The point in history when the United States achieved its peak in the percentage of individuals capable of reading and writing is a complex question with nuanced answers. While pinpointing an exact year is challenging due to variations in data collection methods and definitions of functional literacy, the late 20th and early 21st centuries generally represent the period of greatest documented attainment in this area.
Attaining a high level of literacy within a population provides substantial societal advantages. These benefits include improved economic productivity, enhanced civic engagement, and better health outcomes. Historically, the US experienced significant improvements in this area during the 20th century due to widespread public education initiatives and compulsory schooling laws. These developments led to significant reductions in illiteracy rates.
