The origins and early history of the American junior college are examined in this essay, with reference to the differences between the junior college movement and its successor, the community college movement. The first section cites conflicting sources concerning the time period in which the junior college movement began, with cited dates varying from as early as the 1830s to as late as the 1940s. Arguing that two-year colleges established before the beginning of the 1900s were created to meet local or religious needs, the paper suggests that these early colleges were unconnected to the community college movement today. This section also examines the continuous increase in the number of colleges and enrollments since 1900, and highlights such significant dates as the awarding of the first associate degree in 1900 and the founding of early junior colleges. After noting the first applications of the term "movement" to the creation of public junior colleges, the essay discusses the dual nature of the "junior college movement," focusing on elitist efforts to separate the first two years of college education and reformist efforts to democratize higher education. Next, the synthesis of these two educational tendencies is examined, highlighting the role played by William Rainey Harper in establishing the purpose and direction of the junior college. Finally, a discussion is presented of the differences between the junior and community college movements, arguing that the comprehensive community college is a logical extension of the junior college movement. (MDB)