Curated OER
The Salem Witch Trails
Describe the Salem Witch Trails in terms of the accusers and the accused. The colonial stage is set with background information, then a list of accusers and accused individuals is introduced. Learners will discover their causes and...
Curated OER
Pilgrims and Puritans
With graphic organizers galore, learners will follow the changes of church and state in early colonial America. They look at the differences between the pilgrims and the puritans in terms of beliefs and life ways. Myths and...
Curated OER
Annotated Timeline of The American Literary Movement
How did literature evolve in America? This presentation briefly covers the transition from Puritan American all the way until today's Contemporary Period. Key figures from each time period are introduced, and a brief overview of each...
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: The Eighteenth Century (First Half)
This Bibliomania site provides a great description of the literary history of the Colonial period from 1700 to 1750. Includes analyses of the works of Samuel Sewall, Sarah Kemble Knight, Ebenezer Cook, William Byrd, and Jonathan Edwards.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Timeline of American Literature 1700 1749
A time line of social, political, and literary history of the period from 1700-1749, the end of the Puritan period. Contains information about Cotton Mather, Jonathan Edwards, and Sarah Kemble Knight, Puritan writers of the time.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Literary Movements: Salem Witch Trials
A survey of the Salem Witch Trials as well as its background in seventeenth-century colonial New England. Includes descriptions of the accused and analysis of the reasons for the outbreak of witchcraft accusations, a bibliography,...
Washington State University
Washington State University: Literary Movements: Captivity Narratives
This site contains definitions and analysis of American captivity narratives. Describes the conventions, rhetorical purposes, and themes of the captivity narrative genre. Lists example captivity narratives.
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: The New England Clergy
This resource examines the literature and theology of the New England Puritan clergy. Includes information about Thomas Hooker, Thomas Shepard, John Cotton, Nathaniel Ward, Roger Williams, John Eliot, Richard Mather, Increase Mather, and...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Schooling and Culture Flourish
Background information about the social, literary, and intellectual history of the Colonial period. Includes biographical links to Benjamin Franklin and Cotton Mather.
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: Benjamin Franklin's Works
This site from Bibliomania contains great information on the life of Benjamin Franklin. Three pages into the article it discusses the "Almanac," as well as "Poor Richard's Almanac." Also includes a small picture of "Poor Richard's Almanac."
Georgetown University
Georgetown University: Cotton Mather (1663 1728)
This site from Georgetown University provides an analysis of Cotton Mather's major themes, historical perspectives, and personal issues, as well as the form, style, and artistic conventions in his writing. Includes study and discussion...
Georgetown University
Heath Online Instructor's Guide: William Bradford
Here, one can find helpful information on studying the works of American author William Bradford (1590-1657 CE). This website provides insight into specific themes and styles prevalent in Bradford's writing as well as suggestions for...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Slaves and Smallpox
Discusses Cotton Mather's interest in smallpox, and how he learned about smallpox inoculation from an African servant. Includes quotations from a sermon Mather gave on smallpox.
Other
17th Century Colonial New England: "The Tryal of g.b" by Cotton Mather
Modern English transcript of Cotton Mather's original account of the trial of "G.B." recorded during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
Other
Hall of Church History: Cotton Mather Home Page
Read the religious writings and sermons of the 17th century American Puritan cleric Cotton Mather.
Other
Cotton Mather: The Duties of Children to Their Parents
Full text of Cotton Mather's work, "The Duties of Children to Their Parents."
Other
Cotton Mather: The Education of Children
Full text of Cotton Mather's work, "The Education of Children."
Other
Cotton Mather: What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Complete text of Cotton Mather's work, "What Must I Do to Be Saved?" Contains a picture of Mather.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: New England Colonies: Puritan Life
Find out about the life of the Puritans. Education was important, as well as church attendance. Read about the forms of punishment, and the ways Puritans had fun.
Bill Carson
Puritan and Reformed Writings: Cotton Mather
Good overview of the life and thought of Cotton Mather. Summarizes his major contributions and lists some of his most important writings.
Bill Carson
Puritan Sermons: Cotton Mather's "Satisfaction in God"
Site provides the full text of Cotton Mather's work "Satisfaction in God." Includes a selection of links below the text to more Puritans sermons and beliefs.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking: Impact of Enlightenment
The ideas of the Enlightenment began in Europe, but they were acted upon in the American colonies. See how the philosophies of John Locke and Rousseau influenced the thoughts and actions of Puritan clergy and political figures like...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: Salem Witch Trials
Use this site to learn what life was like in Salem during the late 1700s and history behind the Salem Witch Trials.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: A Comparison of Puritan Authors
Learners in teacher-selected groups of two will create a presentation on Puritan authors using Google Docs. Student groups will compare authors Anne Bradstreet and Jonathon Edwards. Students will support their comparisons through...