1693

Definition

The year 1693 marks a significant moment in colonial America, particularly due to the establishment of the College of William & Mary in Virginia, which became the second oldest institution of higher education in the United States. This development is crucial as it highlights the evolving nature of education and governance in the colonies, reflecting broader changes in social structure and cultural priorities during this period. The establishment of educational institutions like this one signified a shift towards a more formalized society that valued education, which would influence future generations in shaping American identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The College of William & Mary was established under a royal charter granted by King William III and Queen Mary II, reflecting the monarchy's influence on education in the colonies.
2. This year marked the growing importance of higher education as a means to cultivate leadership among the colonial elite.
3. In 1693, colonial Virginia was navigating issues related to governance and social hierarchy, with institutions like William & Mary serving to legitimize authority.
4. The establishment of this college symbolized the connection between colonial America and European intellectual traditions during the Enlightenment.
5. The College of William & Mary became a training ground for many influential figures in American history, including several signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the College of William & Mary in 1693 reflect changes in societal values within colonial America?
  • The founding of the College of William & Mary in 1693 signified a shift towards valuing education and formal learning within colonial society. This establishment represented an effort to cultivate an educated leadership class among the gentry and elite. As institutions like this emerged, they indicated a move away from informal educational practices towards structured systems that were essential for governance and social organization.
• In what ways did 1693 serve as a pivotal year for higher education in colonial America compared to earlier years?
  • The year 1693 marked a pivotal moment for higher education as it saw the establishment of one of America's earliest colleges, the College of William & Mary. This was significant compared to earlier years when formal educational institutions were sparse. The college not only served educational purposes but also reinforced social hierarchies and contributed to creating a more informed populace capable of participating in colonial governance.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of establishing educational institutions like the College of William & Mary on American identity and governance post-1693.
  • Establishing educational institutions like the College of William & Mary had profound long-term impacts on American identity and governance following 1693. These colleges nurtured leaders who played critical roles in shaping political ideologies during the Revolutionary War and beyond. As centers of learning, they fostered Enlightenment ideas that encouraged critical thinking and democratic principles, ultimately contributing to a distinct American identity grounded in educated civic participation. This foundation laid by early colleges was instrumental in promoting an informed citizenry that would influence future governance and social structures.

Related terms

College of William & Mary: Founded in 1693, it is the second oldest college in America, known for its role in early American higher education and producing notable leaders.

Colonial Virginia: One of the original thirteen colonies, significant for its early economic, political, and social structures that influenced the development of the United States.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement that emphasized reason and individualism over tradition, significantly influencing colonial American thought and education.