In this article, the author describes their class, titled "The World in A Year: A Global History of 1948," that was created to give students exposure to a set of events that, when scaffolded strategically, highlighted themes and processes featured in most global history courses: imperialism, environmental change, social hierarchy,…

This article presents an analysis of the Great Wall of China and the Berlin Wall which reveals that both grew from unique political, historical, geographical, cultural, and economic circumstances. The purpose of this article is to provide new arguments for a debate that all too often has been waged with emotions, polemics, and misinformation. The…

The New Left historians are contrasted to various philosophical traditions within history with particular attention paid to the concept of presentism. (JH)

For students of history, the acrimonious and contentious 1876 presidential canvass came to mind during the 2000 election imbroglio. Democrat Samuel J. Tilden won the popular vote, but to the dismay of outraged Democrats, an electoral commission of eight Republicans and seven Democrats decided along strict party lines to give twenty disputed…

Briefly explores the history of political parties as presented in the major works of twentieth century U. S. political historians. Highlights attempts of political parties to control government policies. (JDH)

The views of noted historian Herbert Baxter Adams on the nature of historical inquiry, theory, and use are described. Emphasis is placed on his view of history not as politics but as the record of man's total experience in organized society. (DE)

Reviews Frances FitzGerald's book, "America Revised," and discusses FitzGerald's critique of recent revisions in secondary-level U.S. history textbooks. The author advocates the implementation of a core curriculum for U.S. history which emphasizes political and local history. (AM)

Discusses and evaluates the general acceptance by historians that World War I was caused by economic factors. Concludes that economic interpretation has become antiquated and should be reassessed. (Author/DB)

Using various primary data sources regarding the character of judiciary activities since the early 1800s, this article examines the charge that the U. S. Supreme Court has become increasingly "imperial," with judges despotically usurping and exercising power. Data analysis fails to support this claim. (JDH)

Presents a rationale for using history in policy formation. Contributions to be made by historians include analyzing past processes and weighing policy options. Concludes that the low prestige of history in policy-making areas is temporary. (Author/DB)

Focuses on the revisionist approach to teaching United States history at the secondary level and college level. Ten themes are offered as examples around which a meaningful survey course can be constructed. These include economic opportunity, political participation, population mobility, belief in reform, status for women, educational opportunity,…

Observes the general use of history instruction in political socialization and presents a case study of the state-directed history program in the primary and secondary schools of the Soviet Union. Concludes that history in the Soviet Union is a partisan and dogmatic discipline, which is utilized by the government to enhance its authority and to…

Examines roles played by men and women in the French family from well before 1760 to the present. The author shows how changes in the mentalities of family and gender reflect changes in the other structures--social, political, economic, technological--without being mere ideological replicas of them. (RM)

Analyzes how Germans viewed defeat after the two world wars, and how these perceptions influenced subsequent political developments. Compares questions of guilt and responsibility following the two wars. Examines the growth of democracy, its defeat after World War I, and success after World War II. Discusses the influences of the occupation…

Reviews works of cultural historians of the French Revolution. Analyzes interpretations of what constituted "the people" in three late eighteenth-century sources: Diderot's "Encyclopedie," contemporary political pamphlets, and Louis-Sebastien Mercier's vignettes of Parisian street life. Contends representation of "the…