History is one of the most fascinating and at the same time complex subjects. For many of us, history is a beacon of the future, but is it really so, and is history a beacon?
We all want the answer to this question to be positive, but it is not. History is sometimes the most misleading teacher and the source of ignorance and darkness. There are many lies in history that deceive us in the guise of truth.
These lies are not only taught in textbooks, but sometimes in movies, media, and even in everyday conversations, they are accepted as a certain truth and a proud or instructive story.
In this article from how We are going to discuss 10 famous historical lies that many people around the world still believe and consider to be absolute truths.
1. Christopher Columbus discovered America
One of the most famous lies in history is attributing the discovery of America to Christopher Columbus. With his travels to the New World, Columbus reached the continent where the Native American people lived thousands of years ago. But the interesting thing is that Columbus was not even the first European to set foot on the American continent. This position belongs to Leif Eriksson, the Viking explorer who founded a colony in North America more than 500 years before Columbus. In general, if we want to tell the truth, Columbus was not the first explorer of this continent, nor did he play a major role in its discovery alone, but he was luckier than others.
2. Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb and electricity
Thomas Edison’s name is associated with the invention of the electric light bulb, but the truth is that Edison did not invent electricity, nor was he the inventor of the first electric light bulb. In fact, he was only one of several inventors who worked on these inventions. Nikola Tesla, one of his contemporaries, made important inventions in the field of alternating current (AC) and electric motors that greatly influenced the electrical industry. On the other hand, the incandescent light bulb, which is known as Edison’s invention, was designed by Joseph Swann in England before him. The belief that Edison invented electricity is only a simplification of a complicated historical story.
3. The “Salem Witchcraft” trials were about magic and witchcraft
The Salem witch trials are one of the darkest and scariest chapters in American history. However, the image of these trials as “the execution of innocent women for the crime of witchcraft” in people’s minds is largely distorted. The truth is that these trials were the result of a complex combination of religious fears, political tensions, and personal vendettas.
Many women known to be witches were executed, not burned. The important thing is that the trials were more about hatred and social and cultural fears than about belief in witchcraft, caused by ignorance and the crises of the time.
4. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves
Abraham Lincoln, the American president during the Civil War, is famous for freeing slaves. However, the fact is that the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed in 1863, did not actually free any slaves. The Proclamation was only valid for states that were in rebellion against the Union, and slavery was not officially abolished in the United States until the 13th Amendment was ratified in 1865. As a result, while Lincoln played a key role in ending slavery, we should be aware that we should not place all of the responsibility for this change on his shoulders.
5. The Great Wall of China can be seen from space
One of the great legends of history goes back to the Far East and the Great Wall of China. Many say that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space, but this is not true. Although the Great Wall of China is a huge feat of human engineering, it cannot be seen from space. You can see the Great Wall of China from space only under special conditions and with advanced equipment.
This false belief and big lie is actually mostly a product of media propaganda and there is no scientific evidence to prove its truth.
6. Marie Antoinette said, “Let them eat cake.”
The famous phrase “let them eat cake” attributed to Marie Antoinette is one of the biggest lies in history. She is often portrayed as a foolish queen who is ignorant of the plight of the people, but there is no reliable historical evidence that she ever said such a phrase.
This phrase was originally said by a French prince who lived before the reign of Marie Antoinette. In fact, this statement is more of a big lie.
7. Napoleon was a dwarf
The myth that Napoleon was a very short man or a dwarf is one of the biggest lies in history. Napoleon had a height of 165 cm, which was not less than the average height of people of his time. Although he was not tall, he was not short either. This misconception is mainly due to differences in height measurement systems in France and the UK. on the other hand, Propaganda The British, who portrayed Napoleon as a small and weak person, helped spread this false image.
8. The first Thanksgiving was a peaceful gathering between immigrants and Native Americans
The image that comes to mind of the first Thanksgiving in America is usually a peaceful celebration between immigrants and Native Americans. But the truth is that this celebration has never been so peaceful. Settlers celebrated a successful harvest season, while Native Americans experienced the loss of their lands and the trauma of colonization. Thus, the first Thanksgiving, although a feast involving both groups, was not a completely harmonious and peaceful event.
9. The American Civil War was over states’ rights
Many people think that the American Civil War was over states’ rights, but the truth is that the main cause of this war was slavery. Southern states seceded from the Union to preserve their slavery system, and the war began to preserve the Union and ultimately end slavery.
10. Mahatma Gandhi was a saint
Mahatma Gandhi has always been known as a great leader and non-violent fighter, but the reality is that he had a much more complex personality than many think. Gandhi had controversial views on India’s caste system, and some of his behavior towards his family members has also been questioned. In addition, he was accused of racism against blacks during his time in South Africa.
History: lies disguised as truth
These 10 historical lies are just a few of the many myths and misconceptions that continue to be taught in schools and the media. To have a more accurate understanding of history, we need to doubt such myths and have a deeper understanding of historical events. This work not only makes us more familiar with historical facts, but also allows us to gain a better understanding of today’s world and human relationships.
Source: thepremierdaily
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