Hub Podcasts
Hub Dialogues: Margaret MacMillan on why Canadians should stop condemning their history
Feb 4, 2025
Margaret MacMillan, a distinguished Canadian historian and emeritus professor, dives into the complexities of Canada's historical narrative and identity. She addresses the rise of populism and the impact of Prime Minister Trudeau on national historical perspectives. MacMillan critiques the trend of 'anti-history' historians and emphasizes the necessity of a nuanced view of historical figures like Sir John A. Macdonald. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding Indigenous perspectives and the role of trained historians in combating misinformation.
29:31
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Quick takeaways
- Margaret MacMillan argues that the self-critical narrative of Canada's history risks alienating younger generations and diminishing national pride.
- The podcast emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of history to appreciate both achievements and flaws in figures like Sir John A. Macdonald.
Deep dives
The Age of Confusion
The current era can be characterized as an 'age of confusion' or 'polycrisis,' reflecting overlapping global crises that complicate historical perspectives. Despite the past three decades being perceived as stable, Margaret McMillan argues this may have skewed our understanding of chaos in history. The apparent stability, including a benevolent United States, has given way to rising isolationism and the potential disintegration of the established international order. There is an urgent need to reevaluate our historical assumptions in light of current geopolitical shifts and existential threats, such as climate change.
