Final answer:
The emphasis on education in New England is exemplified by robust public school systems, a historical legacy from Puritan values, and the increase in public school attendance and vocational education movements. This focus on education is contrasted with the more agricultural South, where family-based education systems were common.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emphasis on Education in New England
The emphasis on education in New England is best represented by the presence of robust public school systems. Unlike the more agricultural South, New England's focus on education can be traced back to the Puritan belief in the necessity of a working knowledge of Scripture for church membership. This led to a culture where education was seen as the responsibility of the state, resulting in an established system of public schooling during the colonial period.
During the period between Reconstruction and the start of World War I, there was a significant increase in public school attendance and the number of public high schools, indicating a commitment to education. Furthermore, the vocational education movement and the growth of urbanization in the northeast, coupled with the establishment of common schools, demonstrate an enduring emphasis on education in New England.
While the region did embrace industrialization, it is not the correct choice for this question, as it does not directly relate to the prioritization of education. Instead, the development of extensive public school systems, along with educational reforms, shows the longstanding emphasis on education in the area.