It is challenging to study historical consciousness as it draws upon many different disciplines. Therefore the author suggests using the common theme of the ‘narrative’ as used by Alasdair MacIntyre. The author uses the modern state as vehicle through which to discuss collective memory, since states often prescribe official accounts of the past. He begins with a definition of the terms “specific narratives” and “schematic narrative templates” and how they are used in history classrooms and textbooks. He then provides an example of the differences between specific narratives and schematic narrative templates of the Second World War in Russia by Soviet generations and post-Soviet generations. If using specific narratives, then collective memory has changed between the generations as the narratives have changed. However, since both generations are using the same schematic narrative template as described by Wertsch, then collective memory has changed very little. In conclusion, the chapter aims to distinguish between the two different levels of narratives and, also, the need to realize there is a difference between historical consciousness and collective memory.