Author Description

Antebellum history often focuses on the national and state circumstances facing the American people at the time. From the end of the War of 1812 until the beginning of the Civil War, America was struggling to find common ground on numerous problems dividing the country. Ultimately, the government failed to prevent the outbreak of civil war. But behind the scenes, during all the decades of political maneuvering, ordinary citizens throughout the country were still living their lives. People worked, married, had families, and interacted daily. "Shadows of the Past" is about those people. Through fifteen intriguing chapters, "Shadows of the Past" offers a unique look into how lesser-known changes, events, and social interactions in cities and towns across the country affected the lives of ordinary citizens. A few descriptive incidents will better illustrate the approach of "Shadows of the Past." Steam power revolutionized how Americans traveled and shipped commodities. The new technology was an extreme benefit to the individual, the economy, and the country as a whole. But the steamboat also had its complications. This new form of energy had not wholly been mastered, and if crews were not adequately trained to operate the dangerous equipment, malfunctions could easily occur. This is precisely what happened to the 'Lexington' and 'Princess' steamboats. The experience of the calamity for the people on the boats and those who witnessed the events is extraordinary. Personal honor was a complex set of mores in Antebellum America. When a "man of honor" was dishonored by another, the result was often violent retribution. It could be a duel, legal in some regions but not others, or spontaneous violent retaliation. The latter occurred in 1859 when two political newcomers in Washington D.C., settled a problem involving one of their wives. An arrest and trial in the case offered a unique legal defense that had never been successfully attempted in America. <