American History Vs New History Essay

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1. Is there a version of history, specifically American History that has an interpretation that is not politically motivated? Does the success of a historical interpretation require political motivations? The early consensus history was founded on republicanism and depicted the founding fathers in a positive light, specifically, George Washington as an unblemished paragon of virtue. However, consensus history also elevated the status of Anglo-Saxon Americans. On the other end of the political spectrum, is “New History” which came about from social movements of the 1960s and 70s. New Historians argued for critical thinking, diversity and self-assessment. New Historians were also highly politicized and they often bashed each other. As Peter

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