Why did the education system become mandatory?

The education system became mandatory primarily to provide job training and promote democracy. This approach recognizes the shift towards industrialization, where there was a growing need for a skilled workforce that could operate machinery, manage complex tasks, and fill various roles in an expanding economy. Making education compulsory ensured that all individuals had the opportunity to acquire necessary skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their employability.

Furthermore, an educated populace is vital for a functioning democracy. Civic education encourages informed participation in democratic processes, enabling citizens to make educated decisions about governance and civic life. By fostering critical thinking and awareness, mandatory education aims to cultivate engaged citizens who can contribute to societal wellbeing and participate actively in political life.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately capture the multifaceted reasons behind the establishment of mandatory education. For instance, class differences, population control, and limiting access to information are more aligned with historical critiques of education systems as tools of social stratification rather than the foundational purposes of education, which include empowerment and equal opportunity.