Stimulation,Sustenance, Subversion: The General Education Board and Southern US Public Education

This article explores the General Education Board, a John D. Rockefeller‐led philanthropy, and its work during the first half of the twentieth century to improve Southern US public education. In contrast to most historical treatments of the Board that limit their investigations to its origin, this essay explores the full sweep of the Board’s history. In addition, this essay suggests three particular efforts of the General Education Board in its work to improve Southern US public education: stimulation, sustenance, and subversion.