A RealClearPolitics column published July 2 critiques the historical methodology and influence of Howard Zinn, the late historian whose book 'A People's History of the United States' has sold millions of copies since its 1980 publication.
The piece, titled 'Howard Zinn's Horrible History,' examines what the author describes as selective narrative choices in Zinn's approach to American history, arguing that the work prioritizes certain perspectives while downplaying others.
Zinn, who died in 2010, served as a political science professor at Boston University and was an influential voice in progressive circles. His book has been widely used in educational settings and remains popular among those seeking alternative narratives to traditional American history textbooks.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics of Zinn's methodology argue that presenting history through a single ideological lens, regardless of political orientation, undermines historical objectivity. They contend that responsible historical scholarship presents facts comprehensively rather than selectively highlighting events that support a predetermined narrative.
Conservative commentators have argued that 'A People's History' frames its subject matter in ways that some scholars characterize as anti-American, though defenders counter this characterization misrepresents the book's intent to broaden historical understanding rather than diminish it. The debate touches on broader questions about how American history should be taught and which perspectives deserve emphasis in educational curricula.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive historians and educators have defended Zinn's work, arguing that his approach simply includes perspectives often omitted from mainstream historical accounts. The Zinn Education Project, which maintains resources for teachers using 'A People's History,' states that the book presents documented historical events from the viewpoint of marginalized groups including workers, women, Native Americans, and people of color.
Supporters argue that traditional American history textbooks have long emphasized certain narratives while overlooking others. They contend that presenting multiple perspectives is not distortion but rather a more complete accounting of the past. The book's continued use in classrooms reflects its value as a supplementary text that encourages critical thinking about historical sources and their limitations, supporters say.
What the Numbers Show
'A People's History of the United States' has sold more than 2 million copies since its initial publication, according to publisher data. It reached the New York Times Best Sellers list for several weeks following its release and remains one of the best-selling history books in recent decades.
The book has been adopted for use in high school and college courses across the country, though estimates vary on precise usage figures. The Zinn Education Project reports that tens of thousands of teachers have accessed their materials based on Zinn's work.
Academic assessments of the book's methodology have been mixed, with some historians praising its approach to inclusive history while others have criticized what they describe as selective use of sources and interpretive bias.
The Bottom Line
The debate over Howard Zinn's historical legacy reflects broader tensions in how American history is taught and interpreted. Whether viewed as a corrective to traditional narratives or as itself a form of distortion, 'A People's History' remains influential in shaping how millions of readers understand the nation's past. As educational standards continue to evolve, questions about which perspectives should dominate historical instruction are likely to persist.