Universal Education & Inequality
Advocates saw education as a means to eliminate poverty and crime; educating children costs less than dealing with social problems.
Public education spread slowly: enrollment rose from 55% in 1830 to 78% in 1870; high school completion grew from 14% in 1910 to 90% in 2017.
Universal schooling ideals were compromised by segregation and discrimination against children of color, immigrants, and girls.