UNESCO and the Improvement of History Textbooks in Mexico, 1945–1960

Abstract

In the context of World War II, education for peace seemed not only necessary but also urgent. One of the first goals proclaimed by UNESCO was to cultivate “unity in diversity” in order to achieve a better cross-cultural relationship and cooperation between diverse human communities. A central focus area was the improvement of geography and history textbooks in the member states because, as was seen by UNESCO in those years, most entrenched forms of prejudice are established in the formative years of childhood. Education had to move from reflecting nationalistic attitudes to promoting a spirit of mutual understanding.1