The study of history is important to a well-rounded education. It helps you to understand the past, learn from it and make better decisions in your own life. However, it is important to remember that learning the facts and following a timeline is only one part of the study of history. The real value of the study is in its ability to develop loyal, intelligent, cooperative and well-balanced American citizens.
Historians are tasked with selecting from the vast record of human activity those events, ideas, institutions and personalities that seem to have significance. They are also tasked with explaining why those events are significant. Historians have found this to be a difficult task. School courses usually focus on a core of historical events that most historians recognize as significant.
While it is important to learn and remember the names of major historical figures, dates and events, you do not need to build a mental Rolodex of hyperspecific knowledge about history. Most historians do not know the exact name and date of every event they have ever studied, nor would they want to. The important thing is to be able to process information quickly and make connections between different events.
For example, instead of trying to memorize the date that World War II began, try to understand why it was a major event. If you can explain why it was important, you will find it much easier to remember the specific date. Similarly, when learning about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, try to think of it as a moment in time that was a turning point for American independence rather than simply a meeting in which delegates signed a document.
Another way to improve your understanding of the past is to use mnemonics to help you remember dates and events. Create phrases, acronyms or rhymes to help you remember the dates and events that are most important. Using visual images to associate with historic events can also help you remember them. For example, when studying the signing of the Declaration of Independence, picture a room full of people and envision them all standing together to sign the document.
The ability to discern the difference between objective and self-serving statements from a political leader is an essential skill for students of history. Learning to evaluate the evidence provided by public statements, private records, numerical data and visual materials builds the capacity to form sound conclusions based on the varied sources of information you encounter in your studies.
One of the biggest mistakes that teachers and writers of history can make is to treat history as a weapon in culture wars. Historians can be clumsy swordsmen in these battles, but they must never become handmaidens to a clear ideological agenda.
History is a complex and often confusing subject. But if you take the time to read carefully and learn how to process the information, it can help you lead a more fulfilled and meaningful life.