Applying a Critical and Peace Education Lens to the American Revolution in the Social Studies Classroom

Abstract

The American Revolution is central to the identity of citizens of the United States. It is, therefore, rarely critiqued in the U.S. social studies classroom. This article examines how teachers can discuss the American Revolution using both a critical historical approach and the ideas of peace education, particularly the strand that focuses on the problematization of war. Specific examples are given for how teachers can critique some of the national myths surrounding the American Revolution. Furthermore, the rationale for this critique of the American Revolution is presented, particularly as it relates to the problematic history of minorities in the aftermath of the Revolution and the relationship between students’ views of the American Revolution and the ties to modern-day violence and military engagements. The goal for this more nuanced understanding of the American Revolution is not only to make students more critical thinkers in regard to their history but hopefully to also help them gain a healthier societal outlook in regard to the issues of peace and conflict.

Keywords:

• Peace education
• American Revolution
• critical history
• nationalism

Notes

Notes

1 Since a movie like The Patriot is rated R, it would not necessarily be pedagogically appropriate to show the whole film or parts that are especially violent. However, it could be appropriate to show small clips to understand problematic historical narratives that it employs.

2 A lesson plan related to the propaganda surrounding the Boston Massacre is available from the Center on Congress at Indiana University (Thornton, 2014) at http://tpscongress.org/uploads/v2_Boston%20Massacre_up53ecf41b27ba8.pdf

3 Stanford History Educational Group has a lesson plan with a strong focus on critical thinking and analysis in regard to the Loyalists (Reisman & Fogo, 2009). This can be found at https://sheg.stanford.edu/history-lessons/loyalists. Another powerful lesson plan can be found from the History Teaching Institute of Ohio State University at https://hti.osu.edu/history-lesson-plans/united-states-history/loyalists.

4 A thorough lesson plan on the issue of Native Americans and the American Revolution (Jaffee & Mehr, 2009) is available through the National Endowment for the Arts at https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/native-americans-role-american-revolution-choosing-sides