This is frankly, quite scary...

PvtPyle · 29-03-2008, 03:19

Not at all. How about the rise and fall of the British Empire for instance? Or the formation of the German state - it is impossible to fully understand WWI without a basic appreciation of how the various Germanic states were unified under Bismarck.

A little bit of 18th and 19th century British political history is essential to understanding the modern political parties. Disraeli and Gladstone anyone?

How about the abolition of slavery in the United States?

The Russian Revolution in 1918 was mentioned - the entire Communist/socialist movement is irrelevant outside of the context of Tsarism (pre-1900).

Why not go right back though? Do kids these days understand why there are fundamental differences between the Catholic and Protestant churches? They might not impact life in England, but they certainly do in Ireland.

Another key factor in British history that I am sure most young people haven't got the first idea about is the English Civil War. In fact, I wager many of them don't even know there was one!

Just a few thoughts...

29-03-2008, 03:19	#14
PvtPyle Sofa Boy Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wield of the Shire Posts: 701	Not at all. How about the rise and fall of the British Empire for instance? Or the formation of the German state - it is impossible to fully understand WWI without a basic appreciation of how the various Germanic states were unified under Bismarck. A little bit of 18th and 19th century British political history is essential to understanding the modern political parties. Disraeli and Gladstone anyone? How about the abolition of slavery in the United States? The Russian Revolution in 1918 was mentioned - the entire Communist/socialist movement is irrelevant outside of the context of Tsarism (pre-1900). Why not go right back though? Do kids these days understand why there are fundamental differences between the Catholic and Protestant churches? They might not impact life in England, but they certainly do in Ireland. Another key factor in British history that I am sure most young people haven't got the first idea about is the English Civil War. In fact, I wager many of them don't even know there was one! Just a few thoughts...