William and Mary

Definition

William and Mary refers to the joint reign of William III of England and his wife Mary II, which began in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution. This period was significant for education as it marked the establishment of the College of William & Mary in Virginia, one of the first colonial colleges in America, which played a crucial role in shaping higher education in the colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The College of William & Mary was founded in 1693, making it the second oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
2. William and Mary's charter emphasized the importance of a liberal arts education, setting a precedent for future colleges.
3. The college served as a model for other colonial institutions, influencing educational practices and curriculum in America.
4. William III and Mary II were instrumental in promoting religious tolerance, which affected the educational landscape by allowing diverse religious groups to establish their own institutions.
5. Notable alumni of William and Mary include several founding fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, highlighting its impact on American history.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution influence educational reforms during the reign of William and Mary?
  • The Glorious Revolution established a constitutional monarchy that encouraged ideas of liberty and governance. This shift promoted greater religious tolerance, leading to a more diverse educational environment. The establishment of the College of William & Mary was part of this reform, reflecting a commitment to higher learning and civic responsibility that aligned with the revolutionary ideals emerging during this time.
• Discuss the significance of the College of William & Mary in shaping higher education in colonial America.
  • The College of William & Mary was pivotal in establishing a model for higher education in colonial America. Its founding focused on a liberal arts curriculum aimed at training clergy and future leaders. As one of the earliest colonial colleges, it set standards for academic rigor and governance that would influence later institutions, playing a crucial role in developing educated citizenry during a time when America was evolving socially and politically.
• Evaluate how the joint reign of William and Mary contributed to both political stability and educational development in colonial America.
  • The joint reign of William and Mary not only stabilized England politically after the turmoil of previous decades but also had lasting effects on education in colonial America. Their emphasis on religious tolerance allowed for diverse educational establishments to flourish. This led to increased access to higher learning through institutions like William & Mary, which trained leaders who would later influence the founding of the nation. The connection between stable governance and educational advancement illustrates how political changes can foster an environment conducive to intellectual growth.

Related terms

Glorious Revolution: The 1688 overthrow of King James II of England by William of Orange, leading to a constitutional monarchy that influenced political stability and religious tolerance.

Colonial Colleges: Institutions of higher learning established in the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily aimed at training clergy and educating future leaders.

Higher Education: Post-secondary education that includes colleges and universities, which expanded significantly during the colonial period to meet the needs of an educated populace.