Horace Mann was one of the most influential figures as he promoted equal access to public education. In a democratic system, which Jackson fostered, an educated population was essential. Therefore, campaigns were created to fight for public education during the Jacksonian Era. Jackson himself did not grasp the idea of the importance of public education for democracy because he did not receive a formal education. However, Jackson considered himself a Jeffersonian. In that ideology, Thomas Jefferson understood that an educated citizenry was necessary for a proper democracy. Jefferson wrote, “Wherever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government"(Edu 25). This suggests that Jefferson had a general view of education, highlighting the importance of societal progress.

During the Jacksonian era, the number of public schools increased significantly. Furthermore, the number of liberal arts colleges founded doubled in previous decades. Overall, Jacksonian democratic ideals reflect the increase in public education during his era. The Common School Movement of 1820 - 1872, marked one of the biggest leaps towards accessible public education within the United States. In 1824, the Act for the Establishment of Free Schools was introduced for the state of Illinois. With that, in 1825, the “Free School Law” other than the New England regions was the only tax-supported school system. The precedent set by Horace Mann from Massachusetts which promoted a local tax-supported school system influenced other states to establish similar systems that promoted free education for all white citizens. 

Some, like Thomas Nast, had a vision to establish a system that offered equal opportunities to public education for all children, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or nationality. Evident in his political cartoon featured in the Harper’s Weekly on February 26, 1870, he exhibits an unbiased perspective toward all students, revealing his openness and acceptance of individuals from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Nast served as a vocal advocate for minority groups, including African Americans and women, who faced severe social and political disadvantages due to prevailing prejudiced views against them. The stereotypical biases against minority groups have substantially hindered their opportunities, stemming a lack of respect and acknowledgment of their fundamental rights. During this era, particularly in the South, laws were widespread that prohibited enslaved individuals and other minority groups from learning how to read and write. His support for the movement was rooted in his beliefs in democracy and the importance of an educated citizen, believing that it would contribute to the overall well-being of society. Despite being surrounded by people who opposed his egalitarian views, Nast's political cartoon helped shape and influence public opinion that critiqued the discrimination present within the country specifically to equal access to public education and advocated for social and political reform.

Contrastingly, people advocated for greater access to education specific to the white male population. Adding to the intense racial tensions in the United States, especially towards African Americans and Native Americans, people opposed championing equality. Instead, they wanted to maintain the status quo of racial segregation. Wealthier individuals argued that their taxes shouldn’t be used to educate the poor and that their children should receive a better education than those of a lower economic status. Immigrants, especially those from non-English speaking countries, had a unique perspective. They often supported public education as a way to assimilate into American society. However, there was opposition from people who feared that the influx of immigrant children into public schools would dilute “American” culture and values. Initially, people generally favored public schools to be more accessible to boys, but as the movement progressed, there was a push to educate girls as well. Some believed that educating women was vital to the betterment of society, while others felt that women’s roles should be limited to the domestic sphere.

There was a large amount of growth and development of education in the nation, and it was able to flourish mainly in the north; People lived closer together, and more tax dollars were being put toward it.

On July 16th, 1868, representative Thaddeus Stevens, a Republican from Pennsylvania, proposed a bill regarding a common school system for the nation's capital. This aligned with the mid-1800s trends of states adopting standardized school systems for all children. The bill aimed for consistency and efficiency, emphasizing essential lessons in lessons of arithmetic, reading, and writing that "shall not be neglected". This created a consistent and efficient school system for children and teachers, that will help them learn through short and thorough lessons of arithmetic, reading, and writing that "shall not be neglected". It introduced a law stating those who didn't send their children to school would lose voting rights in district elections. The bill also called for replacing the Department of Education, signed into law by Andrew Johnson in 1867 that collected information and statistics about the nations schools. This legislative move reflected a broader effort to regulate and standardize as the nation expanded.

In today's, school funding is a primary concern when discussing issues within the public education system. Many states have reduced their funding, leaving schools with less financial resources. This reduction results in smaller staff, fewer programs, and limited resources, ultimately impacting the quality of education and limiting opportunities for students. Additionally, school safety has become a significant concern. The prevalence of mass shootings in the United States remains an unresolved issue both physical threats and, with modernizing technology, the potential for violent threats through social media and other electronic platforms.

(“Bill Proposing a Common-School System for the District of Columbia Excerpts.” Historical Controversies in History Primary Source Documents, Facts On File, 1868. History Research Center, ich.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=&itemid=&primarySourceId=19127.)

The impact of the Common School Movement on ethnicity exhibited variations across the region. In areas with substantial immigrant populations, particularly in the Northeast, the movement played a crucial role in facilitating English education for immigrant children. This educational support not only equipped them with language skills but also served as an initial introduction to American society. By advocating for equal education for all children, the movement fostered a more diverse environment. Ultimately, it helped challenge discriminatory practices and created a more inclusive society.

Socioeconomic status

Leaders of the Common School Movement were dedicated to offering education to every child, regardless of their wealth or social status. The movement sought to ensure a tax-supported education system by advocating for equal access to learning opportunities for all. The promotion of equal access to education for all, regardless of their family's income or status. This commitment significantly increased more opportunities for those individuals with fewer financial resources, fostering a more equitable and accessible education system for everyone.

Although the movement had many leaders who specifically aimed to grant education to white males, there were many influential figures such as Mary Bethune, who dedicated their life to promoting education and equal opportunities for all African Americans. Bethune founded the Daytona Literacy and Industrial Institute, which later merged with Cookman Institute, becoming the Bethune - Cookman College. The college stands as a testament to Bethune's commitment to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities to minority students, which helped provide education to countless African Americans. Her efforts and leadership as a civil rights leader left a lasting impact, breaking obstacles for African Americans and women, and promoting social and educational advancements for marginalized communities.

Horace Mann, an influential advocate for public education in the 19th century, highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities and advocating for a more equal distribution of wealth and educational opportunities to prevent the emergence of an unequal society.