This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, examines the role of women in 19th-century Illinois. It looks at the development of the idea of separate gender spheres of influence—work for men and the home for women; the application and adaptation of this idea in the frontier; the developing power of women in pushing for social reform; the status of Native American and African-American women; and the gender perceptions of Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd.

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, traces the settlement of Illinois from the early years of European exploration of North America to the 1860s. It focuses particularly on the relationship between settler groups and Native Americans, on the construction of infrastructure that linked Illinois to the rest of the emerging U.S., and on the changing culture of the state's occupants.

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, traces the history of Native American tribes in Illinois, from the early days of Western North American exploration into the mid-1800s.

John Mack Faragher of Yale University discusses the significance of religion to antebellum settlers in Illinois. He looks at the diversity of sects represented and the importance of religion in community-forming.

To view this clip, select "Religion on the Illinois Frontier" under "Religion and Culture Video."

Scholar James Lewis outlines the Black Hawk War of 1832, including its beginnings in a chance meeting with militia forces and its lack of major battles.

To view this clip, select "Overview of the Black Hawk War" under "Native American Relations Video."

Scholar James Lewis contrasts the early French fur traders' cooperation and cultural exchange with Illinois's Native Americans with the exclusionary policies of U.S. settlers following the American Revolution.

To view this clip, select "Native Americans and the French Empire in the Illinois Country" under "Native American Relations Video."

Scholar James Lewis briefly examines the repeated "war scares"—fears of possible outbreaks of violence between settlers and Native Americans—that troubled Illinois up until the outbreak of the Black Hawk War in 1832.

To view this clip, select "Native Americans and War Scares on the Frontier" under "Native American Relations Video."

John Mack Faragher of Yale University discusses the range of relationships between Native Americans (particularly the Kickapoo) and settlers in antebellum Illinois. He looks at the development from relatively benign relations, involving the trading of goods and ideas, to the rise of racism and violence following the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War.

To view this clip, select "Settlers and Native Americans Before the Black Hawk War" under "Native American Relations Video."

John Mack Faragher of Yale University discusses the institutions of the law and the maintenance of public peace in the antebellum frontier, particularly in Illinois. He focuses particularly on the role of local Justices of the Peace.

To view this clip, select "Law and Society in Frontier Illinois" under "Law and Society Video."