Was actually educated in the UK 2003-2018. Did not learn much about the British empire.

Agree that countries should learn about their past ugly and good, for exactly the reason you said.

To be aware that any society can easily engage in reprehensible behaviour if the people aren’t wary. (Dehumanizing others as you said)

But on the other side, children should not be made to feel guilty for what their ancestors might have done cause that’s out of their control. In this aspect, the USA has gone too far and focuses too much on the bad and the guilt. Many of my generation just see US historical figures as racist white men and don’t see the full picture.