Jules Ferry

Jules Ferry was a prominent French politician and educational reformer in the late 19th century. He is best known for establishing the principles of free, secular, and compulsory education in France. His policies aimed to provide equal educational opportunities to all children, regardless of their background, which significantly shaped the French educational system. Ferry also played a key role in promoting French colonial expansion during this period, believing it would spread civilization and culture. While celebrated for his contributions to education, his colonial policies remain controversial. Overall, he left a lasting legacy on both education and French society.