One of the common mistakes we make when studying the Civil War is calling the North industrial and the South agricultural.  Yes, it is true that he North was industrializing before the War and the South was not, but we need to call it just that industrializing.  The North was not industrial.  The vast majority … Continue reading Class Notes →

In 1789, farmers in western Pennsylvania revolted against a new tax on alcohol passed by Congress as part of Hamilton’s plan to fix the economy. Unlike Shay’s Rebellion, which happened before the Constitution, and in some way inspired the need for the Constitution, the Government was strong enough now to squash the Whisky Rebellion. Washington, … Continue reading Class Notes →

One of the most intriguing figures in history is John Brown. Growing up Virginia and being fascinated by the Civil War, I was always taught that Brown was the villain. At times I was told his cause was right, but he was a madman. I believe his status has changed, at least in my eyes, … Continue reading Class Notes →

With all the arguing and name calling in the congress today, first I am reminded of children in kindergarten. However, historically speaking, I am also reminded of another speech that happened 164 years ago. It goes to show you that nothing really changes. In 1856, Senator Charles Sumner gave a speech in which he criticized … Continue reading Class Notes →

In early America, freedom meant something different than today.  Freedom meant land ownership, or least owning your own business.  If you worked for someone else then you could not be free.  Before secret ballot voting, employers could force their workers to vote for who they chose, making you not politically free.  Because of this the … Continue reading Class Notes →

One of the causes of the Civil War was the breakdown of the political parties that held the nation together. In 1852, the Whig Party fought over who their next presidential candidate should be. The South wanted Millard Fillmore, who was strongly pro-slavery. The North wanted Winfield Scott, who was not. When Scott was nominated, … Continue reading Class Notes →

This may be hard for some to accept, but I feel the truth must be told. Alexander Hamilton, America’s newest hero strongly believed in high tariffs and a large national debt. He believed America should run a deficit to use as a tool for economic growth. Remember that next time you are in the room … Continue reading Class Notes →

As I have said many times, the Constitution is vague.  If it was not so then we would have had to scrap it years ago.  There is nowhere more so than with war powers.  At the same time the Constitution makes the president commander and chief, it also gives congress the power to declare war.  … Continue reading Class Notes →

It is interesting that during the Great Depression, while liberal capitalism was seeming to fail, that America never developed a strong Fascist or Communist party.  In the nations of Russia and Germany, Communism and Fascism were moving their nations out of the Depression faster than the United States.  Stalin’s three five-year plans had industrialized practically … Continue reading Class Notes →