What was one of the primary results of the push for public education during the Industrial Revolution?

The push for public education during the Industrial Revolution significantly contributed to improved social mobility. As education became more accessible, individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds had better opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge that were essential for the emerging industrial economy. This availability of education allowed people, including those from lower-income families, to seek jobs in factories and other industries, which could lead to better employment prospects and an improved standard of living.

The expansion of public education also played a crucial role in helping individuals move beyond their inherited social status, as it offered a pathway to upward mobility. The skills learned in schools were increasingly relevant to the jobs available during this time, fostering a more skilled workforce and enabling people to better their circumstances. This was a pivotal shift, as it laid the groundwork for a more merit-based society, where success could be determined by an individual's abilities and efforts rather than solely by their familial background.