On the origins of post-secondary German instruction in the United States: The Rezension of George W. Blaettermann, first professor of modern languages at the University of Virginia

Of the several innovations Thomas Jefferson introduced to American education in creating the University of Virginia, the establishment of a School of Modern Languages on an equal footing with ancient languages, medicine, law, and other traditional fields was one of the most unique. Because of the elective system a student in higher education was able to concentrate for the first time solely on the study of modern languages. It was also the first time that the study of Anglo-Saxon was offered in higher education. German-born George W. Blaettermann, recommended by George Ticknor, was the first to occupy the Chair of Modern Languages at the University and was the only one of the original group of foreign professors procured by Francis W. Gilmer in England whose employment was specifically ordered by Jefferson. Blaettermann was also the only member of the original faculty to have been dismissed from his post, in consequence of which his reputation has suffered. His apparent failure to publish works in his field coupled with scattered anecdotes of his interaction with faculty and students, as well as a condemnation of the professor in a single article published a few months after his dismissal have sufficed to create what this study terms the "negative image" of the professor that still persists. This study examines the publications that have created and perpetuated this image and demonstrates through an examination of material that has not previously been addressed adequately that the professor's interaction with students and faculty differed very little from that of other early professors. In addition, the study offers variant interpretations of several specific events that support the contention that some of Blaettermann's difficulties arose out of cultural differences. Finally, the study briefly examines the evolution of the School of Modern Languages into its various modern departments and offers a more positive assessment of George Blaettermann's contributions to language study at the University.