I am much better placed to understand the continuing references in the Australian context to the "History Wars" for having read this clearly written book.

One theme is that there is no one "correct" history of anything, with the emphasis on "correct" in that phrase.

It is the role of historians to continue to interrogate and think about historical events, causes and effects and to continue to publish and consider the contributions of others.

The History Wars in question largely concern the different views as to First Nations History in Australia and in particular the nature of the 'colonisation' of Australia (however one might describe that) and its historical and ongoing impact on not only First nations peoples, but on all other Australians and Australia itself.

Those described as belonging to the Black Armband brand of history are said to have a bleak and negative view as to the impact (historical and ongoing) of the coming of European (and later, other) peoples to the Australian continent.

Others have a more positive view of the benefits that have flowed from such comings to Australia.

There is a separate question as to whether England and the Empire always intended to colonialise in this manner, despite all the formal orders and declarations to Cook, Phillips and others to (amongst others matters) obtain the consent and cooperation of such indigenous peoples who may be found or whether 'it just turned out that way".

I thought Macintyre's treatment was quite balanced throughout.

I will admit that Anna Clark's chapter which sought to survey what is taught in schools as these matters left me somewhat underwhelmed, but that is probably my lack of knowledge of pedagogy generally. In some respects, it may not matter as this book is some 20 years old now, and hopefully we have moved on from where we were back then.

Big Ship

8 April 2024 ( )