As the American nation developed through periods of rapid change and great cultural diversity, the American public school system served as a primary souce of national unity. The roots of comprehensive public education in America can be traced to the educational system developed by 17th century Puritan colonials. Although one of the central objectives of the Puritan schools, religious education, represents a basic contradiction to the American tradition in public education, this system establish a precedent for the use of public funds for the education of all of the nation's children. (JH)