The American War of Independence as Reflected in Polish Textbooks in 20th and 21st Century

Authors

  • Anita  Młynarczyk-Tomczyk Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_historiografias/hrht.10796

Abstract

Abstract

The Polish scholarly literature has not yet attempted to present the way the American War of Independence has been reflected in Polish history textbooks. The article does not claim to be exhaustive. The author has tried, by taking up the topic, to refer to the research on school textbooks conducted in Poland and to extend it with the topic concerning the American Revolution in the years 1775-1783. The author examines the way these events are depicted in Polish textbooks of the 20th and 21st centuries, through the prism of transformations in Polish historiography. The topic of the American Revolution is an extensive one in Polish education. The sensitive issues include the problem of slavery. Furthermore, the issue of the Constitution, as the most important piece of legislation – the achievement of the revolution. It is also quite evident in terms of school textbooks that the attention of students has been directed towards three heroes over the decades – George Washington, Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The participation of representatives of European countries in the American Revolution and the updating of their pantheon has also been discussed.

Keywords

 American revolution, history textbooks, polish historiography, educational system

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Author Biography

Anita  Młynarczyk-Tomczyk, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce

Anita Młynarczyk-Tomczyk gives classes at the Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce (Poland), her main topics of research being: the modern history of Poland after Second World War, the history of 20th century historiography, historical education in the 20th century, history of the educational system in Poland, and didactics. 23 de mayo 2022.

 

Published

2024-06-30 — Updated on 2024-06-30

Versions

How to Cite

Młynarczyk-Tomczyk, A. (2024). The American War of Independence as Reflected in Polish Textbooks in 20th and 21st Century. Historiografías, 27, 56–69. https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_historiografias/hrht.10796

Issue

Section

Historia y Teoría