Conclusion

As the young United States began to develop, it is interesting to explore how the foundations of the education system reflected Revolutionary values and ideas. Education is much more complex than basic subjects, but rather a complication of beliefs and traditions within the American identity. 

Because the United States had gained independence from Great Britain, the formation of educational institutions often reflected motives for freedom and liberty. Leadership was a common quality taught to young men, using George Washington’s persona as an example. The education system established traditional gender roles, portraying the differences in purposes between education for men and women. The roles of men and women in the Revolutionary War reflected the education each demographic received. 

Religion was also a significant aspect of education. Division over whether church belonged in the school system arose. Many churches urged children to attend religious institutions where literature was taught through Biblical readings. Other interpretations of this issue believed that religion should not be merged with school, rather it conformed students to single mindedness. Because different regions of the United States contained different perspectives of religion, the role of religion in education varied within America. 

Education’s main purpose was to prepare rich white men to be active representative citizens in a republic. As a result, this limited African-American’s access to education. Free slaves in the north had better opportunities for an education, learning literacy and how to be a citizen. However, in the south, education for slaves was extremely limited as plantation owners feared ownership of educated slaves. Women also struggled to gain quality education as America viewed their role as domestic caregivers for their sons.

As education evolved throughout the United States, so did perspectives on the values and beliefs within the system. Purposes of education have adapted to the American identity. Access to education for different demographics is still not equal, but has improved since the beginning. As we look at current education, it is important that we understand interpretations of the previous system and how the foundations of the United States influenced the development of American education.