National Memory and Beyond

National Memory and Beyond The collective memory of an entire nation, i.e. its national memory, is one of the pillars of a nation state, and in most states is protected and made an obligatory part of school education. This article treats how national memory comes into existence and is maintained. Scholarly writings in this field are also noted, with a focus on history textbooks, which have sometimes been called “vehicles of national memory”. In most countries, such textbooks play an important role in creating such memories, although in recent years they have also documented pluralism and criticism, as has happened in Iceland. Commemorative celebrations are yet another such vehicle; here, national memory is discussed in connection to such celebrations in Iceland and abroad, especially in Australia and the USA. Particularly in recent years, it appears that commemorations have had to allow some space for critical expression in order to be appreciated and successful in achieving unity. National memories can therefore be a powerful phenomenon, even when including a variety of opinions and paradoxes. In addition, the article debates the utility and limitations of the concept of collective (national) memory and presents related terms and concepts such as the “uses of history” and “historical culture”, frequently utilized by Scandinavian historians.