Like Roosevelt, and many European leaders, Wilson had also believed that imperialism was contributing to a higher, more pacific civilization by bringing not only capitalist industry but also higher standards of morality and education to what had been barbarous regions.

NPR: 'Folly of Empire' Offers Critique of U.S. Imperialism

This week, Charles Clarke, the education secretary, and Margaret Hodge, the minister for higher education, have been stressing the financial value of a university education and questioning the morality of forcing those without a degree to pay for the education of high-earners with one.

ECONOMIST: The battle-lines over university fees have been drawn