Discussed are the legislative evolution, nature, and impact of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (the G.I. Bill) on higher education. Influences on this legislation are traced back to Thomas Jefferson, and parallels with other federal legislation are discussed. The specific provisions of the act are treated, and the pervasive impacts of the act on the University of California are presented as examples of its nationwide influence. The paper concludes with an assessment of the legislation and suggestions of areas for further study. A bibliography, the bill's text, and limited statistical data are appended. (Author/MSE)