Docendo Discimus
On June 19, 1862, the United States Congress took a momentous step by banning slavery in all current and future U.S. territories. This historic action marked a significant shift in the nation's legislative landscape, setting the stage for the eventual abolition of slavery throughout the entire country. This article explores the context, the legislative process,... Continue Reading →
In the annals of American history, few figures have traversed the arduous path from humble beginnings to the echelons of political power with the same steadfast commitment to principle as Henry Wilson, the 18th Vice President of the United States. Born amidst the bleakness of winter on February 16, 1812, in the rural confines of... Continue Reading →
The more I study the antebellum period, the more convinced I am that today we have almost no real understanding of what was dividing the nation. I mean, we *know* that it was slavery, but we have no understanding of why or even how those debates were conducted, nor even what the position of various... Continue Reading →
The abolition of slavery in the United States, marked by the ratification of the 13th Amendment on December 18, 1865, stands as a pivotal moment in American history, fundamentally reshaping the nation's social, economic, and political landscape. This historical milestone culminated from a complex interplay of moral, economic, and political factors and had far-reaching consequences... Continue Reading →
December 2, 1859, marked a pivotal moment in American history with the execution of John Brown, an abolitionist who believed in and advocated for the violent overthrow of the slavery system in the United States. His execution, following a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), became a landmark event... Continue Reading →
Benjamin Franklin Butler was born on November 5, 1818, in Deerfield, New Hampshire. His early life was marked by hardship; his father passed away when he was an infant, leaving the family in dire financial straits. Nevertheless, Butler showed promise from a young age. He went on to graduate from Waterville College in Maine in... Continue Reading →
Calvin Fairbank (1816-1898) was an emblematic figure of 19th-century America whose life was a testament to the fight against the institution of slavery. From his early years to his tireless efforts in aiding escaped slaves and his eventual incarceration, Fairbank's legacy is a reminder of the price many paid for the cause of freedom. Born... Continue Reading →
John Laurens was born on October 28, 1754, in Charleston, South Carolina, into a prominent family. His father, Henry Laurens, was one of the wealthiest men in the American colonies and would later serve as President of the Continental Congress. John's early education was provided by private tutors, and in 1772, he traveled to London... Continue Reading →
While the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 is widely recognized as the defining moment heralding the end of the American Revolutionary War, the aftermath of this pivotal battle had far-reaching consequences. Particularly, the issue of casualties – both military and civilian – and the disposition of slaves at Yorktown deserve detailed exploration. This article delves... Continue Reading →
The Compromise of 1850 consisted of five separate bills passed by the U.S. Congress. These bills aimed to address territorial and slavery issues stemming from the conclusion of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The main components included: 1. California Admission: California was admitted to the Union as a free state. 2. Texas Boundary Act: Settled the... Continue Reading →
August 21, 1831, is a date that has remained etched in the annals of American history, not merely as a day, but as an emblematic moment that exposed the simmering tensions and brutal realities of slavery in the United States. On this fateful day, a black preacher named Nat Turner led what is arguably the... Continue Reading →
I have long advocated for the destruction of the modern "debate" system used in our political campaigns. First, we do not have “debates" today. We have zinger contests and sound bite festivals. Even as a Talk Radio Show host, I refused to watch the debates because there is literally zero actual substance at all. Remember... Continue Reading →
He's remembered as a president who tried to unify a fractured nation with little success, doing damage along the way Source: President James Buchanan Directly Influenced the Outcome of the Dred Scott Decision | Smart News | Smithsonian At his inauguration on March 4, 1857, James Buchanan endorsed the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in the... Continue Reading →
Dave Does History 