Abstract:

The main aim of this study is to highlight how the teaching of history contributes to the formation of national identity. The study focuses on Spain since it is a country with wide social and cultural differences where the consolidation of national identity is highly important for its existence. The way in which systematized education has contributed to the formation of identity through the teaching of history at all levels of educational activity is presented. Politicians and teachers were called upon to work together to achieve a common goal, the formation of identity. The teaching of history is a point of reference since it is through history that the legacy of the past is passed on to future generations. The purpose of this study is to draw conclusions about whether Spain, through systematic education, has managed to create its national identity. In this context, using the declaration of the General Law on Education (Ley General de Educación) in 1970 as a turning point, we will follow the way in which the teaching of history has evolved. It will become apparent how Spanish historiography and history textbooks evolved according to the political developments in the country. It will also be demonstrated the impact of the modernization that began to be implemented after the death of Franco and the change that occurred both in the approach to historical events and in the teaching of history. Finally, it will be assessed whether the field of education in general and the teaching of history in particular is a tool in the hands of those responsible for shaping the national consciousness of citizens and society itself.

Keywords:

Educational system, History, National Identity, Spain.