The study of military history has been in decline for decades. In the words of Victor Davis Hanson, “This state of affairs is profoundly troubling, for democratic citizenship requires knowledge of war. The degree classes have deprecated military history, even as they are largely the demographic that has adjudicated when and where the United States goes to war,” to the detriment of American students and American military strategy.
This steep decline reflects a foolhardy devaluation of the study of military history and strategy in American higher education. Hillsdale College stands against this trend and is poised to restore the study of military history and strategy to its rightful place in a liberal arts education.
Through the study of military history and strategy, the Center will prepare students on campus and citizens throughout the country for the task of self-government in matters of national security and military affairs. Hillsdale’s concern to prepare citizens to lead in war and diplomacy reflects the College’s distinctive attention to the American founding documents.
When Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution assigns to Congress “the power…to pay debts and provide for the common Defence… of the United States,” it recognizes two truths: war is costly, and the citizen body ultimately pays its price. In a free society, warfare is therefore the responsibility of the citizens.
Hillsdale College offers a unique program in military history and strategy—global in understanding and direction. The College maintains a long tradition of military service among its students and alumni. During the Civil War, more than 400 students enlisted and fought for the Union, a higher percentage of students, in fact, than from any other American college. World War II again depleted the campus of men, as students once again rose to defend the cause of freedom. Hillsdale students and alumni have answered the call to serve their country.
Hillsdale College’s founding Articles of Association acknowledge that “sound learning” is required to preserve “the inestimable blessings resulting from the prevalence of civil and religious liberty.” Threats to liberty, self-government, and the rule of law are ever-present in the world today. By providing an education in the study of war and strategy, Hillsdale strives to prepare undergraduates and educate the public to defend and preserve those “inestimable blessings” of liberty in a world that continues to ignore the lessons of the past.