College of William and Mary

Definition

The College of William and Mary, founded in 1693 in Virginia, is the second oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Established under the auspices of the Church of England, it played a crucial role in the development of higher education in colonial America and served as a prominent center for religious instruction and moral development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The College of William and Mary was established by a royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England.
2. As a prominent Anglican institution, it focused on preparing students for roles in the clergy as well as leadership positions in colonial society.
3. William and Mary was the first college to establish a law school in North America, highlighting its role in shaping legal education.
4. Notable alumni include four U.S. Presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and Zachary Taylor, reflecting its influence on American political life.
5. The college has been a leader in integrating religious education with broader academic pursuits, aiming to cultivate both moral character and intellectual growth.

Review Questions

• How did the College of William and Mary contribute to the religious education landscape in colonial America?
  • The College of William and Mary significantly influenced religious education by being founded under Anglican principles. It focused on training clergy and instilling moral values among students, reflecting the priorities of the Church of England. This commitment to religious instruction helped shape the character and ethical framework of many leaders in colonial society.
• In what ways did the founding principles of the College of William and Mary reflect the broader educational trends of colonial colleges?
  • The founding principles of the College of William and Mary exemplified broader educational trends by emphasizing a curriculum that intertwined religion with liberal arts. Similar to other colonial colleges, it aimed to produce educated clergy while also fostering civic leadership. This dual focus on moral development and intellectual inquiry set a standard for other institutions established during this period.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the College of William and Mary on American higher education and its relationship with religion.
  • The lasting impact of the College of William and Mary on American higher education is evident through its pioneering role as one of the first institutions to blend liberal arts with religious instruction. This approach not only influenced future colleges but also laid groundwork for secular educational frameworks. By producing influential leaders who shaped both religion and governance in America, the college helped establish a tradition where higher education remains interconnected with moral and ethical considerations.

Related terms

Colonial Colleges: These were institutions of higher education established before the American Revolution, primarily aimed at training clergy and promoting religious education.

Anglican Church: The Church of England, which was influential in the establishment of several colonial colleges, including the College of William and Mary, to promote religious education.

Liberal Arts Education: An educational approach that emphasizes a broad curriculum in the arts, humanities, and sciences, which was integral to the philosophy behind colonial colleges.