Final answer:
During the Civil War era, education in the South focused on preparing children for manual labor, while some enslaved individuals learned to read through informal methods. Post-war, public schooling grew, incorporating both liberal arts and vocational training, though child labor laws conflicted with some families' economic needs. Education also emphasized socialization into national pride and citizenship, with curricula constantly evolving for accuracy and inclusivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kids that went to school during the Civil War era were educated in ways that often aligned with the socioeconomic needs and restrictions of the time. In the South, schools prepared children predominantly to become domestic and manual laborers, not professionals like lawyers or doctors, nor were they encouraged to become leaders. The intent of the plantation economy was to limit educational opportunities, but some enslaved individuals, through informal avenues like 'play schools' and the assistance of more benevolent slave owners or interactions with white children, managed to learn skills such as literacy.
After the Civil War, educational opportunities expanded and the public school system grew rapidly. While there was an increase in traditional liberal arts education, there was also a vocational education movement that arose, emphasizing technical and trade skills necessary for the industrial economy. Women and young girls often received education focused on homemaking. During this period, compulsory education clashed with the economic realities of child labor, as many families depended on their children's labor for survival.
American schools have also played a critical role in socializing children into the culture of citizenship and national pride, teaching them to respect and adhere to the values represented by symbols like the flag and concepts such as liberty and equality. The celebration of national figures like Abraham Lincoln for his self-educated rise from poverty often personalizes these values for students. As society and historical understandings evolve, textbooks and curricula are revised to include more accurate representations of the past, including the experiences and contributions of African Americans and indigenous peoples.