NickJul 4, 2024

One thing I’ve noted in particular is there seems to be a simplistic remembering of history on the internet so as to make simple points and draw simple lessons.

For example, talking about the English Civil War and the monarchy, without mentioning the Restoration or the Glorious Revolution.

Or saying that from when the Nazis got into government there were no more elections. There were, in March 1933. Or that Germany had elections in 1946. It didn’t.

From: @Nickiquote
https://mstdn.social/@Nickiquote/112723124648050522

Nick (@[email protected])

Consider this a subtoot about history memes instead of me correcting someone on here. Please, please, please, at least read the relevant Wikipedia page before you make an assertion about history. History is more complicated and twisty than you remember.

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Show threadNick

Magna Carta is a big one too. Please trust me when I say that Americans care far more about Magna Carta than any British person does, because it fits the narrative of their own constitutional development.

It is *not* “The English/British Constitution” although it is a very small part of the ethereal cloud of documents and unwritten principles and statutes etc that we regard as the constitution.

Only three articles of Magna Carta are still in force and only one of them is truly significant.

Jul 4, 2024 at 10:56amWeb
Show threadNickJul 4, 2024

“Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain? Brave Hungarian peasant girl who forced King John to sign the pledge at Runnymede and close the boozers at half past ten! Is all this to be forgotten?”

#TonyHancock