Using the Past to Define the Present: An Introduction to Memory Politics in Canada & Europe

This digital booklet introduces the theme of ‘memory politics’ and aims at explaining why the commemoration of history matters, offering thought-provoking examples and ideas for students at high schools and universities. It explores historical narratives from North America and Europe, places where these narratives have recently taken on significant meaning in public debates. The booklet includes many illustrations, links to other sources and stimulates discussions among students based on the many brainstorming questions we included in the booklet. The project’s main goal is to provide a tool for students, teachers, museum and commemoration sites in order to raise awareness of how remembering the past is a complex task, and how it can be used for political purposes in the news, in political speeches, or on social media.