Education In The 18th Century

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During the 16th-18th centuries experimentation took place in all parts of life. Leaders tried to figure out how to successfully control a nation. Nations like Russia, Prussia and France did this this through absolutism, basing their rule off of divinity. Others like England used a constitutional monarchy, using a parliamentary system to keep order in check. With the enlightenment, rulers changed much of their governance to maintain rule, and aspects in the society soon followed. In Europe during the 18th century, while traditional views on women changed, it was ultimately the perspective of education and children in European society that was more greatly transformed, which paved the way for the implementation of many Enlightened ideals throughout …show more content…

Before, education was seen as a valuable thing, but only of the nobles. A French Bishop in a letter describes that there are many benefits in schooling. When children would learn new skills, they could implement them into their daily lives, even using them to become better off in life (Document 3). However, since the author is a French Bishop, who would have been part of the schooling he is referencing, he may not be impartial, inclining him to give praise to the education system, validating his role. The information the bishop has said shouldn’t go unnoticed. Enlightened thought like that lead to an increase of primary and secondary schooling across Europe. This can be seen through the picture of the four Frances. The one on the top left pictures male literacy during 1686-1690. It pictures mostly 20% or less and a little bit of 20-40% and 40% and more. The picture next to it on the right shows mostly 20-40% and 40% with no less than 20%. (Document 7). This was partly caused by the introduction of chapbooks books and novels into society. They along with common enlightened thought influenced the role and view on education as a whole. In Europe during the 18th century, while traditional views on women changed, it was ultimately the perspective of education and children in European society that was more greatly transformed, which paved the way for the implementation of many Enlightened ideals throughout daily life, improving society as a whole. In this time major change took place across Europe. While this is so, this took place in mostly the upper class, while lower classes still remained poor, but