Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Definition

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a significant piece of legislation that established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and set forth the process for admitting new states to the Union. This ordinance was crucial in laying the groundwork for public education in America by promoting education as a fundamental right and establishing land grants for schools within the newly formed states, reflecting the importance of education in American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Northwest Ordinance established that religion, morality, and knowledge were necessary for good government and happiness, emphasizing the importance of education.
2. It provided for the reservation of one section of land in each township for the support of public schools, highlighting early federal support for education.
3. The ordinance prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory, setting a precedent for future states regarding their stance on slavery.
4. It created a structured process for territories to transition into states, which included requirements for population and governance.
5. The Northwest Ordinance is often seen as a foundational step in creating an organized and equitable method for westward expansion in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 shape the future of public education in the newly formed states?
  • The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 significantly influenced public education by establishing a commitment to educational funding within the Northwest Territory. By reserving land for schools and emphasizing that knowledge was essential for good governance, it laid a framework for education as a right rather than a privilege. This commitment set an important precedent that would carry forward into future state constitutions, leading to a nationwide recognition of public education's role in society.
• Discuss the implications of the Northwest Ordinance's provisions against slavery on the development of new states in America.
  • The prohibition of slavery in the Northwest Territory through the Northwest Ordinance had far-reaching implications on America's socio-political landscape. It established a clear demarcation between free and slave states during a critical period in U.S. history. This decision not only shaped the social dynamics within those new states but also fueled tensions between North and South, ultimately contributing to conflicts leading up to the Civil War.
• Evaluate how the principles outlined in the Northwest Ordinance contributed to American identity regarding westward expansion and education.
  • The principles outlined in the Northwest Ordinance played a pivotal role in shaping American identity during westward expansion by embedding values of democracy, equality, and education into the fabric of new states. The ordinance's commitment to public education demonstrated a national belief that informed citizens were essential to democracy, reflecting broader Enlightenment ideals. As settlers moved westward, these principles fostered an image of America as a land where opportunity and learning were accessible to all, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose among diverse populations striving towards common goals.

Related terms

Public Land Survey System: A method established to survey and divide public land in the United States, which facilitated the sale and settlement of land in the Northwest Territory.

Territorial Government: The form of government established to manage newly acquired territories before they achieved statehood, which included provisions for governance and rights of settlers.

Land Grant Colleges: Institutions of higher education that were created with federal land grants under the Morrill Acts, which aimed to promote agricultural and technical education.