For readers outside America, it can be puzzling that a nation founded in 1776 still argues over a war that ended in 1865. Yet every June 19—Juneteenth—those arguments flare anew. The dispute is not only about the past; it shapes school lessons, elections, and social policy today. Understanding why means looking at two points:

  1. What the secession‑era documents plainly said.
  2. Why modern politicians, including former president Donald Trump, want to teach a different story.

1. The Written Record: Slavery, Not “States’ Rights”

In 1860‑61, four states—South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas—published “Declarations of Causes” explaining why they left the Union. Each text lists Northern opposition to slavery as the chief threat (South Carolina Convention, 1860; Mississippi Convention, 1861; Georgia Convention, 1861; Texas Convention, 1861). None centers on tariffs or abstract states’ rights. Mississippi’s opening line is blunt: “Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material interest of the world.”

2. The Modern Fight Over History Class

Trump’s “Patriotic Education”

During his presidency, Donald Trump launched the 1776 Commission, arguing that U.S. schools teach “anti‑American propaganda” (Executive Order Establishing the 1776 Commission, 2020). Historians condemned the commission’s 2021 report for downplaying slavery’s role (American Historical Association, 2021). Trump has since promised to revive the effort and to cut funds from schools that teach “critical race theory” (CBS News, 2025) (CBS News).

State‑Level Classroom Bans

At least 18 states now restrict how teachers discuss racism (Brookings Institution, 2022) (Brookings). Oklahoma’s newest social‑studies standards, influenced by pro‑Trump activists, insert conspiracy claims about the 2020 election and promote “American exceptionalism,” while critics say they erase hard truths about slavery (Associated Press, 2025) (AP News).

The DEI Backlash

In April 2025, the Trump‑led Department of Education demanded that states certify they are not using “illegal DEI practices” or risk losing federal funds (Education Week, 2025) (Education Week). Federal courts have already pushed back, but the threat signals how culture‑war politics keeps Civil‑War memory alive.

Why This Matters Globally

  • Democracy and Memory: A nation cannot solve today’s racial inequities if it misreads yesterday’s causes.
  • Policy Ripple Effects: U.S. textbook publishers serve international markets; censorship at home can influence what students abroad read about slavery.
  • Model or Warning: America’s struggle shows that even mature democracies can rewrite uncomfortable history when political gain beckons.

Key Points at a Glance

  1. Original documents from 1860‑61 say slavery was the main reason for secession.
  2. Modern debates center on how—or whether—schools may teach those facts.
  3. Trump‑aligned policies seek to punish educators who link racism to U.S. history.
  4. Juneteenth’s promise of freedom remains contested until the history behind it is taught honestly.
  5. Global lesson: Truth in education is fragile; vigilance protects it.

References

  • American Historical Association. (2021). Statement on the 1776 Commission report.
  • Associated Press. (2025, May 18). New Oklahoma standards promote misinformation about the 2020 election.
  • Brookings Institution. (2022). Why are states banning critical race theory?.
  • CBS News. (2025, January 29). Trump takes aim at critical race theory in schools.
  • Education Week. (2025, April). States respond to Trump DEI certification demand.
  • Executive Order Establishing the 1776 Commission, 85 Fed. Reg. 70035 (2020).
  • Georgia Convention. (1861). Declaration of causes.
  • Mississippi Convention. (1861). A declaration of the immediate causes.
  • South Carolina Convention. (1860). Declaration of causes.
  • Texas Convention. (1861). Declaration of causes.

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