The Northern colonies developed a predominantly urban society, based on commerce and trade.

A modernized version of Jonathan Edwards' sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". Only archaic 18th century terminology has been updated.

An academic essay describing the ways in which "religion is an active if not a determinative" cause for the American Revolution. The essay describes three influential areas: (1) religion and liberty, (2) religion and community, and (3)...

The American Revolution was close to 200 years in the making. Read about the philosophies and attitudes toward government, as well as the diverse populations who came to the British colonies, that eventually fomented rebellion.

This government site from the Library of Congress summarizes the founding of the African Methodist church in the early U.S. Topic is included in larger section, so readers must scroll down part way to the heading "The Emergence of the...

Nineteenth century United States saw the creation of reform movements: temperance, abolition, school and prison reform, as well as others. This unit traces the emergence of reform movements instigated by the Second Great Awakening and...

This slideshow shows the factors that caused Northern states to be industrial. These factors include the Enlightenment and the Second Great Awakening.

This detailed biography about Charles Finney was written by a professor in Oberlin College's theological seminary. Here, read about Finney's childhood, involvement at Oberlin, and his influential views on Christianity.

The religious and civil conflict in England in the mid-17th century limited immigration, as well as the attention the mother country paid the fledgling American colonies.

The Second Great Awakening was transformative in ways beyond religion. Read about the new ideas about religion and see how they emphasized individual dignity and worth. This then reflected on the early ideas of women's suffrage, and the...

A look at the changes in the role of white, middle-class women as a result of the Second Great Awakening, among other social forces.

An essay that looks at issues affecting Americans leading up to the Civil War. These included economic changes that led to new ideological, social, cultural, and political issues that further divided the nation along moral and regional...

The 19th century brought an Americanization of literature, art, thought, and social reform. Read about how the Second Great Awakening brought a revival in religion and sparked reform movements in suffrage, slavery, and treatment of...

[Free Registration/Login Required] The Revolution and Early America unit covers the standard eighteenth century topics that would appear in any textbook. These lessons, however, will push students to dig deeper as they read the documents...

This Khan Academy resource provides video lessons and detailed notes for the AP U.S. History Exam. The years 1800-1848 are covered.

A brief review of the role of religion in the lives of American founding fathers, and a hint of the changes to come in the 19th century.

Extensive biographical material on the life and theology of Jonathan Edwards. Contains a portrait of Edwards.

An essay in which historian John Mayfield claims Americans' evangelical passion is the "religious equivalent of nationalism."

Provides a short history of the American abolitionist movement, and breaks the movement down into different categories of abolitionists and some key people involved in each group. Includes links to additional information.

Looks at the history of the abolitionist movement in the United States, the key people involved, and important events.

[Free Registration/Login Required] An excellent essay explaining the roots of the anit-slavery movement in the United States in the early 1830s and its evolution over the next twenty-five years. Read about the abolitionists, both white...

The Second Great Awakening brought about the growth of Protestant denominations, and some new religions and sects.

A quick comprehension check over reform movements in the US during the mid 1800s.

This website describes the life of Lucy Terry Prince, first female African American poet. She obtained her freedom by marrying a wealthy free black man who purchased her freedom.