Class NotesThe fact that Bernie Sanders won last night’s New Hampshire primary is no surprise to anyone. However, I think there are many surprised this morning to see that Pete Buttigieg only lost by one percentage point and even more shocked to see Amy Klobuchar came in third. Though these may not be expected, historically … Continue reading Class Notes →

John Adams, who does not get the credit he deserves, I think falls victim to one of the problems of history.  If we were to make a list of best presidents, which has been done many times, the best presidents tend to line up with the most difficult times in our history.  In other words, … Continue reading Class Notes →

Another aspect of the Civil War that I think we over emphasize is the idea of brother versus brother.  We give this so much attention that I think many students believe that most families were divided, which is just not true.  In fact, there were actually few families that were divided.  I prefer the saying … Continue reading Class Notes →

When George Washington decided to step down and not run for a third term, he released an address to his people.  In his “Farewell Address,” he admonished the people to follow his advice in two areas.  First, he warned the people about factions (political parties) and how they would divide us.  Secondly, he warned us … Continue reading Class Notes →

First, I want to congratulate the Kansas City Chiefs for an amazing season capped off by a Superbowl win.  I moved to this part of the World in 2002 and it was then I began rooting for Kansas City, it being the closest city to where we lived at the time.  I also picked them … Continue reading Class Notes →

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 →