Educating Citizens: George Washington's Proposals for National Education

摘要

During his prominent years of public service, George Washington continually advocated two national institutions of higher education. The first, a military academy, came to fruition in 1802 under Thomas Jefferson. The second, a national university, faltered after Washington left the presidency, and has continued in perpetual debate, even up to the beginning of the Twentieth Century. This paper seeks to reveal, by examination primarily of Washington's correspondence and addresses, the true nature of his conceptions of these two institutions. From this assessment, it is clear that he envisioned both institutions as performing separate functions. The first was to provide the young nation with capable officers, forming the basis of a proficient defense establishment. The second was intended to create competent and knowledgeable citizens for republican government. Despite such differences, both institutions converge in the larger aim of educating citizens and providing for a prosperous and lasting Union. In addition to an examination of Washington's models for these institutions, this paper examines why his proposals failed during his time of public service, and what developed in their place. A brief comparison of Washington's model of a military academy differs in many ways from the academy founded by Jefferson. While the military academies have arguably become more 'Washingtonian' in nature over the years, they would do well, in an era of a controversial 'gap' between the military and society, to emphasize Washington's legacy to the military-in a republic, the military must first be citizens, and then soldiers.