Revolutionary Era Education

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Before the Revolutionary War, colonists were subjected to the cultural norms and values of Great Britain. When independence was finally declared, the colonists set out to create a nation with new American values and culture. Revolutionary era intellectuals attempted to create a new American culture by defining the foundations of a great republican nation, stressing the need for a national language, and outlining the basis of a republican education system. Cultural views in the 21st century still value some of the core values of the revolutionary era intellectuals, but most values have been forgotten throughout history. The foundations for a republican nation aimed to create citizens that contribute to the government and uphold republican values …show more content…

The new education system proposed, wanted to teach the pupils to have a supreme regard for their country. In Thoughts upon the Mode of Education Proper in a Republic, Benjamin Rush states, “Let our pupil be taught that he does not belong to himself, but that he is public property” (Kornfield, Pg. 112). Each citizen would be taught to value his family, but if the need ever arose, he would willingly leave them to protect his country. Citizens will value their own life, family, and friends, but his loyalty is for the government. The educational system also aimed to produce well educated citizens, who were knowledgeable in multiple subjects. Citizens would be taught agriculture, language, chemistry, mathematics, political science, history, and exercise. Revolutionary era intellectuals believed that these subjects would install the values of industry, frugality, government, and physical health into the citizens. A nation with the values outlined in the republican education system would create a society consisting of hard working, well educated, and involved …show more content…

In present day America, citizens are voting at a historically low rate. In the 2016 Presidential election, 60% of 232 million voters participated. Comparing voter participation in 2016 to the 1876 Presidential election with 83% voter participation, it’s clear that many citizens are not putting effort into the government. Even worse, in the 21st century, many citizens no longer practice industry, frugality, moderation, or temperance. Citizens now practice luxury, indulgence, and faction; the vices that are known for destroying republican governments. One value that the United States government has stood by is universal justice. The United States is known as the “World’s Police Force” because it is very involved in foreign affairs and making sure that all humans have basic human rights and justice. Individual efforts in government affairs and upholding republican values are no longer a foundation in the nation, the United States continues to strive for universal

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