Present your view of what Horace Mann meant when he called the common school the "great balance wheel of society." Explain how demographic and economic developments affected Mann's ideas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is When Horace Mann referred to the common school as the "great balance wheel of society," he was emphasizing the role of education in creating a more equitable and just society. Mann believed that providing a free and universal education to all children, regardless of their background or economic status, would help to level the playing field and promote social mobility. By ensuring that everyone had access to the same educational opportunities, Mann believed that the common school could help to mitigate the inequalities and injustices that were present in society.

Demographic and economic developments played a significant role in shaping Mann's ideas about the common school. During the 19th century, the United States experienced rapid population growth and industrialization, leading to increased urbanization and social stratification. Mann recognized that these changes were creating a society that was increasingly divided along economic and social lines, and he saw education as a way to address these divisions.

Mann's ideas were also influenced by the growing awareness of the importance of education for economic development. As the economy shifted from agrarian to industrial, there was a growing recognition of the need for a more educated workforce. Mann believed that providing a comprehensive education to all children would not only promote social justice, but also contribute to the overall prosperity and stability of the nation.

In summary, Horace Mann saw the common school as the "great balance wheel of society" because he believed that education had the power to create a more equitable and just society, and to address the demographic and economic challenges of his time. He believed that by providing universal access to education, the common school could help to mitigate social inequalities and promote economic development.

Present Your View of What Horace Mann Meant When He