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Which state passed the first compulsory education law?

  1. New York

  2. Massachusetts

  3. Pennsylvania

  4. Virginia

The correct answer is: Massachusetts

Massachusetts passed the first compulsory education law in the United States in 1852. This law mandated that children attend school for a certain number of weeks, which established a precedent for education reform and compulsory attendance in the future. The initiative reflected the growing belief that education was essential for the success of a democratic society and an informed citizenry. This early law marked a significant shift in educational policy, recognizing the important role of formal education in promoting social and economic development. In contrast, while New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia also contributed to educational advancements and reforms, their laws either came later or were not the first to establish the requirement for compulsory attendance.