Final answer:
The expansion of formal education during the Industrial Revolution was driven by the changing economy and the need for new skills like reading and writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major reason for the expansion of formal education during the Industrial Revolution was the changing economy creating a need for new skills, such as reading and writing. As the Industrial Revolution progressed, there was a shift from agrarian to industrial economies. This shift required a more educated workforce to perform tasks associated with the new industrial jobs.
Workers needed to be able to read instructions, write reports or keep records, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Additionally, the expansion of formal education allowed for the development of new technologies, advancements in science, and a more knowledgeable population.
Therefore, the changing economy and the need for new skills were major reasons for the expansion of formal education during the Industrial Revolution.
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