National leaders took a fresh look at schools after the Civil War, in the 1860s.They saw a free public education as a way to help support a stronger democracy and prepare workers for new industries.

• 国家领导人在19世纪60年代南北战争之后对学校有了新的看法，他们把免费公共教育看作是有助于加强民主和让工人们为新兴产业多作准备的一种途径。