Revisionism

Revisionism is the practice of rewriting or distorting history in order to misrepresent past events. This is often done for political or propaganda purposes, for example falsely claiming that a respected figure had similar views to one's own, or attempting to demonize a particular group.

One example of revisionism concerns Richard I of England. He has often been represented as an English hero, particularly in contrast with the weak King John, but in reality he cared little for England except as a source of tax revenue, did not speak English, and seldom visited the country.