It often seems as though events like the Ukraine war or the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East emerge out of nowhere, but the truth is that these crises are deeply rooted in historical contexts that should be understood to fully grasp their complexity. Too often, the histories of these regions are overlooked, leaving gaps in our understanding of modern conflicts. This lack of context is something I aim to address through my Implementation Plan, which proposes broadening the scope of our American history classes. History should never be sanitized or oversimplified; students must be exposed to the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of our past in order to truly understand the forces shaping the world today.
For example, crucial topics like Watergate, the Trail of Tears, and the drafting of the Constitution are too often brushed aside or only superficially covered in schools. These subjects have profound implications for understanding American governance, democracy, and justice, yet they don’t receive the attention they deserve. Modern conflicts and the leadership challenges we face today should be presented alongside their historical roots so that students can see not just the symptoms of these conflicts but also the causes and the key players behind them. Without this foundational knowledge, students may struggle to understand current issues like international diplomacy, civil rights, and the balance of power between governments.
To help students develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of history, I believe it’s essential to incorporate a broader array of topics into the curriculum. The Embargo of Cuba, for instance, is a Cold War-era policy that continues to shape U.S.-Cuban relations and offers insight into the use of economic power as a political weapon. The history of Palestine is another vital subject that deserves attention. The roots of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict stretch back to the early 20th century and are marked by colonialism, territorial disputes, and shifting national identities. A thorough exploration of this topic would provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the geopolitics of the Middle East, a region whose current conflicts are often misunderstood or oversimplified.
The development of international law is another key area for exploration, especially through the study of organizations like the United Nations, NATO, the League of Nations, the European Union, and BRICS. These international bodies play an essential role in shaping global politics, security, and trade. By teaching students about the creation and evolution of these organizations, we can offer them a broader understanding of how nations cooperate—or fail to cooperate—in an increasingly interconnected world.
Similarly, the Chinese Civil War, which resulted in the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China in Taiwan, continues to have profound implications for modern geopolitics. Understanding this conflict, and how it shaped China’s political structure and its ongoing rivalry with Taiwan, helps contextualize current U.S.-China relations and the larger East Asian security dynamics. Moreover, the way the Civil War is taught in the South—often framed as the “War of Northern Aggression”—is a critical issue in understanding how history is interpreted and remembered. This narrative obscures the fact that slavery was at the heart of the conflict and continues to influence modern debates on race and equality in America. The myths surrounding this war need to be addressed so that students can grasp the ongoing struggles related to racial injustice.
Another crucial topic is the Confederate “Bars and Stripes,” the flag that became a symbol of the Confederacy. This emblem has been co-opted by various groups over the years to perpetuate ideologies of white supremacy. Understanding its origins and symbolism is key to addressing the legacy of the Confederacy and how such symbols continue to fuel political and racial divisions today.
Finally, the significance of events like Watergate, the Trail of Tears, and the drafting of the Constitution cannot be overstated. Watergate was a scandal that shook the very foundations of the U.S. government, raising critical questions about the limits of executive power and the importance of government accountability. The Trail of Tears, a tragic and shameful episode in American history, illustrates the government’s betrayal of its promises to Native Americans and its legacy of injustice. Meanwhile, while the Constitution remains the bedrock of American democracy, it requires constant examination and interpretation to address modern issues such as civil rights, voting rights, and the scope of executive power.
The teaching of these topics is crucial for fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. History is not a collection of neat stories with clear moral lessons; it’s a complex web of events, decisions, and ideologies that shape the present. By broadening the scope of our history classes to include the Embargo of Cuba, the History of Palestine, international law, the Chinese Civil War, the Civil War’s legacy, and the origins of Confederate symbols, we can offer students a fuller understanding of the world and its problems. Only by confronting the uncomfortable truths of the past can we hope to understand the complexities of the present and be better equipped to navigate the future.
