For a couple of years scientists were trying to convince FDR of the need to work on an atomic bomb. FDR and his scientists did not think it possible and so deemed it not necessary for funding. Finally in 1939 Albert Einstein sent a letter, hoping his name would lend some weight, which it did. … Continue reading Class Notes
Author: James Finck
Dr. James W. Finck was raised in the shadows of history in the great state of Virginia. Growing up it was difficult to travel too far without running into a monument or battlefield from the Revolutionary or Civil War. In this environment, Finck developed a love for studying the past and from his youth knew that he wanted to make it his life’s work. Finck received a B.A. from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. He then studied under James I. Robertson and William C. Davis at Virginia Tech, while earning a Master’s degree. Finally, he received his Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas, under the direction of Daniel Sutherland. For five years, Finck taught at the University of Texas-Pan American before accepting his current position as American Historian at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2011. At a small liberal arts institution, Finck considers himself a generalist in history, but his specialties are the Civil War and American Politics. Finck has established himself in Oklahoma with the creation of the Oklahoma Civil War Symposium, which has brought in leading Civil War scholars for the past eight years, and he has spoken at many venues around Oklahoma, especially working with the Honey Spring Battlefield. Finck is the author of Divided Loyalties: Kentucky’s Struggle for Armed Neutrality in the Civil War, as well as Images of America: Chickasha. Finck is also the author of the syndicated newspaper column “Historically Speaking.”
Class Notes
As soon as Campbell started to distinguish his theology from other mainstream theology he came under attack. In this way Campbell is like most of the leaders that started new religions in the Americas, they came under attack from the established religions. The attack against Campbell came because he claimed the established religions had perverted … Continue reading Class Notes
Class Notes
At 7:02 am on December 7, 1941, an Army mobile radar unit picked up a blip of something approaching. Radar was new and it was being staffed by two privates. When they reported what they were seeing they were told it was a squad of B-17 they were expecting in from California. Instead, it was … Continue reading Class Notes
Class Notes
During the 1920s and 1930s Congress was able to take back some control away from the president as the Progressive movement faded away. This was seen in the way they passed neutrality laws during the 1930s to keep the U.S. out of war with Germany. FDR felt the U.S. would probably be needed to stop … Continue reading Class Notes
Class Notes
Alexander Campbell belied in a Christianity that could bring all followers together. This would be accomplished by the restoration of the true gospel created by the apostles. While he did not believe all sects would end, he understood people would always have opinions. Different sects were fine as long as they did not interfere with … Continue reading Class Notes
Class Notes
When FDR took over the presidency, he brought with him a new type of brain trust made up of Ivy Leaguers and New York social workers. These advisors were highly influenced by the Progressives and believed government could solve of the world’s ills. There was one major difference between the New Dealers and the Progressives, … Continue reading Class Notes
Class Notes
The problem for Herbert Hoover was that the commonly held economic theory at the time was that recessions were simply part of the business cycle, meaning there were times of boom and bust. The belief held that if government interfered with the business cycle, they could do permanent harm. Because of this, Hoover was hesitant … Continue reading Class Notes
First Amendment and Twitter
Twitter has been an ongoing story since the Trump presidency and ramped up even more when Twitter suspended Trump’s account after the events of Jan 6, 2021. Many felt Twitter was wrong in suspending Trump’s account, citing free speech. Of course, Twitter is not the only social media platform that has come under attack for … Continue reading First Amendment and Twitter
Class Note
doing some research for an upcoming article and found this interesting A speech to the House of Representatives, Dec 7, 1855 by Lewis Campbell regarding voting for Speaker of the House. “Mr. Campbell, of Ohio. Mr. Clerk, I ask the indulgence of the House until I can remove one of the obstacles to our organization. … Continue reading Class Note
“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about”
For only the second time in 57 years, A Charlie Brown Christmas - the most beloved of all animated Christmas specials - will not air on network television. This groundbreaking special forever changed how networks treated all specials and introduced new and lasting songs, as well as Christmas icons. Historically speaking, however, this special was … Continue reading “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about”
Historically Speaking 