New Directions: A New North American History

Recent proposals to change American history textbooks in Texas are moving in the wrong direction. I propose something very different: a new North American history, intertwining the history of North America in two sections, including the areas now known as Mexico, the United States and Canada, with extra chapters on the the Caribbean islands.

Why? In order to widen exposure to interconnected cultures and regions for a more effective understanding located beyond single-state nationalism.

How? Instead of the typical two-part course taught in the USA, from Pre-Columbian times to 1877, and then 1877 through the 20th century, try this:

1) Pre-Columbian times through 1900.
2) 1900 through 2010 or "the present."

The current way, essentially ignoring Mexico and Canada, badly distorts our understanding of American  history. Furthermore, it still ends in 1877 just as it did nearly half a century ago, even though much more has happened since 1877.   If we roll the first part forward, an emphasis can still be placed on segregation in the USA after the end of Reconstruction by ending just after the Separate But Equal ruling (Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896).  Additionally, the Spanish-American War (1898) would be better seen as a continuum of the clash between outsider-insider empires that goes back to the very beginning of Post-Columbian times, when Spain first projected power into the Americas.  

In 1900, the USA replaced Spain's empire with its own, and was embroiled in the Caribbean and the Philippines, just as in 2010 it is embroiled in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. There is a certain continuity that becomes clearer from this approach. At the same time, Canada had troops (circa 1900) involved in the Second Anglo-Boer War in South Africa; and Mexico was ready to blow into its own full-fledged Revolution. 

Part II takes Mexico through its Revolution (1910-1920) and on to its present "Drug War;" while Canada is drawn into various British adventures, including the world wars, and Anglo-American adventures such as Iraq and Afghanistan.  Also in Part II, the struggle for control of petroleum and other resources becomes increasingly significant.  

In totality, North American history becomes more interesting, less like a vast sporting event played from the perspective of one modern nation. First Nations / Indian tribes are given more consideration in the vast mix, as well, both before the "Closing of the Frontier" (1890) and still now, in the present.

What do you think?  Constructive feedback would be helpful and very welcomed. 

Today's Rune: Fertility.