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.

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."

Michael F. Holt of the University of Virginia looks at the development of a second two-party political system in antebellum U.S. and the role the system played in balancing and unifying the nation. Holt also looks at the dissolution of this second system through loss of public faith in the Democratic and Whig parties as they stood and in the development of the Republican and Know Nothing parties in response to new social forces (such as immigration and the rise of Roman Catholicism).

To view this clip, select "The Second Party System in American Politics" under "Political Development Video."

Edward L. Ayers of the University of Virginia looks at Northern and Southern responses to John Brown's Raid and John Brown's execution, focusing on the regional differences the responses brought to the fore and media manipulation of these responses.

To view this clip, select "John Brown's Raid and the American Sectional Crisis" under "Political Development 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 outlines the circumstances that led up to the Black Hawk War of 1832, including the signing of a treaty giving away Sauk and Fox land that the U.S. considered valid and that the tribes themselves did not.

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

Scholar James Lewis outlines Andrew Jackson's views of Native Americans and his discounting of Native American power and the validity of treaties signed with Native American tribes.

To view this clip, select "Andrew Jackson and Federal Indian Policy" under "Native American Relations Video."

Scholar James Lewis looks at the influence of Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his brother, the prophet Tenskwatawa, in encouraging Native American tribes to cooperate in resisting U.S. settlers and government control.

To view this clip, select "Tecumseh" under "Native American Relations Video."