Is democracy in peril? This electrifying 1845 call to action by Catharine Beecher, renowned educator and sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe, argued that the fate of our nation hinges on the education of its youth. The author uses the horrifying example of the French Reign of Terror to illustrate the dangers of an uneducated citizenry, and then she lays bare the shocking reality of America's own educational shortcomings. The document's insights into the perils of an unschooled populace, the dire situation of America's schools, and the imperative role of women in addressing this national crisis make it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of American democracy. You'll gain a powerful perspective on the ongoing struggles for public education, the importance of moral instruction, and the vital contributions women can make to building a better future.

You'll also come away with a much better sense of what has changed in American life and what has not. Much of this will seem strikingly familiar, yet much of it will seem alien. An important opportunity to ground yourself in a deeper understanding.