The 1870 Education Act in Britain was significant as it marked a turning point in the establishment of compulsory education for children. It aimed to provide elementary education to all children in England and Wales, reflecting the growing recognition of education as a fundamental right. The act established boards of education, allowing local authorities to create schools and ensure that children aged 5 to 13 received basic instruction. Although the act had its limitations and did not fully address issues of accessibility and quality, it laid the groundwork for subsequent educational reforms, contributing to a more educated populace and increasing literacy rates in Britain.