# Elementary School Decree (11 May 1866)

URL: https://allhistories.com/finland/timeline/1866-elementary-school-decree
Location: Finland
Themes: Key Events

The decree of 1866 created the framework for municipal elementary schools. Uno Cygnaeus, the 'father of the Finnish elementary school', had founded the Jyväskylä teacher seminary in 1863. Cygnaeus emphasised practical skills such as handicrafts. Attendance was voluntary until the Compulsory Education Act of 1921.

## Why it matters
It laid the foundation of Finland's public school system.

Ruler at the Time: [Alexander II](https://allhistories.com/finland/rulers/alexander-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Uno Cygnaeus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uno_Cygnaeus)
- [Wikipedia — Education in Finland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Finland)
- [Wikipedia — Grand Duchy of Finland (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duchy_of_Finland)