Interest in Higher Education

Definition

During the time period between 1844 and 1877, there was a growing desire among Americans to pursue higher education beyond basic schooling. This interest in higher education was driven by various factors such as social mobility, economic opportunities, and the belief that education could improve one's status in society.

Related terms

Common School Movement: This movement aimed to provide free public education for all children regardless of their social or economic background.

Transcendentalism: Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement that emphasized individualism, self-reliance, and the importance of intuition over reason.

Morrill Land-Grant Act: This act passed in 1862 provided federal lands to states for the establishment of colleges focused on agricultural and mechanical arts, which ultimately increased access to higher education.