Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What main principle did Horace Mann advocate for in education?

1. Private education reform

2. Accessibility of education for all children

3. Religious education as a foundation of learning

4. Tuition-free university education for everyone

The correct answer is: Accessibility of education for all children

Horace Mann was a pioneering advocate for public education in the United States during the 19th century. He believed that education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Mann argued that a well-educated populace was essential for a successful democracy and that education was a right, not a privilege. He worked tirelessly to reform the public school system, pushing for the establishment of state-funded schools and advocating for a structured curriculum that would benefit all students. His efforts led to significant changes in education, including the creation of normal schools to train teachers and the implementation of a standardized curriculum. By promoting the idea that education should be universally accessible, Mann laid the groundwork for the public education system we know today, highlighting the importance of education in fostering equality and opportunity in society.