The reason the loss of life in the Civil War was so high was because military tactics had not changed since the Napoleonic Wars, yet technology had greatly advanced.  The Civil War generals studied Napoleon at West Point.  The problem is we went from muskets to rifles that allowed accuracy for a much further distance.  … Continue reading Class Notes →

In 1971 during the Vietnam War, Congress passed the 26th Amendment to the Constitution that moved the voting age from 21 to 18.  It was believed that if you were old enough to fight and die for this country, you were old enough to vote.  It was the fastest amendment ever ratified, it was one … Continue reading Class Notes →

Part of the Peace agreement that ended the Revolutionary War, was an agreement for the British to pay slave holders for the slaves that they liberated.  During the British southern strategy, the British promised freedom to any slave that ran away and joined their ranks.  When the War ended the British relocated as many runaways … Continue reading Class Notes →

The 22nd Amendment basically states that a president can only serve for a maximum of 10 years.  If they are VP for more than two years and take over the presidency then they can run for two more terms.  If they have not served two years as VP and take over the office they can … Continue reading Class Notes →

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate our independence in 1776 instead of 1783, when we signed the peace treaty with Britain? It is because in the treaty, Britain did not grant us independence, they only recognized it. That means officially we became independent when we declared it, not when we won the War.

One of the things that hurt the L.B.J.'s presidency was his ego and reputation for sleazy politics.  He even had aids arrested for influence pedaling.  Once when he was asked if he was born in a cabin, he responded with, "No, you have me confused with Abe Lincoln. I was born in a manger."

A month after Lexington and Concord, the Colonial leaders met for the Second Continental Congress in May, 1775. They had two conflicting goals at this meeting. It was a year before we would declare our Independence from England. The first goal was to convince the Crown that we were still loyal and wanted peace after … Continue reading Class Notes →

In the 1960 election, JFK turned one of his biggest obstacles into an asset. Kennedy was not the first Catholic to run for the presidency, but was the first to win. Even though Catholics were the largest denomination in America, Americans still held reservations about the influence of the Pope. Kennedy turned his religion into … Continue reading Class Notes →

Elections changed forever in 1952, when the parties hired professional advertising companies.  TV was still new, and few had them, but that did not stop Republicans from running the first TV ads.  Democrats accused Republicans of cheapening the election by selling themselves the same way they could sell soap or toothpaste.  However, advertising worked for … Continue reading Class Notes →