However, some key players and groups include:
* Early Puritan settlers in New England: They believed in education for religious and civic reasons, leading to early forms of public schooling, though these were often limited in scope and accessibility.
* Enlightenment thinkers: Philosophers like John Locke emphasized the importance of reason and education for a well-functioning society, influencing the development of public education ideals.
* Horace Mann: A key figure in the 19th-century United States, Mann is often considered the "father of American public education." He championed common schools as a means of social reform and upward mobility.
* Working-class movements: In many places, working-class families and advocates recognized that public education was crucial for improving their children's opportunities and social standing. They often pushed for more accessible and inclusive systems.
* Taxpayers and community leaders: In various communities, concerned citizens and leaders played a vital role in advocating for and establishing local public schools.
Therefore, while Horace Mann is a prominent individual often associated with the creation of the public school system in the United States, it's important to acknowledge the broader range of groups and individuals who contributed to the idea and its implementation across different times and places. The motivations also varied, from religious instruction to social reform to economic advancement.