BS, Kent State University, 2008, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of History

During the uneasy years predating the American Civil War, self-proclaimed prophets and messengers of God traveled the frontier proclaiming their interpretations of truth as revealed through Protestant Christianity. As they attempted to convert the nation, they conceived American utopias which, constructed within a sacred history of Christianity, played an important role in redefining the religion in North America. As part of the process of establishing these utopias, individuals interested in the conversion of society utilized and revised the “New Haven” theology of Yale College, from which would emerge a reconstructed concept of “sanctification” in Oberlin, Ohio. These individuals would use this theology to form the basis for their attempts to reform society, applying religious meaning to social action. In Lorain County, Ohio, we can observe these changes in religious thought and practice as numerous “religious virtuosi” carried out social action which they considered to be bound to a sacred history. In tandem with social action would come ecclesiastical conflict, tearing the New England Plan of Union asunder. This thesis is interested in how reformers' attempts to create heaven on earth would result in conflict highlighted by a series of events which would ultimately change the religious landscape of the county as it contributed to and reflected the changing face of religion in America.

Committee: David Odell-Scott PhD (Advisor); Guy E. Wells PhD (Advisor); Leonne Hudson PhD (Committee Member); Leslie Heaphy PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: American History; History; Religious History

Master of Arts in History, Youngstown State University, 2012, Department of Humanities

This study examines how Soviet and Western institutions, governmental agencies, presses, and publishing companies often created an image that the Soviet Union was progressing towards an industrialized nation through the inauguration of the First Five-Year Plan, 1928-1932. This study also examines how individuals themselves viewed this industrialization. The study revolves around two industrial cities constructed during the First Five-Year Plan and its immediate aftermath in the Soviet Union: Magnitogorsk and Nizhnii Novgorod. Government city planners constructed whole new industrial and housing facilities from the ground up in locations practically barren just a few years earlier. To the Soviet government these cities were symbols of socialism‘s ability to build planned socialist cities, and by extension their ability to build a new society. The history, importance, and portrayal of these two cities are a microcosm of the Soviet industrialization process in general. Through this study, it becomes apparent the constructed image is one of progress, either progress achieved or in some cases progress unachieved. Soviet as well as Western presses and publications often created an image that the Soviet Union, through its industrialization, was building a new modern society. Furthermore, many of those involved in the construction of these cities, both Westerners and Soviet citizens, seemingly agreed with the images being constructed by the press.

Committee: Brian Bonhomme Ph.D. (Advisor); Donna DeBlasio Ph.D. (Committee Member); David Simonelli Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Modern History; Russian History; World History