Article
Background
While studying and reflecting on her own education in France, Zoé realized how little attention was given to the First French Colonial Empire (1534–1763). Colonial history in French schools often focuses on other countries or later periods, leaving early French colonialism largely unaddressed. After moving to the Netherlands, she noticed a stronger public emphasis on acknowledging colonial wrongs, which inspired her Action Project: Colonialism in French Education: A Forgotten Topic. Passionate about both history and education, Zoé decided it was time to fill this gap in the curriculum and write the missing chapter herself.
Education must be considered a vital pillar in anyone’s life. It is a tool, a right, and a privilege.
Approach and Methodology
Zoé began by analyzing the biases in her old history textbooks to better understand how school materials influence the way students view the world. She then wrote her own chapter on the First French Colonial Empire, drawing from older and more recent textbooks as well as academic articles and papers. She also added elements like maps, paintings, letters, activities, and questions to create a complete textbook section that is accessible and engaging for teenage students.
Impact
This chapter represents a first step in Zoé’s broader ambition to raise awareness around the often limited way history is taught in French schools. In the future, she aims to introduce the textbook through workshops for secondary school students and history teachers in middle schools in France.