Jules Ferry was a French politician and a key figure in the establishment of the French public education system in the late 19th century. He served as the Minister of Education and implemented laws that made education free, secular, and compulsory for children. His reforms aimed to promote literacy and civic values among the population. In addition to his contributions to education, Jules Ferry was also involved in French colonial expansion. He supported the establishment of colonies in Africa and Asia, believing that France had a mission to civilize other nations. His policies and actions significantly shaped modern France's educational and colonial landscape.