The Birth of the Universal Schooling System

**The Birth of the Universal Schooling System: How Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa Revolutionized Education**
In the 18th century, Prussia and Austria were two of the most powerful countries in Europe. They were also two of the first countries to implement compulsory schooling reforms, which would have a profound impact on their nations and the world.
Frederick the Great of Prussia and Maria Theresa of Austria shared a common vision: they believed that education was essential for the strength and prosperity of their nations. They were inspired by the Enlightenment ideals that were sweeping Europe at the time, which emphasized the importance of education for all citizens.
Frederick's reforms were particularly ambitious. He believed that every child in Prussia, regardless of their social status, should have access to a basic education. He established a system of compulsory schooling that required all children between the ages of 5 and 13 to attend school. The curriculum was heavily focused on practical subjects such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. Frederick also emphasized the importance of vocational training, and he established schools that taught students skills such as carpentry, metalworking, and farming.
Maria Theresa's reforms were somewhat less comprehensive than Frederick's, but they were still significant. She focused on expanding educational opportunities for girls and for children from poor families. She also established a system of teacher training and introduced new curricula that emphasized science and mathematics.
The reforms of Frederick and Maria Theresa had a profound impact on their countries. Prussia and Austria quickly became two of the most literate and educated nations in Europe. This had a positive impact on their economies, their militaries, and their societies as a whole. The reforms also inspired other countries to adopt compulsory schooling, and by the end of the 19th century, compulsory education was the norm in most developed countries.
This book tells the story of Frederick and Maria Theresa's reforms and their lasting impact on education around the world. It is a fascinating account of how two enlightened rulers transformed their countries through the power of education.
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