How are British students taught about the Revolutionary War?

Question

In the U.S. we learn that the British weren't giving the colonists their basic rights, and were taxing them too high, ect. It makes it seem like the British are the bad guys and the the colonists are the good guys in the war. Is this what British students are taught? Is there a bias when it comes to being taught about the Rev. War depending on where you are?

P.S.

America FTW

Answer 1

I never pondered that..

Good question!

Answer 2

Although it is touched upon, in terms of revolutions we deal in greater detail with those that had a larger effect on the history of our country and Europe - such as our own (the Civil War) and that of the French - plus you have to remember that Britain has a vast amount of history to cover and in the grand scheme of it the Revolutionary War is only a minor incident within, especially during that time period. The War of 1812 is barely mentioned, despite it being far more successful for the British than the earlier conflict.

What we do learn are the basics, the points of view and political elements of both sides, the major players, the trade, the actual tax amounts levied and the eventual triggers that set it in motion as well as those who were really doing the fighting on behalf of the Crown.

It is entirely left to the student to make their own decision on who was "right" or "wrong", taking into account the political and social mores of the time.

Answer 3

We're taught both sides of the argument in a non-bias way.

I should point out, the American War of Independence is not taught in Secondary School, but you can take a course on it in University.

Personally, I much prefer the Glorious Revolution of 1688 which brought democracy to Britain, if not the empire.

Answer 4

There is not much emphasis on that in basic history classes, but what I learned was that the British were exploitative in taxing policy, and that the Boston tea party was a justified thing.

So, no, there is not a pro British bias. At least none that I noticed.

There is a sort of understanding that goes along with the idea of Samuel Johnson that "patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel".

There is also a general understanding that Americans are more keen on "patriotism" than we are.

I think that is a fair shout, given an understanding of America from the many imported TV things.

PS.Looking at some answers it seems that Americans know more about what we are taught, than we do ourselves-that says a lot.

Answer 5

Probably the same way the United States students are taught about Hiroshima & Nagasaki....



In a "They deserved it" sort of way.

Answer 6

They are taught that we were the rebels yada yada and that we would never have won without the French and all that stuff. They really hate having to admit they lost to us plain and simple.

Answer 7

The British are very serious about Tea. Tea is the National Drink and afternoon tea is an institution.  Therefore, they tell the students that the Colonists

dumped some very excellent Tea into the Boston Harbor.

That sacrilege is enough to put the Colonists in a very bad light.

Answer 8

They are taught the same way that American teachers teach the Vietnam War to students, "You win some, you lose some, its all a part of life"

Answer 9

It's not taught that much.

Answer 10

Am british but i didnt take about the Revolutionary War YET i guess xD  Nice thing to say on 4th of july ;D xDD

Answer 11

They are taught that it was a minor battle that they lost and that the colonies were too much trouble anyway because they had more lucrative colonies other places.

That is what one of my British professors said when I studied abroad in Britain at least. They are so funny. They lost a huge powerful nation and they call it a minor battle! Ha ha. But I was over there for the 4th of July one year and many Brits had no idea why the US Embassy was setting off a firework show. I think it's one of the losses that they try to forget because they are embarrased.