The International Schools of the European Community: Cause or Consequence of European Unity

Abstract

Education has played a vital role in the development of Europe as we know it today, and this is particularly true of the development and extension of nationalism during and following the eighteenth century. The very fluid sense of belonging which the seventeenth century European experienced had gradually solidified into national molds, cemented by certain common features. The educational systems, both formal and informal, incorporated these national features into their curricula, thus establishing permanent divisions among the various European states.

Today, many responsible European and American statesmen are attempting to lower - if not to remove· - these national barriers. The economic and political costs of international rivalry are too great. Between 1870 and 1950 Europe's share of the total manufactured products of the world dropped from 70 per cent to less than 35 per cent.1 Conversely, the United States had during this time risen to first place, and her success could be attributed largely to the unrestricted economic movement among her states.