ABSTRACT
On January 1, 1901, Americans enthusiastically greeted the 20th century, pro claiming it a time of dramatic transformation. Although some of their predic tions proved to be far-fetched, the general sentiment was well founded. From the standpoint of social change, the opening decades of the new era were among the most momentous in American history. It was a time of tremendous eco nomic development and widespread reform. The modern urban civilization that came to characterize the 20th-century United States burst decisively into view, bringing with it a host of new social questions. It was then that many ele ments of today's public institutions and policies were established, including the modern school system.
