I am always asked by students if they have to know dates for tests. The following quote is what I refer them to:"It turns out being able to think historically and practice doing history is more crucial to making sense of the past than having memorized a list of historical facts. "
Bruce Van Sledright author of "In Search of America's Past."
So no, I'm not going to ask you as a test question what day Napoleon invaded Russia. But you better know the sequence of events and their significance.
However, there are a few dates that I insist students know and recognize their importance. That and the fact they might be asked on Final Jeopardy someday and can thank me by splitting their winnings. December 7th is one of them. Yes, at the very least you should know the date the United States entered into World War II. Causes and consequences are the next step. July 4th would be a big one too. Most 10th graders can tell you it's our country's independence day but I sure have drawn blank looks when I ask, "Independence from who?" (hint: NOT Mexico or Canada)
Besides, if Jay Leno stops you on the street for Jay Walking you don't want to look like a complete idiot.
So take a moment to remember those that died at Pearl Harbor and the sacrifice they made and how that event was a turning point in history.
3 comments:
Rebecca (my wife) got this spot on - I give her an A! Her final paper in college was on the formation of the Japanese constitution.
And if you REALLY want to give your kids a lesson in how our world works, ask them what day it was in Japan. Yes, due to the International Date Line, Japan actually launched its attack on December 8. But, since the victors write the history books, we all think of it as December 7. Multiple lessons in there...
You're right, good point. I love to give lessons on point of view and how the story is different depending on who is writing it.
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