Presbyterianism in the United States

Presbyterianism has been present in the United States since colonial times and has exerted an important influence on broader American religion and culture. Throughout U.S. history, Presbyterians have played a prominent role in society. From their initial arrival in the new world in the early 1640s, they established the first Presbytery in 1706 under Rev. Francis Makemie in Philadelphia. Presbyterians mainly came from Scotland or Ulster (now Northern Ireland) to the middle colonies, most often Pennsylvania. Presbyterians (particularly Jonathan Dickinson and Aaron Burr Sr.) established Princeton University in 1746 to educate clergy in alignment with the theology pioneered by William Tennent, and later produced the "Princeton Theologians" such as Charles Hodge. Influenced by Scottish theologians such as Samuel Rutherford and John Knox, Presbyterians largely believed that "Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God", which led them to support the American Revolution. The Revolutionary War was dubbed the "Presbyterian Rebellion" by King George III and other loyalists. Since the founding of the United States, many Presbyterians, both laity and clergy, from both the pulpit and presidency, have shaped and influenced the history and culture of the United States.