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**Zopperoni** · March 21, 2002, 04:24

Re: Question for European Apolyton Members

Originally posted by MrFun
And for the younger adult-aged and teenage European Apolyton members, to what extent today, was/is the history of United States taught in your primary educaiton classes/courses??

Not really, at least, it wasn't at my grammar school. The whole period from the discovery until WW I isn't even discussed. We covered the global role of the US, from WW I until fall of the Berlin wall extensively in the last two years in History class, but did not really discuss what really happened in the US.

This is not to be eccentric to my own country -- I am curious as to how much Europeans know about the history of United States, that is all. And how important is the history of United States in your primary education system, anyway??

I know something about the history of the US, because I have this box-type thing called a TV, but over here in the Netherlands, US history isn't considered as really important.

Do most Europeans know all 50 of our states? I am ignorant when it comes to knowing the districts or provinces of any European country.

No, at least, I don't think so. I could name quite a few, maybe all of them, but it would take a while

and I don't think I would be able to point them all out geographically

And one more thing -- this is not going to be used for flaming or trolling in anti-Europe or anti-American fashion. Yeah, I know, it's an unrealistic request, but try, pretty please, with a strawberry on top??

Banana!!!

**redbaron** · March 21, 2002, 05:03

I'll assume that when you say 'primary' you mean pre-university as opposed to it's usage in the UK (i.e. education up to about age 11).

I was at school in the '60s and '70s and the focus was predominantly on the UK up to the age of 11. After that, it was pretty much European/Old World. (Of course when I did history, the syllabus stopped at 1950

).

I am curious as to how much Europeans know about the history of United States, that is all. And how important is the history of United States in your primary education system, anyway??

I'm probably more clued up on it than many (though I'm not an expert) as I spent 2 years doing American Politics at 'A' Level (right about the time that Nixon resigned).

Do most Europeans know all 50 of our states? I am ignorant when it comes to knowing the districts or provinces of any European country.

I could have a fair stab at it, but that's possibly due to so many of them featuring in songs/movies etc.
I'd be pushed to name many (or indeed any) German states.

**Paul Hanson** · March 21, 2002, 05:04

I've studied history at all compulsory levels of education in the UK and I've taken it up into higher education, and believe me, I've been taught precious little about America. All I have learnt about is the Prohibition era, and how pivotal your role in WW2 was.

I could probably have a good shot at naming most of the US states, but don't expect me to go for state capitals as well.

**Dr. Stiby** · March 21, 2002, 05:11

i have to agree with my compatirot on most parts. In history classes we were taught quite a few things about the USA. In my final year at grammar school we actually got an extensive part on American history. We basically were taught in all major events from your war of independence toward the Gulf War.
History of USA was about as important in my education as history of Russia/Soviet union.
As for the fifty staes of the USA. I saw this episode of friends, were Chandler came up with a game to name the fifty states of the USA. It took Ross an entire weekend to come up with Delaware. I would definitely have forgotten that one as well (sorry Orange

)
Don't be ashamed not to know all of the European districts. districts in Europe are not nearly as important as the 50 states are to the USA.
Your post made me curious about the way Americans are taught about Europe. This will probably be very different all across the USA, but I'd like to know anyway. In most USA television shows I see, whenever somebody is going to Europe, they just say they are going to Europe, without mentioning a specific country, let alone region. Is this general in the States, looking at Europe as one generally equal continent. Or are you looking it more like a collection of different countries/cultures, etc.??

**Lars-E** · March 21, 2002, 05:15

Re: Question for European Apolyton Members

Originally posted by MrFun
And for the younger adult-aged and teenage European Apolyton members, to what extent today, was/is the history of United States taught in your primary educaiton classes/courses??

All world history is taught. The US not having a long history is not on top of the list. 'Oddities' like the "Lewis and Clark expedition"? It's curiosa and will never be taught here.

This is not to be eccentric to my own country -- I am curious as to how much Europeans know about the history of United States, that is all. And how important is the history of United States in your primary education system, anyway??

Not important. Today's US-politics are. I'd like to read more US history though, but I think European history is more 'important' due to timespan, and the creating/shaping effect it has had on your country.

Do most Europeans know all 50 of our states? I am ignorant when it comes to knowing the districts or provinces of any European country.

American thingy. Some Canadians like this parrot game too, obviously.

And one more thing -- this is not going to be used for flaming or trolling in anti-Europe or anti-American fashion. Yeah, I know, it's an unrealistic request, but try, pretty please, with a strawberry on top??

What's with you and strawberries?

**Roland** · March 21, 2002, 05:28

Re: Question for European Apolyton Members

"to what extent the history of United States was taught in your history courses/classes in primary education??"

You mean high school (age 10-18)?
I'd say in "blips". Not a coherent "history of the USA", but the early settlements, revolution, civil war, industrialization... then from WWI US history in its international context.

"And how important is the history of United States in your primary education system, anyway?"

This is difficult to quantify, namely as 200+ (or 400+, if we're generous) years of US history is quite limited in the first place.

"Do most Europeans know all 50 of our states?"

Hell no. But I'd say most know the biggies, and can find them on a map.

**Ecowiz Returns** · March 21, 2002, 05:56

Re: Question for European Apolyton Members

Originally posted by MrFun
And for the younger adult-aged and teenage European Apolyton members, to what extent today, was/is the history of United States taught in your primary educaiton classes/courses??

In Portuguese History classes, in colege, we learn a bit about the American Independence (things like The Boston Tea Party and such) mostly connected to the spirit of the French Revoulition. There was, also some reference about the first states and how some of the others (Louisiana, Alaska) came to be, but just as footnote. There is no great concern in teaching the number of American States and much less their names. The next major reference is already related to the XXth century: the Great Depression and World War II.

Originally posted by MrFun
And how important is the history of United States in your primary education system, anyway??

The history of the US is as important as any other in our World History classes. Being a young Nation it ends up with much less references than, for instance, the Greeks, the Romans, the French or the English.

Originally posted by MrFun
I am ignorant when it comes to knowing the districts or provinces of any European country.

If I were a German, I might find that unpleasant news.
Since Portugal isn't a Federal State, our districts have much less importance that the American States.
What I really don't like is to know that most American are ignorant about the existence of Portugal, let alone our districts.

**Immortal Wombat** · March 21, 2002, 06:34

Re: Question for European Apolyton Members

Originally posted by MrFun
And for the younger adult-aged and teenage European Apolyton members, to what extent today, was/is the history of United States taught in your primary educaiton classes/courses??

I was taught about the inter-War period in quite good detail, so I am pretty well aquainted with a Euro-biased view on Wilson, US Isolationism in the 1920s, The Depression, and US participation in WW1 and WW2.

And how important is the history of United States in your primary education system, anyway??

Not very; we did Germany more, and China, but at the ages where history is compulsary (under 15) most of what is taught is British history, or ancient cultures.

Do most Europeans know all 50 of our states?

I could name about 35 maybe if you give me some time to think.

**Bereta_Eder** · March 21, 2002, 07:15

errr,
california
louisiana
new york
delaware
texas
colodaro
new orleans
virginia
miami
new mexico
oclahoma
ohio
alabama
idaho
missouri
mississip(p)i

phew, I have propably mixed up cities with states but anyway nice exercise

**Zoid** · March 21, 2002, 07:15

I don´t remember exactly how much american history we were taught in school, and how much I read myself. I have a pretty good grasp of american history and geography, I can name all of the states and roughly when they were incorporated into the US. (Delaware being one of the first and Hawai being the last IIRC. )

Books and movies have helped in my ever growing knowledge of the US.

**Dr. Stiby** · March 21, 2002, 07:27

miami

new orleans

Better stop trying.

**Bereta_Eder** · March 21, 2002, 07:31

That's nothing. I was about to say Washington

BAH! Yankees who cares

Challenge me on ANY european capital

**Lars-E** · March 21, 2002, 07:32

Of course we know the names of the states. But spelling bees and recital and other throw-ups without thinking is not promoted here. The goal is independent and critical thinking. In the unis you're not marked if you're late or skip classes unlike the US. Indepence is promoted. Trying to make you grow up I guess - which is erronous thinking. Parents should be responsible for that, not teachers/state. Our countries are polluted by the French unfortunately, and their philosophers socialist poison. Rosseau wanted the state to steal kids away from parents and raise them in huge 'orphanages'. Voltaire was ranting his head off as well. Yes, this is opposite of American philosphy, way of life, dream...

Why is Woodrow Wilson always dissed by Americans and some Europeans? I think he was a good man - professor and an idealistic humanist. He was internationally oriented as well and seemingly caring for the rest of the world. Not like many Americans absorbed with themselves and their own culture of plastic, McDonald's, apple pie, basball, basketball, handmelon and other simple and annoying activities.

Apple pie is not American! Apfel Strudel is European. Austrian?

Isolationism and protectionism are one of the greatest challenges for Americans. I once saw interviews on tv where Americans wanted the US to stay out of the Gulf War. Yes, as long as Americans are not killed the rest of the world can go to hell. The greatest power on earth should sit back and enjoy the slavs (serbs) killing women and children.

**Zoid** · March 21, 2002, 07:37

Originally posted by paiktis22
That's nothing. I was about to say Washington

BAH! Yankees who cares

Challenge me on ANY european capital

Washington IS a state

Up in the northwestern corner of the states borders with Oregon, California(?) and Canada...

What´s the capital of Färöarna (Faroe Islands)?

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