I have always loved history –one can say it is in my blood. I mean, my dad
wrote over 20 books on history so something rubbed off on me. History is a very
important subject. Although, there has been debate over the years about whether
or not to remove History as a core subject. I hope it will not. History is
inspirational. Personally, it has improved not just my knowledge of the past,
but my analysis in general, and has honed my opinions about a wide range of
subjects, including my knowledge of current affairs.
History is a subject that focuses on the past, but can also give us an
insight into the present, and how to deal with circumstances that bear a
significant resemblance to those of decades or centuries ago. For example, the
current recession has been compared to the Great Depression beginning in 1929.
The reign of Elizabeth II has also been compared to that of Elizabeth I in the
late sixteenth-century as a Golden Age.
In my own opinion, it’s important to know the important figures like
William the Conqueror, Henry V, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Joan of Arc and
Florence Nightingale because you can then apply their principles and ideas to
the wider events of the time, and to what happens now, and who you want to be.
Learning about key events like the Battle of Hastings, the Wars of the Roses,
the Reformation, the Spanish Armada, and the English Civil War, gives us a
sense of patriotism.
Of course, history must not be changed or modified to current trends or
wishes. It is important to tell history as it is, or it is not history at all.
To summarize:
- · History provides identity. Studying history improves our decision-making and judgment.
- · History shows us models of good and responsible citizenship.
- · History also teaches us how to learn from the mistakes of others.
- · History helps us understand change and societal development.
- · History provides us a context from which to understand ourselves and others.’
