In which country was the term "University Extension" first recorded in 1840?

The term "University Extension" was first recorded in 1840 in Britain, marking an important development in higher education. The concept was aimed at making education more accessible to a broader audience outside of traditional university settings. It involved the dissemination of knowledge through lectures, classes, and other educational programs offered to people in various communities, thus extending university resources and expertise beyond campus walls.

This initiative was part of a broader movement in Britain during the 19th century to democratize education and provide opportunities for adult learners who could not attend full-time university courses. The significance of this movement cannot be understated, as it laid the groundwork for modern educational outreach efforts and the idea that universities have a role to play in public education and lifelong learning.

Other options, such as England or London, might seem similar, but the broader context of the origin of "University Extension" is more accurately attributed to Britain as a whole, which encompasses all the practices and initiatives that emerged in various locations across the country during that period. Chicago, while relevant to later developments in university extension and continuing education, does not have the same historical claim to the inception of the term.