You’re in for an interesting summer — it’s kind of like taking the “red pill” when one delves into this issue in a serious manner. :) I fully admit that I’m no expert and still have a great deal to learn on this subject...
You know, your post made me wonder... I’m curious as to whether children in public schools in the South are taught as we were, or whether they get a more balanced view? Is it their parents and relatives that “after-school” on these subjects as part of their cultural history, or is this subject approached differently in their curriculum? Is this truly a case of being educated in the North vs. the South even to this day (I graduated HS in 1990)? Interesting questions I’ve got rolling around in my head now! :)
I graduated HS in 96 and never really gave the Civil War any more thought than what I was taught growing up. The more I learn now the more I feel ripped off in what the public system had to teach me then. And I was a "honor student" in one of the "better" preforming schools... go figure
Myself, my daughter, my grandchildren and many friends attended Southern schools. I can assure you we were taught the same (incomplete) version of the Civil War as you.
As a youngster I was confused when my elderly relatives (who would be well over 100 yrs of age now and are long deceased) would refer to it as the War of Northern Aggression. I had been taught differently in school.
As an adult I found a personal interest in the Civil War era and began researching. Boy, talk about an eye opener!