A Study Of British University Development And Government Relations - 1836-1945

The relationship between universities and government has always been an important research topic in the field of world higher education history.Taking the relationship between England university development and government as the main line,this paper probes into the historical evolution of the relationship between universities and government in England in the short 110 years from the establishment of University of London in 1836 to the end of the Second World War in 1945.Using the approaches of documentary and historical approach,this study follows the rules of historical development,and expounds the evolution of the relationship between different types of universities development and government in England during1936-1945.It found that since the 19 th century,the relationship between the two Classical Universities— Oxford & Cambridge and British government is from estrangement to closeness.The universities hope for autonomy,but they can not be separated from the government's funds and support.Therefore,Oxford and Cambridge had been reformed three times to adjust their relationship with the government in order to meet the needs of development.After the 19 th century,a variety of factors such as politics,economy and society boost the establishment of the University of London,it is a new type of education institution for adapting to the social demands.It is also a compromised product of the government for easing the contradiction between University College London and King's College.The University of London has formed a governance model in which the government and the council manage the university together,so it eventually became an institution serving the country and the government.In the middle of the19 th century,a large number of emerging industrial cities rose rapidly in the industrial revolution.The rapid development of economy and industry put forward new requirements for higher education.Therefore,Regional City Universities stepped on the stage of history.These universities had been actively serving the local economic and industrial development,and had received strong support and funds from the public and industry & commerce in their cities,as well as recognition and support from local government.Regional City Universities and local governments had gradually formed a healthy interaction.At the beginning of the 20 th century,with the excellent performance during the two world wars,Regional City Universities began to transition to national universities,and their relationship with the central government became closer.During the two world wars,the British government was deeply aware of the importance of science & technology and higher education.At the same time,it gradually shifted the focus of education to adjusting the relationship between scientific research and industry,as well the relationship between science&technology education and traditional education.Therefore,the three types of universities continued to develop in the interaction with the government,and their relationship with the government also changed.Universities also assumed their own functions,such as training talents,developing science & technology and serving the society.With the intervention of the government,it had pointed out the development direction for the three types of universities,and the new higher education system had taken shape.From 1836 to 1945,the British government continuously adjusted the relationship with England universities through the enactment of the Royal Charter,the coordination of the University Grants Committee and the promulgation of laws.The British government gradually strengthened its intervention in universities.However,the approaches of British government intervenes in Classical Universities,University of London and Regional City Universities were different.These differences also made England universities maintain autonomous and diversified development.The relationship between England universities and government also provided reference and enlightenment for the development of government-universities relationship in China.