History should serve two functions: it should provide a more complete picture of the development of civilization, and it should make us aware of our beginnings, where we stand today, and the direction in which we are heading. People are the dynamic element in history. This study provides a historical perspective of nursing through an investigation of social attitudes, economic status and educational opportunities in New England from 1920-1930. Theories from Clarke, Shryock and Baldridge were utilized. An analysis of historical data suggests that nursing educators need to address the current climate of opinion concerning nursing, to analyze the market place to determine the type nursing leaders needed to guide the future of nursing, and to re-evaluate the client-base of professional nursing with a view to attracting and retaining highly qualified people capable of achieving positive collegial relations with others while improving nursing autonomy.