5: The Chicago Connection: Dewey, Addams, Schwab, and Jackson

Approached narratively, this historical research chronicles the experiences and contributions of four well-known Chicago educational leaders: John Dewey, Jane Addams, Joseph J. Schwab, and Philip W. Jackson. This chapter positions them in a background of time, place, and interactions, and explores their overall impact on the field of education. As a backdrop, Chicago has long been a wellspring of industry, innovation, education, and the arts. After adjusting to its rapidly increasing immigrant and migrant populations, it became one of America’s leading metropolises, with the university bearing the name—the University of Chicago—being one of the world’s most respected universities, particularly where liberal education is concerned.