mind that are vital for responsible public behavior, whether as a national or
community leader, an informed voter, a petitioner, or a simple observer.
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