History is a fascinating subject that has captivated people for centuries. However, despite its immense appeal, history often contains inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Sadly, many of these falsehoods persist in education today, perpetuating the myths that have been passed down through generations. Here are ten widely believed historical misconceptions that are still taught in American schools today.

Christopher Columbus Discovered America

For a long time, Christopher Columbus was hailed as the discoverer of America, but this couldn't be further from the truth. The Americas were already inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Columbus arrived. Moreover, he wasn't even the first European to set foot on American soil. Centuries earlier, the Viking explorer Leif Erikson had already established a colony in North America.

Thomas Edison Invented The Light Bulb And Electricity

Thomas Edison is often given credit for inventing electricity, but this is a major oversimplification. While Edison did invent numerous electrical devices, he did not discover or invent electricity itself. In reality, electricity had been studied and experimented with for over a century before Edison began his work on electrical inventions. One of Edison's contemporaries, Nikola Tesla, made significant contributions to the advancement of electrical power.

Tesla independently filed fundamental patents for alternating current (AC) generators, transformers, and motors, which Edison vehemently opposed. Despite Edison's opposition, AC power eventually became the prevailing electrical system, and Tesla's role in the development of electricity cannot be disregarded. Additionally, in 1879, Edison filed his own basic patent for the incandescent light bulb, but he did not actually invent it. The incandescent light bulb was actually invented by Joseph Swan in England in 1878, and other inventors had been working on similar devices for years.

The Salem Witch Trials Were About Witches

The Salem Witch Trials are often depicted as a dark and grim period in American history where innocent women were accused of practicing witchcraft and burned at the stake. However, the reality is quite different. While the trials did lead to the deaths of innocent people, it wasn't because they were witches. The trials were actually the result of a mix of religious frenzy, political tensions, and personal grudges. Furthermore, the accused were hanged, not burned.

Abraham Lincoln Freed The Slaves

Abraham Lincoln is frequently portrayed as a champion of civil rights who emancipated the slaves, but this is not entirely accurate. Although Lincoln did sign the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it didn't immediately free all the slaves. The proclamation only applied to rebellious states that had seceded from the Union, and it wasn't until the 13th Amendment was passed in 1865 that slavery was officially abolished in the United States.

The Great Wall Of China Is Visible From Space

The Great Wall of China is often described as one of the few human-made structures visible from outer space, but this isn't entirely accurate. While the wall is an impressive architectural accomplishment, it can't be seen with the naked eye from space unless specific conditions are met.

Marie Antoinette Said "Let Them Eat Cake"

One of the most well-known historical misconceptions involves Marie Antoinette, who is often portrayed as an oblivious queen who callously declared, "let them eat cake" upon learning that the French people were starving. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. The phrase was actually attributed to a French princess several decades before Marie Antoinette's reign.

Napoleon Was Short

Napoleon is often depicted as a short man, but this is not entirely accurate. While his height was recorded as 5'2, it's important to note that the French measurement system of that time was longer than the current system. In reality, Napoleon stood at 5'5, which was just slightly below the average height of that era. The myth of his short stature can be traced back to British propaganda, which portrayed him as a small and confrontational individual.

The First Thanksgiving Was a Peaceful Gathering Between Pilgrims And Native Americans

The first Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a peaceful gathering between Pilgrims and Native Americans, but this is not completely true. While there was a feast shared by the two groups, the event was not entirely harmonious. The Pilgrims were celebrating a successful harvest, but the Native Americans were grieving the loss of their land and people due to European colonization.

The American Civil War Was Fought Over States' Rights

The American Civil War is often depicted as a conflict fought over states' rights, but this is an oversimplification. While states' rights did play a role, the primary cause of the war was slavery. The Southern states seceded from the Union to protect their slave-based economy, and the war was fought to preserve the Union and ultimately abolish slavery.

Mahatma Gandhi Was A Saintly Figure

Mahatma Gandhi is often portrayed as a saintly figure who led India to independence through non-violent means. While Gandhi did play a significant role in India's struggle for independence, his legacy is more complex than this simplistic portrayal. Gandhi held controversial beliefs, including his support for the caste system and his unusual practices with his grandniece. He also faced accusations of racism towards black Africans during his time in South Africa. It is important to acknowledge Gandhi's flaws and recognize that he was a multifaceted individual who is not exempt from criticism.

These ten misconceptions about history are just a few examples of the numerous inaccuracies and misunderstandings that persist in our educational system. It is crucial to challenge these falsehoods and strive for a more accurate understanding of the past. By doing so, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of history and learn valuable lessons about ourselves and the world we inhabit.