History mystery

The American Revolution Center issued a report Wednesday (Dec. 2) noting that 89% of Americans said they could pass a basic test on the founding of the country, but 83% failed the test.

It is the center’s first survey on the issue, and it “revealed an alarming lack of knowledge of our nation’s founding history, despite near universal agreement on the importance of this knowledge,” according to a statement.

The ARC plans to construct a “Museum of the American Revolution” in Philadelphia. When built it will be the first national museum devoted entirely to the Revolution, and the ARC hopes it will help address the “historical amnesia” related to the founding of the country.

“The American Revolution defined what it means to be an American. It forged those principles that unite us as a nation," Dr. Bruce Cole, president and CEO of The American Revolution Center, said in a statement. "Unfortunately, those principles are fading from memory. … Many people are unaware that the everyday freedoms and liberties they enjoy are the legacy of the American Revolution. For future generations to continue to enjoy these freedoms, we must know and preserve the promise of the American Revolution."

SURVEY FINDINGS
• Many more Americans remember that Michael Jackson sang "Beat It" than know that the Bill of Rights is part of the Constitution.

• 60% of Americans can correctly identify the number of children in reality-TV show couple Jon and Kate Gosselin’s household (eight), but more than one-third do not know the century in which the American Revolution took place (18th).

• Half of those surveyed believe the Civil War (1861-1865), Emancipation Proclamation (1863), or War of 1812 occurred before the American Revolution (1775-1783).

• More than 50% of Americans surveyed wrongly attributed the quote, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" to George Washington, Thomas Paine, or President Barack Obama, when it is in fact a quote from Karl Marx, author of "The Communist Manifesto."

• The survey revealed that more than 90% of Americans think it is important for U.S. citizens to know the history and principles of the American Revolution, and that this knowledge be taught in schools.