Question 1

In your opinion, what did Horace Mann mean when he called education the "balance wheel of the social machinery"? Explain how demographic and economic developments affected Mann's ideas.

Accepted Answer

Horace Mann, a prominent 19th-century education reformer, referred to education as the "balance wheel of the social machinery" to emphasize its crucial role in maintaining social stability and progress. Mann believed that education was essential for producing informed and responsible citizens who could contribute to the betterment of society. By providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the democratic process and contribute to the economy, education could help maintain a harmonious and functional society.

Mann's ideas were influenced by the demographic and economic developments of his time. The rapid industrialization and urbanization of the 19th century led to significant social and economic changes, including the rise of a working class that required education to adapt to the new demands of the industrial economy. Additionally, the influx of immigrants from various backgrounds highlighted the need for a common education system to promote social cohesion and assimilation.

Mann advocated for the establishment of public schools that would provide a comprehensive education to all children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. He believed that education could serve as a great equalizer, providing opportunities for social mobility and reducing inequality. Mann's ideas were instrumental in shaping the modern public education system in the United States, emphasizing the importance of education in promoting social progress and equality.

Question 2

How did westward migration impact American nationalism in the early 19th century? How did the natives react to it? Explain why schooling was perceived as a way of solving all the problems caused by migration.

Accepted Answer

The westward migration in the early 19th century had a significant impact on American nationalism. As settlers moved westward, they believed they were fulfilling their manifest destiny to expand across the continent. This sense of purpose and unity in the face of adversity helped to strengthen American nationalism and identity.

However, the westward migration also had a devastating impact on the Native American populations. As settlers encroached on their lands, the natives faced displacement, violence, and loss of their traditional way of life. Many tribes resisted the westward migration, leading to conflicts such as the Trail of Tears and the Black Hawk War. These actions were a direct response to the threat posed by the settlers and their impact on native communities.

Schooling was perceived as a way of solving the problems caused by migration because it was seen as a means of assimilating and civilizing the native populations. The government believed that by providing education to Native American children, they could be integrated into American society and culture, ultimately leading to the dissolution of tribal identities and the acceptance of American nationalism. This approach was part of a larger effort to "Americanize" the native populations and was seen as a solution to the conflicts and tensions arising from westward migration.

In conclusion, the westward migration had a profound impact on American nationalism in the early 19th century, as it both strengthened the sense of national identity among settlers and led to conflicts and displacement for Native American populations. The perception of schooling as a solution to the problems caused by migration reflects the government's efforts to assimilate and integrate native populations into American society, ultimately shaping the course of American history.

Question 3

Orestes Brownson challenged Horace Mann's interpretation of the state's role in protecting social and economic harmony via education. He believed in the right and duty of the local school district to determine "the selection of teachers, the choice of studies and of books . . . all that pertains to the methods of teaching and the matters to be taught or learned . . ." How are both Mann's and Brownson's arguments being employed today in education and over what kinds of issues? How can understanding the past help us understand and act in the present? Where do you stand on federal versus state versus local control of schools?

Accepted Answer

Both Mann's and Brownson's arguments are still being employed today in education, particularly in debates over curriculum, teacher selection, and educational standards. Mann's emphasis on the state's role in protecting social and economic harmony through education can be seen in the implementation of standardized testing, common core standards, and federal funding for education. On the other hand, Brownson's belief in the right and duty of the local school district to determine these aspects of education is reflected in the push for local control over curriculum, school choice initiatives, and the selection of teachers.

Understanding the past can help us understand and act in the present by providing context for current debates and policies in education. By examining the historical arguments of Mann and Brownson, we can better understand the tensions between federal, state, and local control of schools and the implications for educational equity and quality.

As for my stance on federal versus state versus local control of schools, I believe that a balance is necessary. While federal oversight can ensure equity and accountability, state and local control allows for flexibility and responsiveness to the unique needs of communities. Ultimately, the best approach is likely a combination of all three levels of control, with clear guidelines and support from the federal government, autonomy for states to tailor education to their specific needs, and local input and decision-making to ensure that schools reflect the values and priorities of their communities.

Question 4

Analyze the "Irish problem" in terms of 19th century American ideology and political economy and discuss the merits and/or weaknesses of Horace Mann's call for the common schools to solve this "problem." Think about the tensions of the common-school era and compare them to the tensions of today. Do you see any parallels in our contemporary system of education?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Analyze the "Irish problem" in terms of...

Question 5

Clearly, the inadequacy of school facilities, both in terms of educational resources and physical facilities, as well as our social acceptance of these inadequacies, has plagued the American school system since the beginning. On the one hand, we as a society say we value education, yet on the other hand, we as a society fail to demonstrate this "valuing" as illustrated by our tolerance of this historical problem. How can we explain, and address, this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Clearly, the inadequacy of school facilities, both...

Question 6

How do the physical, environmental, and resource-related challenges of schools in Mann's time parallel the challenges schools, teachers, and students experience today, particularly in urban or low-income schools?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do the physical, environmental, and resource-related...

Question 7

What is the human capital theory, and why is it significant to understanding this chapter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the human capital theory, and...

Question 8

Horace Mann saw the teacher's role as that of an exemplar of moral behavior and went so far as to suggest that teachers should prevent violations of moral law by inculcating a moral state of mind in their students. How responsible do you think teachers today can and should be with their students, especially those thought of as coming from "at risk" backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Horace Mann saw the teacher's role as...

Question 9

The idea of educating the "citizen" was central to Horace Mann's educational ideals. Discuss Mann's concept of the "citizen" and show how it was reflected in his educational proposals.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The idea of educating the "citizen" was...

Question 10

The commitment to public schooling in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was driven in part by

Accepted Answer

The commitment to public schooling in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was influenced by a combination of factors, including religious, economic, and legal views of the public good. The Puritans believed in the importance of literacy for reading the Bible, which reflects the religious view. Economically, an educated populace was seen as beneficial for the community's prosperity. Legally, the establishment of schools was supported by laws such as the Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647, which mandated towns of a certain size to provide education to prevent Satan from keeping people from the Scriptures.

Question 11

To the early settlers, literacy was important because

Accepted Answer

Literacy was seen as a tool to combat Satan's influence, as the early settlers believed that being able to read the Bible and understand religious texts was crucial in resisting Satan's attempts to recruit followers among those who were uneducated.

Question 12

In the 1830s, public schools were characterized by

Accepted Answer

In the 1830s, public schools often faced issues such as poor infrastructure, including dilapidated buildings, due to limited funding and resources.

Question 13

Which of the following did Horace Mann support during his career in the Massachusetts legislature?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following did Horace Mann...

Question 14

School was viewed as a vehicle for building nationalistic spirit because

Accepted Answer

Schools were seen as a means to foster a sense of national identity and unity by addressing the challenges and changes brought about by westward migration, the influx of immigrants, and local loyalties, all of which influenced American nationalism.

Question 15

Which of the following beliefs of Horace Mann did Orestes Brownson criticize?

Accepted Answer

Orestes Brownson criticized Horace Mann for promoting secularism in education, arguing that Mann's push for non-sectarian public schools removed religious instruction from education, which Brownson believed was essential.

Question 16

As president of the Antioch College in Ohio, one of Mann's prime concerns was

Accepted Answer

Horace Mann, as president of Antioch College, was a pioneering advocate for the higher education of women, making it a significant focus of his tenure.

Question 17

The influx of Irish immigrants, as a group, was considered problematic because

Accepted Answer

The influx of Irish immigrants was considered problematic primarily because they were often uneducated and unskilled, and they were predominantly Catholic, which set them apart in a predominantly Protestant society.

Question 18

Which of the following is true of the "common elements" of the common school advocated by Mann?

Accepted Answer

Horace Mann advocated for a non-sectarian, universal education system, which he believed should be free from specific religious indoctrination to accommodate all children regardless of their religious backgrounds. However, the inclusion of the Bible and certain Protestant practices in schools, seen as part of the "common elements" of education, was opposed by Irish Catholics. They saw these practices as promoting a Protestant worldview, which led to conflicts over the nature of public education.

Question 19

John Stuart Mill stated that "Education provided by the public must be education for all." This statement suggests that

Accepted Answer

The answer of John Stuart Mill stated that "Education provided...

Question 20

The rise of Catholic schools in the United States can be seen as a response to

Accepted Answer

The rise of Catholic schools in the United States was significantly influenced by the anti-Catholic sentiments prevalent among supporters of the common school movement. Catholics sought to create their own educational institutions to provide a safe environment for their children, free from discrimination and to ensure religious teachings aligned with their beliefs.

Quiz 3: School As a Public Institution: The Common-School ERA