Give me history or give me death!

Politik och historiebruk i USA

Abstract

This article deals with uses of history and the combination of politics and the past from an American point of view. On one hand, the time span is long, with references dating back to Roman history, the war of independence and more recent events as the Vietnam War. On the other hand, it is interpretations of history here and now that are analyzed. Another point of departure is different historical aspects of Donald Trump as well as former American presidents who believed in historical lessons. The discussion also shows several different ways to use history, mainly exemplified by problematic issues dealing with discrimination and racism towards ethnic minorities. Of special interest are uses of history in connection to the slavery and the American Civil War.