Why was literacy a prime concern in the Massachusetts Bay colony?
Literacy was necessary so that the people could read the Bible.
Literacy was a prime concern in the Massachusetts Bay Colony for several reasons. Firstly, the colony was founded by the Puritans, a religious group that placed great emphasis on reading and studying the Bible. They believed that every individual should have the ability to read and interpret scripture for themselves, rather than relying solely on the interpretation of religious leaders. Therefore, literacy was seen as crucial for religious instruction and spiritual guidance.
Additionally, the Puritans believed in the principle of a "godly commonwealth," where every citizen had a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the community. Literacy was seen as essential for participating in civic life, such as participating in town meetings, engaging in trade, and understanding laws and regulations. Without literacy, individuals would be limited in their ability to fulfill their duty to the commonwealth.
To promote literacy, the Massachusetts Bay Colony established a system of public education. In 1647, the colony passed the Old Deluder Satan Act (also known as the Massachusetts School Law), which required towns with more than 50 households to hire a schoolmaster and provide education for children. This was one of the earliest examples of compulsory education in the American colonies.
Overall, literacy was a prime concern in the Massachusetts Bay Colony because it was seen as essential for religious, civic, and social reasons. The Puritans believed that an educated citizenry was crucial for the success and stability of their colony.