This study aimed to criticize modernism discourse in Indonesian high school history textbooks. It focused on (1) The history textbooks’ modernism discourse as a national identity and (2) The weaknesses of modernism as a national identity. A total of six history textbooks from 1975 to the 1994 curriculum were examined using the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) developed by Martin Reisigl. DHA combines theory, method, and methodology with empirical data-based study practice. The analysis used arguments as speech acts in statements to support the truth claims validity. The results showed that history textbooks discourse that the Dutch colonial government left economic exploitation and began cultural association to help Indonesia become a modern nation. However, the narrative lacks supportive arguments and empirical shreds of evidence. The modernism discourse is accurately described as an orientalist works, supporting that the Indonesian culture is static and developed with Western influence.