Preparedness for Democracy. The tragedy of 1917 was the unpreparedness for war. The civic tragedy of the near future is to be the unpreparedness for democracy. . . . The schools achieved much, but they did it despite the crude support of the public. The schools were a melting pot without any treatment for preparedness for Americanization. . . .
Educational preparedness requires many war modifications. . . .
The history of this war, its causes and horrors, the grit of Belgium, the heroism of France, the stability and nobility of England, the pluck of Italy, and the ultimate glory of America. The schools must preserve the spirit and the truth of this war. The schools must distinguish between the treachery, butchery, and debauchery of war for autocratic ambition and the peerless sacrifices of life and treasure to protect, promote, and magnify democracy. They will pay it gladly if they know the truth. But they will groan and growl, if they are made to believe that it is merely the cost of war. . . .