What soical event created the belief that formal education was essential to the well-being of US society?

The Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century significantly contributed to the belief that formal education was essential for the well-being of U.S. society. As the economy shifted from agrarian to industrial, there was a growing need for a skilled workforce capable of handling complex machinery and tasks. This led to reforms advocating for public education, culminating in the establishment of compulsory schooling laws aimed at ensuring that all children received a basic education, thereby promoting social mobility and economic stability.