America has a rich education history, but what many people don’t know is that centers of learning were among the first major institutions built in the country. Indeed, there are many interesting facts about 18th century US education - and here are a few you wish you had known sooner. Elizabeth Colbourne explains.
Noah Webster, who created textbooks that sold millions of copies.
5 Facts About schooling in 18th Century America
In the 18th century, the most respected establishments were churches, but educational institutions were also places of great influence. At that time, schools were important for spreading religion. Indeed, the Puritans had schools of sorts in the U.S from soon after they arrived, but there was a change in how learning was carried out in the 18th century. With the growth of industry, a growing population, and more pressure for American independence, teaching establishments too had to evolve. Here are 5 facts about schooling in the 18th century US that start to reflect such changes.
1. Before the 18th century, students didn’t have textbooks
As odd as it may sound, modern-style textbooks were not widely used before the 18th century. This meant that, for example, the Boston Latin School, established in 1635 and the first public school in America, did not have many textbooks for a long time after it was founded.
Schooling was disorganized, and the lack of studying material made it very difficult to construct a common curriculum. It is for that reason that teachers at times decided to make their own textbooks.
These books were organized so that the teachers could use them as guidelines on what to talk about in class. One of the most renowned textbook writers in the century was Noah Webster, who wrote textbooks on spelling and grammar. His books became so popular that they eventually sold tens of millions of copies.
2. Thomas Jefferson attempted to make public schools free, but his idea was immediately rejected
Jefferson thought that free education would be the pinnacle of democracy. He knew that freedom depended on courage, moderation, and responsibility, and education would contribute to all these virtues. All told, we can even say that he viewed basic mathematical skills, reading, and writing, as fundamental components in securing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
However, not everyone agreed with the idea. His views were radical and unusual for the time and would have meant that taxpayers pay for education for all children for three years. Ultimately his plans did not succeed. Despite the failure, he still remained dedicated to improving education at all levels in the country.
3. Women could read, but they weren’t taught to write as much
In the 18th century, women were primarily supposed to care about the home, not education. This meant that many trades, skills, and further education were left for the men of the house. This even included writing. Reading, on the other hand, was more widely accepted as something that women could do.
It meant women could get acquainted with events and learn more about religion. They could also use their reading skills to pass knowledge onto their children.
4. Higher education was focused on clergymen at Harvard
Harvard was the first college to be established in the US in 1636. Its predominant purpose was to train priests and teach them about religion.
Some argued that the college was primarily for priests to control how religion would be spread, others believed it was meant to segregate the priests from the rest of the population and so show the true power of the church. Nevertheless, the university was a pinnacle of knowledge and a symbol of higher education.
5. The earliest public library was established in 1731
Benjamin Franklin, together with colleagues, established the public Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731. The institution still stands and is one of the most noteworthy in Philadelphia, with countless manuscripts, books, records, and a rare collection of valuable pieces.
The printed material accumulated over time serves as a crucial component of American historical knowledge. Unusually for the time, the earliest texts were in English, rather than Latin. An interesting aspect about the library in its early days is that you did not have to be a paid member to enter and borrow a book; however, you did have to leave enough money to cover the cost of the book, in case it was not returned. This made learning more accessible to poorer people.
Final Thoughts
Our society is generally proud of the way the schooling system has evolved over the centuries to what it is today; however, a few centuries ago, schools were very different. The education system needed a lot of work and sacrifice to get it to where it is today – and that’s why we shouldn’t forget all the efforts and sacrifices our ancestors made.
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