The movement for educational reform in American history during the late 19th century was spearheaded by John Dewey. Dewey advocated for a more student-centered approach to education, emphasizing experiential learning and critical thinking over rote memorization. His progressive ideas challenged traditional educational methods and sought to create a more equitable and accessible system. Dewey's influence shaped modern pedagogical practices, ultimately leading to significant reforms in curricula, teaching methods, and the philosophy underlying education in America.