How Abraham Lincoln Changed Higher Education in America

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In 1862, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, signed the Morrill Act. The act was sponsored by Vermont Congressman Justin Morrill and enabled states to establish public colleges funded by the sale or development of federal lands. This act created the first federal aid available to higher education. It was a landmark piece of legislation because it acknowledged the government's obligation to provide an education for its citizens. The colleges it founded were set to provide practical, accessible, and affordable college education to average Americans who had previously lacked access to higher education. Before this legislation was implemented, higher education was primarily something only the wealthy could afford. Once these funds were distributed, the states began to form colleges that focused on agriculture, mechanics, science, and other practical skills. Farmers and working people now had access to higher education. Education became a means of opportunity for Americans, and the establishment of these universities ushered in the American Industrial Revolution.

Why did it matter?

The Morrill Act of 1862 facilitated the creation of 69 universities across the United States. These colleges were unique because they were dedicated to Agricultural and Mechanical disciplines. After the creation of these institutions, the country saw significant advances in agriculture, engineering, and science. Farmers saw an increase in crop yields and farming efficiency. Engineering progress led to the standardization of mechanical arts. America now had the engineers it needed for major projects such as the construction of the U.S. railroad network. Research labs from these universities fueled the American Industrial Revolution, changing the way things were done in almost every industry. The initial act of 1862 excluded the rebelling Southern states from receiving this funding. These new public universities were mostly inaccessible to African Americans until a second Morrill Act was passed in 1890. This established funding for Black colleges such as Tuskegee University and Florida A&M University. These laws greatly expanded educational equity, something Americans continue to champion today. 

Why does it still matter today?

The Morrill Act reminds us that all Americans should be engaged in educating our citizens. Educational freedom is a core value in our nation. For our nation to thrive, we need citizens who can work, build, think critically, and care for themselves. Proverbs 10:4 teaches, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” When citizens lack proper training, they struggle to work diligently. Those who are confident in the skills the Lord has gifted them are best able to contribute to society as a whole. Education should produce capable people under God, not dependent subjects that are bound by political agendas and bureaucracy. The Merril Act set the precedent in our nation that Higher Education should be an accessible part of American society. Higher Education needs to remain obtainable for Americans. Even while we see our nation experience rising costs, lawmakers must continue the tradition of creating equitable paths for all Americans to gain the practical skills they need to earn a living wage. Additionally, higher education must remain reachable so our nation can continue to make technological advancements that keep it relevant in our fast-changing global economy.

The reality is that the American public education system faces many complex challenges. Limiting citizens to one path by which students can receive an education due to prohibitive cost or through laws that limit educational choice would hold many back from receiving the practical, meaningful, and dynamic education required for students to thrive. Before the Merril Act, only the economically elite could access the opportunities that a quality education offered. This legislation’s passage signaled the broadening of opportunity to the American public. As our society shifts, we must continue to protect educational freedom so our citizens have optimal access to a meaningful education.

Families should be allowed to think critically and carefully, as those who are most investing in the success of their offspring, about how to best equip their children for our modern world. Resources should be offered that create options for families when choosing how to provide a quality education for their children. Creative solutions need to be tested and implemented by lawmakers to ensure that Americans continue to have access to the American Dream and are equipped so they can become part of a thriving society.

Proverbs 18:15 states, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” The Bible teaches that it is wise to acquire knowledge. God created our world to be discovered. He uses our creative problem-solving abilities to push back the darkness that is prevalent in our world. Lincoln and those who passed this bill understood the value of creating opportunities for society to acquire knowledge. They knew that as we learn about God’s world, we also are learning about Him and are better able to serve our communities. Americans must continue to bravely champion educational freedom and accessibility for the modern age.

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Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is encouraging others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for Your Nightly Prayer, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, Your Daily Prayer, and more. She has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com, Biblestudytools.com, and Christianity.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas, alongside her husband’s companion devotional, Shepherd. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.