For the Fourth of July, Campus Reform video reporter Addison Smith walked around Washington, D.C., to see if students could recall basic facts about Independence Day.
Smith asked those he interviewed if they knew the year America declared its independence, who it was declared from, what war was fought to gain independence, and other questions.
If students answered all the questions correctly, they would receive $17.76. Many students struggled to even recall the year 1776. One student answered that America gained independence in 1986.
Another student said America declared their independence from George Washington, and several students mixed up the Civil War with the American Revolution. After forty-four interviews, only three walked away with the cash prize.
As the nation celebrates its birthday, the video offers both a humorous and disturbing look at the knowledge of American history held by many college students. If students aren’t able to remember the basics of how the nation was founded, what are they learning?
Especially considering recent protests by Olympic athletes, our nation stands in dire need of a return to its patriotic roots. Many don’t even agree the American flag represents all Americans.
How well would you do in this quiz? Watch for yourself, play along and make sure you know these basic facts about the history of America.
