In the Kingdom of Matthias told by Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz, tells the story of a peculiar religious sect, but one that changed American society and culture. The story gives rise to changes in economics, sex, politics, religion and race and also the beginning of the Protestant revival known as the Second Great Awakening. Through the story of Matthias and Elijah Pierson, there have been many changes in society, but the main change was in gender roles. Matthias created his kingdom during the time when women had few or no rights, and he carried out this belief by force. From two extremists, a scandalous reign, and a former slave turned abolitionist leader, gender roles in the early 1800s were very distinct. Matthias grew up in a family where some beliefs were more important than others. This pushed him to become individuals with very strong and grieving patriots. The time period and society he grew up in encouraged men to be more powerful over women. Women were supposed to abide by all rules set by men. Matthias reinforced this belief in his home by abusing his wife to make her fear him. But his wife, Margaret, was tough and didn't believe her husband was more powerful than her. These actions led Matthias to despise women, which grew more and more as he grew older. Once he created his Kingdom later in his life, he made clear his feelings towards women as they were nothing better than handmaids and sexual subjects to men. He imposed strict rules on women that they only had to cook, clean and take care of the family while the man went out and did the "important work". Elijah Pierson grew up much like Matthias but was not as devoted to his beliefs as Matthias was. At his moment... halfway through the paper... waiting for this to be the first time women were sent away from home to work. This allowed them to make money on their own and this was a huge step towards women's rights. Women's rights have always been a conflict in the United States. So hearing about two extremists who believed men were superior to women, the kingdom they created, and then a former slave turned servant turned abolitionist leader puts the concept into perspective. Many changes occurred throughout these stories and show instances of women's lives in America in the early 1800s. Works Cited Murray, Judith S. "On the Equality of the Sexes." Voices of Freedom: A Documentary History. Third ed. vol. A. New York: W. W. Norton, 2005. 140-42. Print.Foner, Eric. "Chapter 9: The Market Revolution." Give Me Liberty!: An American Story. Third ed. vol. A. New York: W. W. Norton, 2012. 332-33. Press.