Religious reformer Martin Luther was a strong advocate for universal education. In Luther's time, education was mostly reserved for the wealthy and aristocratic. However, Luther believed that all people - both boys and girls - were entitled to a proper, formalized education. Luther felt that an education was vital for leading people to properly understand the messages contained within the Bible.
The new legislatures passed the Black Codes, severely limiting the former slaves' legal rights and economic options so as to force them to return to the plantations as dependent laborers.