Other
American revolution.org: Sins of the Fathers: Religion and Revolution
An academic essay describing the ways in which "religion is an active if not a determinative" cause for the American Revolution. The essay describes three influential areas: (1) religion and liberty, (2) religion and community, and (3)...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Enlightenment Philosophers and American Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] The lesson is designed to review the main thoughts and ideas of the Enlightenment philosophers and how their ideas contributed to the American governmental system.
Milwaukee College Prep
African American History: North and South, Slave and Free
An overview of the status and experiences of African Americans in the mid-1800s, both free and enslaved. Includes references to Frederick Douglass and his efforts to enlighten people about the discrimination and prejudice faced by...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Civil Rights: Demanding Equality
This unit embraces those individuals who have brought change to the United States in both social and political equality through a Video on Demand, activities, and other enlightening resources.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: John Locke
The University of Groningen provides information about the 17th century British liberal philosopher. Includes concise biographical information and a link to the text of "A Letter Concerning Toleration." Read about what part of his...
Ohio State University
Osu History Teaching Institute: The American Revolution and the Enlightenment
Through this activity, 9th graders will delve into some of the revolutionary documents and consider the ideas of "authority" and "power" from the perspectives of those who had such a great stake in America's revolutionary struggle.
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise
Jewish Virtual Library: The First American Bat Mitzvah
Enlightening story of the first Bat Mitzvah to take place in America in 1922.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: World History: 1750 1900 Enlightenment and Revolution
We have none from this URL but there are some among embedded videos, although not all. For example, we have the two on Haitian Revolution and some on Napoleon. But I couldn't find those on imperialism.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: Dryden and His Age
Good discussion of the Age of Dryden. First section of a lengthy article from The Cambridge History of English and American Literature.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Benjamin Franklin: Writer, Inventor, and Founding Father
Through two primary source activities and a short video, understand how Franklin embodied Enlightenment values and used his talent in writing and printing to have his opinions heard and help shape the world.
Other
Trail of Tears Assoc: The Story Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Follow the early history of Native American and European contact in America. As more settlers moved west, a law was passed to relocate the Cherokee from Arkansas. The routes they followed and the cruelties they suffered came to be known...
PBS
Pbs Nova: A Conversation With Neil De Grasse Tyson
Nova offers an enlightening conversation with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Topics include origins of the universe, multidisciplinary approaches to science, exciting recent discoveries, his position as director of the Hayden...
Other
Simon Frasier University: A Journey to a New Land
This interactive site examines questions about early human migration to North America offers grade-level appropriate information for primary, elementary, middle, secondary and post-secondary levels. Teacher resources, simulations, video,...
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: Johnson and Boswell
First section of a longer discussion on the Age of Johnson. Taken from The Cambridge History of English and American Literature.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Point Reyes National Seashore: Coast Miwok at Point Reyes
The National Park Services provides an enlightening overview of the history and culture of the Coast Miwok tribe at Point Reyes, California.
Google Cultural Institute
Google Cultural Institute: The Statue of Liberty
The human adventure and construction of the Statue of Liberty, designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, is told through a series of enlightening photographs.
Geographyiq
Geography Iq: Suriname
After reading a brief introduction on Suriname, you can learn many enlightening facts about the country through "Facts at a Glance". For more detailed information, take a look at the notes and commentary section.
Organization for Community Networks
Academy Curricular Exchange: Colonial Rules
An enlightening lesson plan which illustrates how and why the early colonists revolted.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: What Do the Netherlands and the Us Have in Common?
Essay on the commonalities between the Dutch and U.S. The author points to political ideology and humanistic beliefs that unite the two countries.
iCivics
I Civics: Rousseau Mini Lesson
Explore the ideas of Enlightenment thinker, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His writings on natural and social freedom, the social contract, and democracy shaped the American system of government in a variety of ways.
Library of Congress
Loc: Religion in 18th Century America
The Library of Congress offers this detailed essay on the renewal of religious beliefs in 18th century America. It discusses deism, a tenet of Enlightenment, and the Great Awakening.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: Pope?s Literary Consciousness . . .
Good discussion of Pope's life and work. Part of a larger article on Pope from The Cambridge History of English and American Literature.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking
The American Revolution was close to 200 years in the making. Read about the philosophies and attitudes toward government, as well as the diverse populations who came to the British colonies, that eventually fomented rebellion.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Political Experience
Read about how the state governments in the new American nation served as the laboratory to try out new ideas of governing and treating citizens. See how remarkably similar the ideas put forth in state constitutions were to each other.