America's founders believed civic education and historical knowledge would prevent tyranny – and foster democracy
- Written by Maurizio Valsania, Professor of American History, Università di Torino
The founders believed education was crucial to democracy. Here, a one-room schoolhouse in Breathitt County, Ky.Photograph by Marion Post Wolcott/Library of CongressThe majority of Americans today are anxious; they believe their democracy is under threat.
In fact, democracies deteriorate easily. As was feared since the times of Greek philosopher...