This lecture, created by the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project, traces the history and status of African Americans in Illinois, beginning with the early years of North American exploration and continuing on to the Civil War.

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, 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.

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."

Julie Roy Jeffrey of Goucher College discusses the effect of the Second Great Awakening on young people and women and the drive to enact social reforms it encouraged.

To view this clip, select "The Second Great Awakening and Antebellum Social Reform" under "Religion and Culture Video."

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."

Michael F. Holt of the University of Virginia examines the use and acceptance of women in politics in the antebellum Whig and Democratic parties, focusing on Whig encouragement of the idea of women as the "moral center" of families.

To view this clip, select "Women's Roles in Whig Politics" under "Political Development Video."

Kathryn Kish Sklar of SUNY-Binghamton looks at the differing perceptions of women and family life held by antebellum political parties and the tensions this led to that may have contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.

To view this clip, select "Women and Political Activity in the Antebellum Whig Party" under "Political Development Video."