Hi King

I just chalk it up to the fact we have the #14th or #26th ranked educational system in the world (depending upon which poll you use). Unknown to many, are the twin facts that this includes colleges - and of couse that these rankings didn't just occur in the last few years. You can still get a great education in the U.S.A. - but it's going to cost more than anyone but the top 10 to 20 percent can pay.
All the items you mentioned were popularized by TV. Americans then, and Americans now (the vast majority) know NOTHING about WWI - other than what they learned on Peanuts, from Snoopy. They can't even tell you the years the war was fought - and for the few that can - they will certainly not be able to tell you when the U.S.A actually provided troops on the ground in Europe.
Anyway, if I keep on - this will be a serious thread. I meant it to be funny-haha So laugh, darnit!

S!
Gunny