American history

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?What is your general view of the study of American history?
?Why does it seem like many people have a negative view of studying history, and how do you think that negative could be interpretation changed?
?Briefly discuss a modern day debate in America (role of government, American military intervention, immigration, or another of your choosing)
◦Explain why you think looking at the historical record of this modern debate is either useful (or not) in understanding the debate.
Twentieth-Century America - A Social and Political History 1 Goldfield, D., Abbott, C., Argersinger, J., and Argersinger, P. Prentice Hall 9780558176310

My view of the study of American history is that it is vital and important for kids and everyone else to know. This way, they and everyone else has a strong general understanding of what are great country has gone through, dealt with and consistently overcome. It shows the beauty of the American dream the land of opportunity and freedoms. It seems that many kids take this country for granted and that some just want to find a free ride and live off the "welfare state". But even with this, there are still shining examples of those who had overcome immense hardships and have come here and succeeded (like this produce manager I knew who works for a major grocery store chain who escaped from North Korea just 17 years ago) or were born here and overcame hardships to succeed, like our current President.

For the second question, I think that people have a negative view because they maybe didn't have interesting, exciting teachers when they were in or now that they are in school. Some teachers (of all subjects, especially in the secondary grades and university level) may unfortunately love the subject, but not the kids that much. Also the use of memorizing too many dates probably bothers many people too. This can be changed by putting more exciting, interesting and student friendly instructors in our nation's classrooms, colleges and universities. Also by ...