The origins of the new AP U.S. History framework are closely tied to a movement of left-leaning historians that aims to ?internationalize? the teaching of American history. The goal is to ?end American history as we have known it? by substituting a more ?transnational? narrative for the traditional account.
This movement?s goals are clearly political, and include the promotion of an American foreign policy that eschews the unilateral use of force. The movement to ?internationalize? the U.S. History curriculum also seeks to produce a generation of Americans more amendable to working through the United Nations and various left-leaning ?non-governmental organizations? (NGOs) on issues like the environment and nuclear proliferation. A willingness to use foreign law to interpret the U.S. Constitution is likewise encouraged.
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?As a mom when I look at that framework and see the anti-American themes, I have great concern. And I don?t want my children to be taught that America?s not exceptional,? Linahan said. ?It?s what is left out, Martin Luther King, our great founding fathers, George Washington gets one sentence.?
How bad is the new AP U.S. History Framework?
Here are a few key items verified with Larry Krieger (retired teacher and author recognized by the CB as one of the best AP teachers in 2004 and 2005) and Jane Robbins (Senior Fellow at the American Principles Project):
In the period of the American Revolution up to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, almost every Founding Father is omitted ? no Jefferson, Adams, Madison, or Franklin. The Framework excludes Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge, Saratoga, and Yorktown. The commanders and heroes of these pivotal battles are all omitted.
The lessons on the Civil War omit the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the Gettysburg Address, and the assassination of President Lincoln. The Framework once again omits crucial battles, key commanders, and the valor of common soldiers.
The lessons on World War II omit ?The Greatest Generation,? Truman, Hitler, D-Day, Midway, the Battle of the Bulge, and every military commander including Dwight Eisenhower. Inexplicably, Nazi atrocities against Jews and other groups are not required.
The CB concludes its treatment of WWII with this blunt statement: ?The decision to drop the atomic bomb raised questions about American values.?
The lessons on the Civil Rights Movement do not mention America?s first African-American President. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Rosa Parks, the Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, 442nd Infantry Regiment, and Barbara Jordan?s famous speech on the Constitution are all omitted.