Presbyterianism in the United States

Presbyterianism has had a presence in the United States since colonial times and has exerted an important influence over broader American religion and culture. Throughout US History, Presbyterians have played a prominent role in society. From originally arriving in the new world in the early 1640's, they formed the first Presbytery in 1706 under Rev. Francis Makemie in Philadelphia. Presbyterians largely came from Scotland or Ulster (Northern Ireland today) to the middle colonies, most commonly Pennsylvania. Princeton University was established in 1746 by Presbyterians (Particularly Jonathan Dickinson and Aaron Burr Sr.) to rigorously educate clergymen in alignment to the theology pioneered by William Tennent, and later went on to produce the "Princeton Theologians" such as Charles Hodge. Under the influence of Scottish theologians like Samuel Rutherford, Presbyterians largely believed in the idea that "Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God", as stated first by John Knox, and later argued for in Rutherford's book Lex Rex. That famous quote originally said by John Knox was later echoed by Jonathan Mayhew, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, who all supported the concept of it being a divine duty to rebel against tyrants. Vastly in fervent support of 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 greatly shaped and influenced the history and culture of the United States.