• Strongly influenced by the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment
• Writing mostly focused on religious and political topics
• Prominent writers: John Winthrop, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor
2. Revolutionary Era (1776-1820)
• Period of significant cultural, intellectual, and political change
• Writing inspired by the American Revolution and the ideals of republicanism and liberty
• Prominent writers: Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin
3. Early National Era (1820-1865)
• Age of great artistic, literary, and cultural achievement
• Writing celebrated American history, culture, and literature
• Prominent writers: Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Herman Melville