Same here in the uk - the white washed image of britain's 'adventures abroad', taught to us in the 50's and 60's, was pretty much a complete reversal of the truth.
It's been an on-going re-education for me, and at 73 I'm still finding shocking facts about my country's ruling class and their use and abuse of all people, at home *and* away.
Not so 'great' britain in reality 😔.