From The Birth To The Rise Of American Research Universities: A Historical Perspective

American research universities emerged in the 19 th century.The successful launch of Johns Hopkins University in 1876 marked the establishment of research university in the United States.After more than one hundred years of development,the comprehensive strength of American research universities has been continuously enhanced.American research universities become increasingly mature and perfect.Hence they have become the most core scientific research institutions in the United States and have undertaken a large number of basic research tasks.This reflects the important research significance of American research universities and points out the core strategic planning direction of American research universities.Not only that,American research universities pay attention to balanced development,as a model in the field of higher education,have certain influence in the world,and have reference value for the transformation development of universities in many countries.Based on the historical perspective,this paper focuses on the study of American research universities from 1876 to 1960 s,and the study is divided into four parts.In the first part,the paper discusses the emergence of the first research university in the United States based on two clues at home and abroad,and points out that the continuous reform of American higher education concept,social progress,charitable donation and the introduction of German academic ideas have promoted the establishment of Johns Hopkins University.The second part explains two prominent problems in the initial period of American research universities: the dilemma of scientific research and the decline of undergraduate education quality.To ease the pressure,Association of American Universities was formed and a series of reforms were made in undergraduate education.The third part analyzes the reasons for the rapid development of American research universities.First,by participating in the First World War to strengthen applied research and enhance scientific research capacity;The second is to strengthen the scientific research talent base by introducing German scholars in exile.The fourth part discusses the development of American research universities in the rising period.First,the strengthening of military technology research enables American researchuniversities to obtain the government's scientific research support,so that they can broaden the scope of scientific research.Second,through the training of teachers and solid graduate education to strengthen the scientific research talent foundation.By combing the development process of American research universities from 1876 to 1960 s,this paper summarizes the important reasons for the rise of American research universities,which are mainly reflected in four aspects.First,lay a solid foundation: enhance scientific research ability and attach importance to scientific research talents.The enhancement of scientific research ability urges American research universities to obtain the support of the country and the society,so as to enrich the conditions,broaden the scope of scientific research and increase the investment in scientific research.The introduction of scientific research talents provides intellectual support for American research universities.The cultivation of scientific research talents not only enriches the intellectual foundation of research universities,but also satisfies the society's thirst for outstanding talents and strengthens the connection between the university and the society.Second,seize opportunities:engage in military research and bring in German scholars.American research universities subjectively turn objective factors into favorable conditions for development.By participating in military research,the scientific research ability has been strengthened.The scientific talent pool was expanded through the introduction of exiled scholars from Nazi Germany.Third,to seek cooperation:to obtain government funding and strengthen social foundation.After World War II,research universities won the opportunity to cooperate with the federal government for a long time through more mature research level,and also promoted the public to realize the research ability and social service consciousness of research universities,which promoted the climax of social donation.Thanks to the support of the government and society,American research universities have more stable development opportunities.Fourth,conflict resolution: alleviating undergraduate crisis and balancing research directions.During the 90 years of development of American research universities,there have also been contradictions and conflicts,such as crisis of undergraduate education and imbalance of research direction.In response to these problems,American research universities have taken corresponding measures to defuse the crisis and won the support of the country and the society again.At present,China is making overall plans to promote of "double tops" construction.Under this background,the successful experience of the rise of American research universities can bring enlightenment to China from different aspects.