The Education Act of 1870.

... The Education Act of 1870 Introduction During the 1830's two thirds of England's population could not even read or write. The majority had access to only unskilled work. There was a growing demand for people to be trained and able to specialise in various aspects advancing technology. The government seemed to be reluctant to intervene as Mr Davies Giddy claimed, in the House of Commons: "...Giving education to the labouring classes of the poor, it would, in effect, be found to be injurious to their moods and happiness; it would teach them to despise their lot in life, instead of making them good servants in agriculture and other laborious employments to which their rank in society had destined them." In spite of the apprehension of the Dissenters and the unwillingness of sections of the governing classes, the state was being forced, slowly, but surely to take more than a passive interest in the education

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