This Day The Death Of The DOE (1868)
Jul 10, 2025
On July 10, 1868, the federal government dismantled the Department of Education, a decision rooted in post-Civil War challenges. The hosts delve into why federal education promotion was crucial during Reconstruction and draw parallels to current debates on the department's relevance. They also discuss how education is tied to democratic ideals and the complex dynamics of race and access in that era. Listeners gain insight into how historical resistance shapes modern educational policies and the ongoing struggle against inequality.
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Education Shapes Citizenship
- Education was tied to citizenship and democracy in early American history.
- It was used both as a tool to prepare voters and to assimilate immigrants into 'good Americans.'
Reconstruction's Education Drive
- Education during Reconstruction aimed to integrate Black and white children and fight widespread illiteracy.
- It was funded and pushed by Northern efforts like the Freedmen's Bureau to empower formerly enslaved people.
Education as Postwar Stabilizer
- Literacy and education were seen as key to political stability and ending rebellion.
- Education was hoped to transform both Black and white Southerners into citizens supporting the reunited nation.