Colonial Colleges Maintained Traditional Studies During Revolutionary War
America's earliest colleges continued routine academic work rather than becoming centers of revolutionary activity. Faculty and students at institutions including Harvard followed established curricula even as fighting began nearby.
theconversation.comColonial colleges such as Harvard, Yale, and William & Mary continued their regular academic programs when the Revolutionary War began. Students studied Latin, Greek, mathematics, philosophy, and rhetoric instead of engaging in political organizing. Historian Bob Allison said the morning schedule consisted of recitations.
He added that students were not being radicalized at these institutions. In spring 1775, weeks after the midnight rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, Harvard did not see student protests. The Harvard Corporation voted to send students home early for summer break.
Faculty moved the college library to Andover, Massachusetts, for safety after fighting started in Lexington and Concord. Some loyalist professors left for England. The common narrative credits these schools with spreading ideas that supported independence.
Contemporary accounts show students continued coursework without widespread political activity.
