Influential Literature in America

This book argued that humans and/or the government have the power to change the laws of nature.

This novel deals with Puritanical views of morality and sin in New England. It is a classic example of American Romanticism.

Advocated for a free market economic policy. It specifically called for a “laissez-faire” approach.

This novel was extremely popular during the abolitionist era. It vastly accelerated the growth of the abolitionist movement.

This series of essays was written by an influential group of individuals in an attempt to support the ratification of the Constitution.

This novel, set during the future, was popular during the “Gilded Age.” In it, the author imagines the U.S. as a socialist utopia.

This novel takes place during the Dust Bowl. It follows a family of “Okies” as they flee to California.

This pamphlet, which was published early in the Revolutionary War, called for colonial separation from England. This acted as a catalyst for rebelling patriots to join the cause.

This book played a major role in launching and popularizing the modern women’s (feminist) movement.

This novel, set during the French and Indian War, was published less than a decade after its conclusion.

This book shared a French historian/writer’s observations on American society.

This novel was a product of the “Lost Generation” of the Roaring Twenties. In it, the author criticizes the materialism of the time.

This novel is a classic tale of the concept of man vs. nature. Many consider it to be the “Great American Novel.”

This novel compiled the author’s “free verse” poetry and was incredibly influential to other poets. Many of the poems were inspired by the work of transcendentalists.

This book articulated the concept of “Taylorism” - which refers to the efficiency model of production.

Essay on the meaning of wealth - from one of the richest men in American history.

This essay featured photography that exposed the conditions of urban slums in the midst of the “Gilded Age.”

This publication called for the immediate abolition of slavery. It was incredibly influential in the abolitionist movement.

A publication that contained many of Benjamin Franklin’s most famous sayings.

Classic transcendentalist work that offered critiques of society during the Market Revolution.

This book criticized the use of pesticides in the environment. It played a major role in launching the modern environmental movement.

Sociological examination of wealth and poverty in American society during the “Gilded Age.”

Work that offered critique of Spain’s policies in the New World.

This novel was popular in the midst of the “Gilded Age.” It is a classic “rags to riches” story.

This novel spoke of the detriment of poor southern whites caused by slavery.

This essay was written during the Mexican War. In it, the writer defended a citizen’s right to disobey unjust laws.

This book heavily criticized America's policies regarding Native Americans.

This novel is considered to be Mark Twain’s masterpiece. It is also seen as a classic example of American Regionalism.

This publication, written by a former slave, acted as a major factor in the abolitionist movement.

This literature - which included moral messages - was standard in American school curriculum prior to the outbreak of the Civil War.

This novel discussed the concept of Marxist socialism.

This novel exposed the extremely poor working conditions in American meatpacking plants. Though highly sensationalized, it led to the passage of significant consumer protection laws.

This sermon, given in the midst of the “Great Awakening,” characterized the religious revivals of the time.

This article was written by a “muckraker” journalist. In it, the author exposes John D. Rockefeller’s predatory business practices.