Horace Mann is widely recognized as a key figure in the reform of education in the United States, particularly through his advocacy for public education and educational reform. Among the options provided, the statement that best captures his contribution is:
4. His pressure on the state legislature provided money to fund new schools and increase teachers' pay.
Mann was instrumental in advocating for the establishment of public schools and worked to improve the quality of education by pushing for better funding and increased teacher salaries. He believed that education was a right for all children and campaigned for the creation of a more organized and equitable school system. His efforts led to significant reforms and laid the groundwork for the modern public education system.