Summary

James Loewen argues that traditional American history courses and textbooks are a disservice to students. They emphasize rote memorization of names, dates, and events, presented as settled facts, rather than engaging with history as an ongoing debate informed by evidence and evolving interpretations. Loewen examines popular historical figures like Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller, revealing how textbooks often omit crucial aspects of their lives, particularly their progressive political views and activism, thus creating sanitized and incomplete portraits that ultimately make these figures less interesting to students.

He criticizes the heroification process in textbooks, where complex figures like Christopher Columbus are presented as flawless heroes, glossing over the violence and exploitation that accompanied their 'discoveries.' Loewen delves into the true story of Columbus, exposing the devastating impact of European colonization on indigenous populations through disease, enslavement, and genocide. He highlights the crucial role of pre-Columbian explorers and the Mrican slave trade in shaping American history, narratives often minimized or omitted from standard accounts.

Loewen tackles the mythology surrounding the first Thanksgiving, exposing the devastating plagues that decimated Native American populations before the Pilgrims' arrival and their dependence on indigenous knowledge for survival. He criticizes the portrayal of Indians as uncivilized savages and the romanticized narrative of westward expansion, emphasizing the brutality and exploitation faced by Native Americans throughout American history. He challenges the traditional narrative of progress and opportunity by exploring the realities of social class and racism. He also challenges the traditional portrayal of the US government.

Loewen contends that textbooks present a sanitized view of American history, failing to analyze the forces of racism, social stratification, and governmental misconduct. He critiques textbooks for ignoring or minimizing the contributions of various groups, particularly African Americans, Native Americans, women, and working-class people, thus creating a distorted and incomplete picture of the American past. Loewen exposes the role of powerful interests, including corporations, in shaping foreign policy and suppressing dissent.

He challenges the idea of inevitable progress, arguing that textbooks fail to address the environmental downsides of economic growth and technological development. Loewen concludes by emphasizing the importance of teaching history honestly and comprehensively, including multiple perspectives and controversies, to empower students to think critically about the past and its impact on the present and future. He offers concrete suggestions for teachers and students to engage with history more critically and effectively, using primary sources, conducting research, and applying historical knowledge to current issues.