I suppose it's just one of those things which I find interesting that others don't but it chagrins me when I hear or read commentary on a current or historical event that displays a distinct lack of knowledge of the historical context. The events of the past obviously have very real repercussions on the present and it serves us well to know how things have happened, that the world, its structures, its people didn't just spring into existence on the day we were born. I understand that we all only have finite time in which to find out about stuff. I think wikipedia has been a boon for those casually interested in historical events.
There are numerous historical lacunae from the past century that intrigue me too. The relative dearth of interest in the Korean War for example.
I don't really have a huge axe to grind in this thread, so think of it as a hybrid crucible/lounge beast. What are your areas of interest in history? How much interest do you have? Do you or anyone you know have only marginal interest in your country's history?
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WWII was even more major though and involved far more of the world.
Korea was a short war and has been cold for well over 50 years. I am not surprised by the lack of interest, I suspect M*A*S*H is the reason people think about it at all.
I like history, but tend to be a generalist rather than a details guy. I know a lot of Western Civ and am familiar with Chinese Dynasties. I know a lot about WWII but I know a lot of people that know far more. The principal drivers of the American Revolution interest me but I am largely ignorant of the specific battles. etc.
In the end though, I am not sure how important a knowledge of history is in general to the population. I don't think it makes a big impact in the lives of those that never studied anything beyond their school days. We enjoy it but it is hardly a big mark against someone that doesn't. Though I make an exception for Flag officers and national politicians. These people by career had better know a lot of history and understand how things got to where they are today.
Dozens of other conflicts of similar importance to Korea probably took place in the cold war period, just with less Americans and Brits involved.
More people know more about the Korean War than you evidently believe too. Hell more people know about the Civil War than you would believe.
That said I've never noticed a great knowledge of history to be that important to how good a man or woman is.
Also, any sort of history where you can see the impact of one person on the course of history is fascinating.
Or people who have power through many iterations, like Talleyrand who was running France behind the scenes through several iterations of its power structure.