History offers information about how people and societies behave and function. Only through studying history can we grasp how things change, the factors that cause change and elements of society that persist despite change. History contributes to moral understanding by studying people who have weathered adversity and worked through moral dilemmas to provide lessons in courage. It provides identity by telling a story, emphasizing features of experience meant to give an understanding of values and commitment to loyalty. It’s essential for good citizenship by encouraging habits that are vital for responsible public behavior whether as a leader, an informed voter, a petitioner or a simple observer. It develops the ability to assess evidence, which can be applied to information encountered in everyday life. Finally, it assesses conflicting interpretations, which teaches the need for evaluating arguments, providing opportunities to engage in debate, and achieving perspective.
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