Re-writing history with actual facts this time - will I learn something new?
Dates Read: 18/03/2023 to 12/05/2023
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Word to describe: Instructive
Genre: Non Fiction
Over the years I have learned that the British education system is far from perfect. I studied History as one of my GCSEs as I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the past. As a young girl the Tudors and ancient civilisations were my favourite topic and I often found myself reading books on Cleopatra and the wives of King Henry VIII. I had a passion for learning, which was encouraged by most people around me. I lived in ignorant bliss and believed that everything I had been taught in my history lesson was true and unbiased. It seemed absurd to lie about the past when as a society we could learn from it. Then I went to university where I had a massive cultural shock. My university was a haven for students from all over the world and my friendship group flourished as a result. I met people from central Europe, to the USA, to India (where my closest friend had moved from). From discussions about history and politics, my eyes were opened to the true history that was neglected during my years of education.
No longer did I live in ignorant bliss and I began to watch videos on YouTube about world history that I had never been taught about. This book was a part of my determination to learn the truth about Britain's history and many other types of historical propaganda that had been pushed onto youths in the name of education. From the onset, Otto English made it clear that history is written by the winners - and that means the majority of history is created out of propaganda and relies on instilling fear and wrongful judgments into the people of whichever nation. As an English woman who has never particularly left Europe, everything I knew about British history was passed on through the generations or taught in school.
The first big crack in the portrait created by British history was the brutality that Winston Churchill upheld on the people of India and many other colonist nations. My impression of Churchill was a strong leader who helped the British win the war and spoke with a deep voice and waggling chin (like the dog in the Churchill Insurance adverts). Was I right? Kind of - Churchill was the leader of the government during the wartime period and he was a strong leader (in the sense that he was passionate but not necessarily kind). Otto English brought forward the alternative view of Winston Churchill which is often buried under years of patriotism - Winston Churchill was a beast. He was careless and destructive and came to power by chance not because he was a strong political figure. He brought forward victims of injustice by forcing the people of India to "volunteer" to join the war. This was only after years of inducing poverty in the country and leaving the people no choice but to join the war to be able to feed their families. The famine in India which began with Winston Churchill led to thousands of deaths of nameless Indians because historians chose to forget them in favour of a great Prime Minister who won the war.
Many of the historical figures dissected in this book follow the same story. Their accomplishments have either been greatly amplified to serve as propaganda or create a nation of patriots that salute their soldiers and fight to the greatest. Or, it villainizes the opposing side reducing their good traits to non-existent and broadcasting their wrongdoings as horrific and inhumane. Take the chapter on Ghenis Khan, a warlord who took over Asia, some of Europe and many of what would be modern countries and cities. My knowledge of him is based on Disney's Mulan and a Youtube video of a rap battle between Ghenis Kahn and the easter bunny (pitiful I know). So my limited knowledge is easily summed up as an evil man taking over the world, raping and pillaging villagers, and burning down cities. Whereas, in fact, Otto English shows readers that whilst Ghenis Kahn was a force to be reckoned with his empire was built solely on word-of-mouth and great political knowledge. The people under his power were left financially better off and world trade opened up during this time of peace. It's almost as if the world chose to only celebrate the figures that suit their current goals.
Now, I cannot say that this book contained every single step in history. A lot of the chapters blurred together with the chapter title only inhibiting a line or a page of each chapter. The topic strayed quite easily as Otto English attempts to cram in as much information as possible. That meant that the title topic which initially piqued interest was quickly dismissed in favour of something deemed more discussable. I was disappointed in this writing style and felt that certain topics weren't specific to that chapter and the book could have been easily re-designed with shorter, more precise chapters, that focused on the key information. It seemed redundant to title the chapters with snappy, eye-catching context and then skip past it within a page or two - it felt very much like a click-bait article you would find on Buzzfeed.
Overall, I can say for certain that this blissfully ignorant teenager has evolved into a grown woman with a little more knowledge of the true history of the world. And whilst I grow and begin to learn more I am happy that this book exists as a starting point to unravel the truth behind the teachings.
Comments