1812 And 1877: The Purpose Of Education

During the time period of 1860 and 1877 many major changes occurred. From the beginning of the civil war to the fall of the reconstruction, the United States changed dramatically. Nearly one hundred years after the Declaration of Independence which declared all men equal, many social and constitutional alterations were necessary to protect the rights of all people, no matter their race. These social and constitutional developments that were made during 1860 to 1877 were so drastic it could be called a revolution.

Although the percentages grew, during the symbolic stage educators and parents were hesitant about accepting compulsory school attendance. Educators did not want unwilling students to attend schools, since they thought this would involve coercion. Another factor that attributed to educators ambivalence was the fact that classrooms were lacking seats, and there would not be enough space for more students even if they were willing to attend schools. Parents did not agree with compulsory school attendance since they saw them as being an invasion of their parental rights, they saw it as being forceful and not letting them make their own decisions for their child and believed this was un-American. As Tyack is viewing compulsory schooling through the lens of political construction, during the 20th century is not considered un-American to have these attendance laws anymore.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s America went thru changes that still affect us today. The defeat of the confederacy led to African Americans freedom from slavery as well as the transformation into an agricultural empire and industrial dominance. American’s faith in progress in the late 1800s and early 1900s was measured by three significant ideas such as, the business and industrial era, the progressive era, and the life of African Americans.

The 1800s to 1820s, America was still in its growing phase; it had gained independence only 25 years prior and was already becoming a great nation filled with proud, hard working men. Arts, architecture, business, and books were all a large part of society. Eighty percent of the population was farmers and the import of slaves to America was banned. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison had each been elected as President, in a government that was beginning to build a nation. “During this decade we were once again at war with England, in the War of 1812” (Sutton, 2008). Colleges were for the privileged, “The cost of education at Harvard was $300 a year” (Sutton, 2008). Slavery was still ramped in America and women had no

This angst lead government officials to invest in education as an attempt to preserve this English and Christian culture for future generations. Initially, education in America began as an entity restricted exclusively for affluent white men. This dogma changed when governing American leaders recognized that in order to preserve and sustain their ideal American culture, including their elevated status, they must disseminate their cultural principles upon the masses. The transmission of culture came in the framework of an education system. According to Perkinson, the first educational policies began as “Revival meetings, free bibles, and tracts that were used to socialize young immigrants into moral, upright, Christian citizens” (Perkinson, pages 12-14).

In addition, native children were taking from the homes and forced, by the government, to attend

Whilst there is still arguably much room for improvement, it is not difficult to infer that the immense speed at which the United States progressed regarding it’s economy, technology, and social structure in the early 20th century is undoubtedly what made it such a successful and pioneering nation, and why, through the influence of social reform, industrialism, and imperialism, it has gone on to become such an influential powerhouse in the modern

The history of migrant education in the United States is not a long one when comparing to the education of others. Children of migrant far workers, fishery workers and factory workers are among the most educationally Disadvantaged in the United States. After Edward R. Murrow’s famous “Harvest of Shame” documentary, in the 1960’s, that vividly showed the scourge of illiteracy that affected many migrant children. Their education was sporadic, 90% of migrant students dropped out of school.

At first it was paid for by the people only, and then eventually by government and taxes. “In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state with compulsory, free public education. By 1883, the year in which FRONTIER HOUSE is set, education was required by law in the Montana Territory, and by 1918, all states had passed laws requiring children to attend elementary school” (Czajka). Before these laws were made, many children did not go to school, mostly the boys. It was important that they stay home to help their family plant and harvest crops on the

America Changed Over Time “It was the best of the times, it was the worst of the times,” wrote Charles Dickens in his classic The Tale of Two Cities” (1). The central idea that america changed over time is developed throughout these two articles by telling information about how America was in different time periods. It talks about how America was in the great depression, the “roaring twenties”, and the 1800’s.

The late 1800s saw many changes that occurred because of rapid industrialization, changes that affect us even today. Before the Civil War, America was just beginning to explore the frontier, develop railroads, and agriculture was just barely starting to become mechanized. The United States was only about half-way through it’s own industrial revolution when the war started, but the effects of industrialization after the war were so great that they are still seen today. One of the biggest consequences of the rapid industrialization in America was the change to a consumer-type economy.

     Since its inception, America as a nation has developed and progressed according to trends of change that collectively define an era. Like all other eras, the time period of 1875-1925 experienced growth, changes, movements, and new ideals. It is the way that these changes came about that defines this era. Americans started to push for changes in many arenas of life that were previously unchallenged. New experiences and opportunities were also presented to America that caused tributaries in the former American ideal. These pressures for change could not be ignored and thus America continued its maturity in a new and unique manner. The changes in the American sphere of life and the development of greater

In 1820, the United States made plans for a large scale system of boarding and day schools Noriega, 377). These schools were given the mission to, "instruct its students in 'letters, labor and mechanical arts, and morals and Christianity;' 'training many Indian leaders'" Noriega, 378). In the case of boarding schools, Native American children would be forcibly stripped from their homes as early as five years old. They would then live sequestered from their families and cultures until the age of seventeen or eighteen (Noriega, 381). <br><br>In 1886, it was decided, by the United States federal government that Native American tribal groups would no longer be treated as 'indigenous national governments.' The decision was made, not by the conjoint efforts of the Native American tribes and Congress; but, by the "powers that be" the United States Legal System. This self-ordained power allowed Congress to pass a variety of other laws, directed towards, assimilating, Native Americans, so that they would become a part of "mainstream white America" (Robbins, 90)<br><br>By this time the United States Government, had been funding over a dozen distinct agencies, to provide mandatory 'education' to all native children aged six through sixteen. Enrollment was enforced through leverage given by the 1887 General Allotment Act, which made Natives dependent on the Government for

My mom’s side of the family arrived in the United States in the late 1800’s. Both of my grandmother and grandfather’s families came to the United States voluntarily. My grandmother’s family came from England. Her grandfather, who came from an affluent family, first arrived in Ellis Island, New York, but later settled in the Maryland Eastern Shore. Similarly, my grandfather’s family settled in the Maryland Eastern Shore after coming from Czech Republic. Though they came voluntarily, they feared the Russians taking over their country so decided to leave. On each side of the family, farming was the main type of work they engaged in. Both sides started attending school in the early 1900’s. At this time it was only common to attend school for a few years because staying at home to attend the farm was more of priority than formal schooling.

A college education has been viewed as the key to the American dream. There are many opinions on the purpose of a college education from obtaining new information, becoming a more well-rounded individual or preparing for the workforce. Originally, the college education was primarily used to become more educated to provide services to society; however, the college education is perceived as an expectation and mandatory in becoming a useful person in society and workforce. The purpose of obtaining a college education to obtain the skills necessary to become a well-rounded individual in society.