This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, traces the development of law and legal institutions in Illinois, beginning with early colonization and ending with the mid-1800s. It focuses particularly on the laws dealing with land and property ownership.

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, traces the development of religious institutions and trends in antebellum Illinois, beginning with the early days of Western exploration of North America and continuing to the mid-1800s. It focuses particularly on the importation of New England Protestant social reform ideals and the migration of Mormons to Illinois—a migration which led to the rise of the city of Nauvoo and, eventually, to the Mormon War.

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, traces the economic development of Illinois from the beginning of the 19th century to the mid-1800s. It focuses particularly on the development of infrastructure, from steamboat lines to canals to railroads.

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.

This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, follows the progression of political events from the end of the 18th century to Abraham Lincoln's election as president. It considers particularly the formation and dissolution of political parties and the rise of tensions between North and South.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History curators share secrets of how they develop the individual stories presented in exhibitions such as "America on the Move." They then help students who are creating their own family stories by analyzing objects, documents, and other resources. This presentation continues from the presentation "America on the Move, Part One: Migrations, Immigrations, and How We Got Here."

To view this electronic field trip, select "America on the Move, Part Two: Creating Stories" under the heading "Electronic Field Trips."

Julie Roy Jeffrey of Goucher College very briefly outlines the development of the idea of the separate gender "spheres of influence"—work for men and home for women—that developed in the 19th century.

To view this clip, select "Changing Gender Roles in the Antebellum Period" under "Women and Gender Video."

Kathryn Kish Sklar of SUNY-Binghamton describes women's rise in political and social power and activism in response to encouragement by antebellum churches. Sklar looks particularly at women's actions in forming anti-slavery societies and circulating petitions.

To view this clip, select "Women Churches and the Development of Antebellum Social Reform Movement" under "Religion and Culture Video."