The modern reader will be surprised at the breadth of knowledge that were taught to young French students of the primary school, in order to obtain the precious certificate of studies. A schoolboy who this sesame clearly knows more than the President of the Republic today, well understood that almost all of the media journalists, than bachelor, etc. It's just surprising.
Learn, learn: through the combined text to the image. Lavisse Ernest (1842-1922) was professor of history, director of the Ecole Normale Supérieure, a member of the French Academy. This man is obviously reading his textbook of great intellectual and moral integrity.
The History of France is not only a simple succession of dates. This is the story of the creation of France, the monarchy, the struggle against the feudal lords, his assertive independence, protection of subjects (and not yet citizens) the king. This is the story of the heroes who have shaped France, giving their lives through their work (Louvois, Colbert, Pasteur, ...), participating in the international reputation of France (its great writers, composers, scientists ,. ..) to its glory (military victories, the great heroes whether general or common soldiers but also defeats - Reichshoffen, Sidi Brahim, ...), wearing the colors of our flag. Yes patriotism is a prerequisite for education and knowledge-being of citizens. Patriotism does not necessarily mean withdrawal: no. This is not what was taught to children, our ancestors before the war of 1914. France was to continue to shine in the world, the strength of its national wealth.
This is enlightened patriotism which is so lacking today in the education of our children as report the many courageous history teachers, including Dimitri Casali in his remarkable critical history of France prohibited. This is patriotism National Education wants to remove by all means aligning with the nauseating and deceptive currents of "repentance" in the image of a lost president, falsely accusing France of being responsible a shame, that of the roundup of the Vel d'Hiv.
This is enlightened patriotism that should not let subvert by the National Front. The French flag is that of all the French and not owned by a party, which still knows how to make revisionist accomplices, enemies of historical truth, shame of our history. Let us recall the statement of Lamartine. Responding to bands of workers who, in 1848, after the overthrow of the July monarchy, wanted to impose the red flag, Lamartine said he would never accept the red flag that had never done the tour of the Field March, dragged through the blood of the people, while the tricolor had been around the world with the glory and freedom of the motherland. (P.216).
Of course, the avid reader of history will regret some simplifications and also due mistakes, not malice, but the historical default search, including that relating to the King Louis XVI falsely accused of aiding the enemy - the iron chest had been a set-up as demonstrated by historians Paul and Pierrette Girault de Coursac in the excellent study Survey of the trial of King Louis XVI.
Of course, the interested reader is encouraged to read the admirable history of France Jacques Bainville.
