David McCullough is an award winning author, historian and has even had his hand in television and movies. Unlike most historians of the day, when he conducts research he emerges himself as if he were the subject himself. Subsequently, his methods have created a very successful writing career since the late 1960s. In short, nearly all of his works have been praised by the public and two of his major works, biographies of John Adams and Harry Truman earned a Pulitzer, two National Book Awards along with two Francis Park Prizes. One of his works, The Course of Human Events, was a lecture he wrote when he achieved the honor of speaking at the Jefferson Lecture. In sum, the work details of the importance of history and education. After an introduction about the honor it is to be presenting at the Jefferson Lecture, McCullough first shifts his attention to the darkest memory he possesses. He recalls when Hitler’s seemingly unstoppable army had basically reached the coast of America and the havoc it reeked on the people. Proceeding a short, but important excerpt dealing with power of human hope or spirit; the focus is shifted to Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence. Ironically, McCullough explains, the popular painting seen by virtually every American never even occurred. Next, the work focuses directly on the main idea and theme of how powerful, influential and vital education is. McCullough begins by going in-depth with a few of the founding fathers and discusses their
Joseph J. Ellis is an American author and historian whose main focus is a chronicle on the lives of the Founding Fathers. Other than the Pulitzer Prize Winner Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, Ellis has also written eight other books, the newest of which was written in 2015. In the preface of the book, Ellis addresses his reasoning for writing about the Founding Fathers, saying, “In my opinion, the central events and achievements of the revolutionary era and the early republic were political. These events and achievements are historically significant because they shaped the subsequent history of the United States, including our own time.” (13). Ellis believes that knowing the foundation of our past is important for our society to be able to move forward. Part of his work is to establish how the past has affected our current nation, and the other part is to separate rumors from facts when it comes to certain historical events.
When it comes to the world stage of historical education and educators, Jackson Lears would be considered a major player because of his prowess and overall skill as a historian. As a matter of fact, Jackson Lears is a well-renowned writer and historian in the United States of America and has extended many ties from himself to prestigious colleges and writing organizations across the United States. Lears has quite the record for his education, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia, his Master’s from North Carolina, and his Ph.D. from Yale. He’s held a teaching position at Rutgers University as a professor of history since
Even though the Declaration of Independence does not mention education, our founding fathers did value education. Illustrated by the ordinances they passed “in 1785 and 1787 that granted federal lands to states to create and support public school- an institution that the nation’s founders viewed as essential to democracy and national unification.” (Jennings, p3) In 1959, the admission of Alaska and Hawaii into the Union reconfirmed the Federal government’s support of education. Three distinct elements that impact education are; laws that have been passed, the removal of the church from public schools, and the role of federal government that has evolved and changed over the years. These three factors have transformed education over the
Education has come a long way evolving from wealthy families teaching their children at home to public schools where every race, religion, and status gets an education. Along the way there have been key people and events which shaped the way education plays a part in all our lives. The following paper will expound on a few of those cases. The four people and events contributing to the basis of this paper are Thomas Jefferson, Horace Mann, John Dewey, and the court case of Brown vs. Brown.
First and foremost, the American Educational System has received numerous advocates offering crucial inputs on education from centuries ago up to the present time. Even so, with focus, shining on past advocates, three well-known men who are still receiving constant acknowledgment for their ideas and contributions regarding the system. Notably, Dewey, Man, and Jefferson all share major impacts, alike and unlike, resulting in significant effects on the American Educational System.
The conclusion of the War of 1812 made two major positive impacts on America. The first was that it brought true independence for American’s. The painting by John Krimmel (Doc C) clearly depicts Americans enjoying Fourth of July festivities. This is post war in 1819, and shows that Americans are happy and proud to have regained their independence. This shows the positive feelings Americans had towards this new era because they had a fresh start with new opportunities (Doc C). The second impact was that the victory of the war gave America more confidence. They now had
David McCullough is a well experienced Author with titles such as John Adams, Truman, The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, The Path between the Seas,
America has shown over the course of history that we will work together to achieve a common goal. In the majestic and captivating George Washington Crosses the Delaware completed by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, we see how the boats full of men are headed into the light from the darkness, along with seeing the flag as a beacon of light. (11) Leutze uses logos in his painting by giving us a factual event even if it is modified to showcase his point. The viewers
The sole characteristic that defines the United States of America happens to be the unity that stemmed from a plethora of differences. Despite all odds, this country has not yet been reduced to shambles, continuing to survive on the strings that connect the population together. Paintings and other artistic forms prove the ability of this country to unite through the highlighting of tendencies after disastrous occurrences and a national pride that cannot exhibit weakness to other nations.
The light radiating from the American flag represents America being a beacon of hope and freedom (Leutze). This creates a feeling of pride in the observer of the painting. George Washington Crossing the Delaware illustrates the unity and hopefulness of the American people, even in times of struggle. In her article A Quilt of a Country, Anna Quindlen states that “Terrorism has led to… unity.” By mentioning terrorism, Quindlen taps into people’s emotions, and then goes on to talk about unity which instills a feeling of hope for the future. The Quilt shows that even though it can be divided, in times of need, Americans will come together. Hope and freedom will always prevail against the forces that attempt to divide this
“O Captain! my Captain! Our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won.” Walt Whitman, an American essayist, poet, and journalist, illustrates Abraham Lincoln’s accomplishment of saving the Union, and he captures the variety of emotions that it provoked. Still, Lincoln is remembered as a legend, and his political endeavors are highly emphasized in American history. Although the vast majority of people agree that Lincoln was, indeed, a heroic man, some question the importance of his undertakings. Lincoln’s actions, such as continuing with the presidential election, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivering the Gettysburg Address, are what make him a legend.
Outlining the powers of the President of the institution to improve education, as well as calling attention to the importance of literature. These key features would lead to Massachusetts becoming one of the forefronts of education in the world.
Joseph J. Ellis was born on July 18, 1943; he continued to excel in school all the way through college, when he received his B.A. from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. In 1969, Ellis had earned both his Masters Degree and PhD from Yale University, yet went on to teach U.S. History at West Point. Currently, Ellis teaches at the University of Massachusetts where he inspires many students to pursue careers in historical studies; however, most of Ellis’ impact on the world comes from his writing. Based on his eight books, one can infer that Joseph J. Ellis has a passion for American history and the leaders that played a role to form it.
While it is not until his final chapter “Young People: Improving the Odds” that we read Edelman’s thoughts on American education at length, I argue that the theme of education is one that motivates Edelman’s writing.
Since the establishment of America’s first schools, the American people have disagreed not only about what the purpose of school is, but also about what schools should teach. Initially schools were supposed to “prepare men to vote intelligently and prepare women to train their sons properly. Moral training based on the Protestant Bible would produce virtuous, well-behaved citizens [who knew not only] the three R’s but [also] the general principles of law, commerce, money, and government” (Kaestle, 1983, p. 5). During the 1780’s educational theorists began calling for reform and in 1785 Massachusetts law