Part 1

Public education played a huge part in the quickly changing early United States. In the early days of the country and in the days of the thirteen colonies, education was not a widespread practice. There were very few schools and education was not seen as important to most people living there at the time. The economy was based around agriculture, and as such farmers did not see the need in educating the youth in anything other than agriculture. The schools that did exist, were small and funded by individual towns. The education provided in these schools was short and very basic. Today we would consider these schools as preschools.

   

Thomas Jefferson

           Public education unified the United States in many ways. People like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Rush was the importance of education, particularly in educating the youth of America. On page 13 of the textbook the author says “They argued that the survival of the young republic depended upon educated citizens who could understand public issues, who would elect virtuous leaders, and who would sustain the delicate balance between liberty and order in the new political system.” Political leaders argued that for the country to survive the people needed to understand as much as possible. Educated citizens who could partake in the forward progression of the country were essential, and free public education would provide the foundation upon well rounded citizens. As citizens began to expand out to the Western parts of the United States, many originating from the Northeast, they brought with them the desire for their children to be educated. These settlers knew the importance of education. However, as these new schools began to form in the west an underlying issue of who would teach the children became a large issue. Catherine Beecher promoted female teachers and created colleges to educate women in how to teach, essentially the first widespread teaching colleges. These female teachers taught lessons around literacy, general discipline similar to what the children received at home, and national ideas. National ideas being taught across the country laid the groundwork for a country whose citizens are united under similar ideals. 

Catherine Beecher

              While the public education system established a new form of educating the country, it was not perfect. Two large problems quickly came to the surface. The issues of religious freedoms and racism were apparent across the country. In New York City for example, Irish Catholics were being forced to learn from Protestant teachings, bible verses, and morals. Irish citizens banded together in an attempt to gain public funds for their own schools. Catholics were not comfortable with their children being turned against the religion of their families. Catholic protests lead for Jewish and Presbyterian leaders to stand up against the New York Public School Society and ask for their own public funds to create schools dedicated to their religions as well. Racism was also apparent in the early public-school systems. In many cases, if black children were allowed to attend public school at all they were limited to very few schools. Public schools at this time were segregated based on color. Fredrick Douglas wrote “The point we must aim at is to obtain admission for our children to the nearest school-house, and the best school-house in their own neighborhood.” Sarah Roberts was assigned to the Smith School. Sarah’s father, Benjamin Roberts, attempted several times unsuccessfully to enroll Sarah in several schools that were closer to their home. Sarah had to walk past five schools before arriving at the Smith School. 

Fredrick Douglas

              School has shaped and defined the lives of children of the United States as long as the country has been alive. Through years of hard work and determination, and with help from political leaders and the Supreme Court, schools now are inclusive to everyone regardless of their religion, gender, race, or creed. Thomas Jefferson’s dream of a well-educated society has been achieved across the country. Public education is not perfect, but it has been continually improved throughout the nation’s history. Personally, education has opened my mind and my life to be the best person I can be, for my family and for my country.