Lessons of History

Does the past hold the key to the future?  What are the lessons of history?  Yes, History Matters and yet we ignore the voices of the past at our own peril.    Rhetorically our leaders proclaim we are the light of the world and, yes, they do represent us and are our face in the global community.  Do we embrace the image we project?  Do we embrace our historical record?  I believe these are important questions and they are essential questions asking the question:  what principles do you embrace as sacred and inviolable? How much compromising are you willing to accept?  What is the burden of our history?

I have shared with you some voices from the past concerning the importance of history.  Now you have a chance to weigh in and express your opinions.  I want you to examine some web sites:

Begin with History Matters site:  http://www.historymatters.gmu.edu/  Look at their site Students as Historians and consider the diversity in the historical record.  (1) In other words, who makes history and how do we record the past?  What seems worthy in the historical record?

Now for some current events and here are some sites to examine:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/callahan/callahan97.html  (2) What seems to be the limitations in historical analysis? 

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/EG18Ak04.html  (3) Did our leaders ignore the historical record that has produced the situation in Iraq today?

http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/08/20/stories/2006082000150300.htm  (4) We live with the actions of our leaders, but are we responsible for their actions?

http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Essays/BluePete/History.htm  (5) Do you see any fundamental lessons that are learned in the historical record?

Your task is to respond to the above questions, beginning with History Matters, and do so in about one page per question.  Your responses should reveal that you have looked at these sites, incorporated some of their author's ideas, but ultimately expressed your unique understanding of the question.  This is not an essay, but you are writing well organized and thoughtful responses to the above questions.  I want you to explain your ideas in terms of why history matters.  Please note there are five questions to respond to in this assignment.  

This assignment is a bonus and worth 25 points.  It is due September 12/13 depending upon your class meeting date.  I do not accept late paper and as I noted this paper is banked.  I will read it later in the semester.