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Thomas Jefferson
Received an education only attainable to the wealthy. However, when in the legislature (VA assembly) he helped pass legislation that guaranteed free education to all children of Virginia, and advanced education for those selected. The bill was defeated each time. -
Noah Webster
Webster created a language that branched off the English language. His language book sold millions of copies and went on to be "America's Textbook". This book ushered in Webster's Dictionary. -
Horace Mann
First Secretary of Education who had little power, however worked hard to visit over 1,000 schools. Wanted the government to get involved and promote "common schools" instead of private institutions. He wanted the poor to have the same education as the rich. -
Frederick Douglass
Encouraged education for African Americans, even though education did not mean a better life. Douglass argued for the desegregation of public schools. Upon inspection of the African American school's it was found that it was of low quality in comparison to other white schools in Boston. No action was taken on these findings. -
Catherine Beecher
Promoted women to teach in the west (during expansion). She founded colleges for women to make teaching a profession for women.
