Colonial Education

Throughout the early pages of North American History there have been three common denominators which constitute for the philosophical agendas found in our initial colonial school system. It is vital to understand the religious nature of the colonization process, the philosophical and historical concepts of colonization, as well as the assimilation concept practiced in exploiting the cultural differences found in the early schools. These three elements will assist you in seizing the nature and purpose of early colonial education in the United States.

First, in studying American history we can observe that “religion” dominated the social and academic scene early in the emancipation and development of this country’s history. For it was for this reason that America’s forefathers were inspired to organize and establish a “God we Trust” mentality in our social, economic, political, and academic arenas. Even though religion played an important role in the birth of this country, it took many years for it to reach the academic setting. Research has found that colonial schools were not at the center of this country’s agenda, but rather later became a social solution to imparting, instilling, educating, and framing the new social, political, and religious orders which dominated the cultural scene. Teachers mastered the art of Christian recitals, math, reading, and writing, and of course Greek and Latin literature, for these were the fundamental focuses of the early colonial curriculum. Framing the blueprint of early American settlement, and building the pillars which would institutionalize American principles was not easy, but became vital in the development of our religious and educational identity.

Secondly, “colonization” can be defined as one nation or territory taking control of another nation or territory by use of force or acquisition. In the case of the “New World”, we have learned that this immense embodiment of land was inundated with thousands of Europeans who left their homeland in order to seek out their religious freedoms, and embed a new wave of cultural traits which was absent in the social and cultural stratum. During this time, war became inevitable and millions died at the hands of this vast migration. It was evident that the Europeans had one goal in mind and that was to subdue, conquer, and settle. Inspired by the new opportunities of enculturating the natives, these early settlers began to practice Ethnocentrism. This new concept of enculturation (Anglo Protestant) was prominently practiced in the Western World, but forced its way onto the New World scene early in the development of colonial schools and the education of the populace. By negating the natural born settlers of their rights, and controlling the cultural scene of immigration the Europeans were promised a secure place in American history.

Thirdly, “assimilation” now ruled the educational panorama and path the way for all cultural paradigms and stereotypes which are evident in today’s society. Native and future settlers were forced to undergo a denaturalization process which questioned their own identity, abilities, and confidence. This imparting of Western traits and customs purposely formed the Anglo Protestant concepts which governed much of the social and educational arenas. Learning how to isolate the natives and rap them of their belief systems promised the Europeans dominance. By controlling what was read and taught in the colonial schools, these early settlers learned that there was a more “cost effective” method of subduing the early natives and immigrants. Mental control became the dominant force which shadowed the physical dominance of war in the educational system, as well as the battle field. By implementing a central database for information the early settlers knew that their power was inevitable, and that colonial schools were the answer to that power.

In conclusion, it is evident that our nation and school systems have undergone tremendous evolutionary and cultural changes. In exploring and exposing the cultural philosophical undertones which path the way to the Euro-American mentality found in the early school setting is vital in understanding history, and not a story. One cannot subtract the evidence of Ethnocentrism which flourished in the early conception of this country and later found its way into American classrooms. Colonial education eventually improved, but it was evident that its sole purpose was to educate, to assimilate, conquer, and subdue the natives and future settlers who would someday become the greatest pioneers in cultural development and educational vibrancy.