The 19^th century German model of higher education, with its emphasis on the unity of teaching and research and graduate education, was the model emulated by several of what were to become the most prestigious universities in the US. The German model has its origins in the philosophy of the German Wilhelm von Humboldt. This university model played a significant role in the economic ascendance of Germany in the late 1800s, and was a precursor to the development of outside agency funded large-scale university research. This model of research, combined with the extreme level of faculty independence, also played a role in the rise of German militarism in the 20^th century. Finally, the German university system, based on the Humboldtian model, illustrates the difficulty of attempting to both maintain elite research universities and allowing mass access. The influence on higher education in the US and the lessons to be learnt from the German university system are valid reasons for learning more about Wilhelm von Humboldt and his university model.

As one German professor's discussion with a colleague reveals, few in the US recognize the name of Wilhelm von Humboldt, even among those familiar with the historical background of higher education in the US:

Ten or so years ago, in a conversation with a colleague in New York whose specialty was philosophy of education, I mentioned Wilhelm von Humboldt. The name was obviously new to him and he asked, Who was this man? When did he live? These questions astonished me—until I realized that Wilhelm von Humboldt is virtually unknown as an educationalist in the English-speaking world. I explained that he lived from 1767 until 1835, and that, in the German-speaking regions, his role can be compared to that of John Dewey in the US.

This lack of knowledge about Humboldt is astonishing given that it is the philosophy of Wilhelm von Humboldt upon which much of the modern university system of Germany is based, and to a great extent, emulated by many of the best universities in the US.

higher education, German militarism, German university system, Humboldtian model, universities, modern university system, Humboldt's philosophy, employment, professors, students, Humboldt's Unity, Research, Teaching, English and Scottish universities, Philosophy and Development.