Examines the politics of what has become known as The Great History Debate. Beginning with debates over the teaching of history in the 1960s and 1970s, this text traces the politics of history teaching through to the present day. Particular attention is paid to thee creation of history in the National Curriculum, using interviews with former Secretaries of State for education and civil servants to shed light an a contentious period of reform. The text dwells throughout upon history's role in the transmission of cultural heritage and in cultivating a sense of national identity. It shows the way in which, as we approach the new millenium, these debates about the aims and purpose of history are closely connected with future visions of Britishness.