Here's a breakdown of the key influences:
1. Social Reform Movements:
* Industrial Revolution: The rapid industrialization in the 19th century created a massive need for a literate and skilled workforce. This led to calls for better education to prepare children for the demands of factory work.
* Child Labor: Concern for the welfare of children working in dangerous conditions fueled the movement for compulsory education as a way to protect them.
* Social Justice: Advocates for social justice argued that education was essential for promoting equality and reducing poverty.
2. Philosophical Influences:
* Utilitarianism: Philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill promoted the idea of "the greatest good for the greatest number." Compulsory education was seen as a way to increase overall societal utility by creating a more productive and informed citizenry.
* Progressive Education: Education reformers advocated for a more progressive approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic engagement.
3. Economic Considerations:
* National Competitiveness: The rise of other industrialized nations, like Germany, highlighted the need for a skilled workforce to maintain economic competitiveness.
* Political Stability: Education was seen as a way to promote social cohesion and stability, particularly in a time of social and economic upheaval.
4. The Wealth of Nations and The Communist Manifesto:
* The Wealth of Nations: While Adam Smith, the author of The Wealth of Nations, emphasized the importance of free markets and individual initiative, he also recognized the value of education for economic growth. However, he did not explicitly advocate for compulsory education.
* The Communist Manifesto: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the authors of The Communist Manifesto, argued for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society. While they emphasized the importance of education for the emancipation of the working class, they did not specifically advocate for compulsory education.
In summary: The law making education compulsory in Great Britain was a complex product of various social, political, and economic factors. While elements of utilitarianism and the need for a skilled workforce were influential, the law did not directly reflect the philosophies of either The Wealth of Nations or The Communist Manifesto.