xx















 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

1874- 1890: Texas Democrats = Redeemers

Between 1874 and 1890, Texas Democrats known as Redeemers dismantled Reconstruction reforms, adopted a fundamentally revised state constitution and steered Texas in a new direction. Research by University of Arkansas historian Patrick G. Williams establishes that their constitution and policies affected the development of the state through the 20th century and up to today. “‘Redemption’ marked the end of a revolutionary period in Texas and across the South, and represented the effort of white conservative Democrats to rein in the changes enforced by emancipation and Reconstruction,” Williams said. In Beyond Redemption: Texas Democrats after Reconstruction, Williams – a native Texan – offers “the most detailed study to date of how Democrats destroyed Reconstruction and established an overwhelming power in Texas.” Williams also considers how the Redeemers’ policies in the areas of economic development, public services – most notably education – and citizenship rights created long-lasting...
Read more

Buying Alaska No Sweet Deal for American Taxpayers

The United States dropped $7.2 million in gold to buy it from Russia in 1867. But a new analysis by a University of Iowa economist suggests the investment hasn't been worth it for U.S taxpayers. "Cash flow from Alaska to the federal government since 1867 has certainly exceeded the initial purchase price, but this fact is not sufficient to demonstrate the purchase was a sound financial investment," said David Barker, an economist and adjunct professor of finance in the Tippie College of Business. "The economic benefits that have been received from Alaska over the years could have been obtained without purchasing the territory. In financial terms, Alaska has clearly been a negative net present value project for the United States." Barker acknowledges that Alaska provides many benefits to the country. It's a rich source of natural resources, especially oil; its vistas, open spaces and wildlife provide unmatched natural beauty. But Barker argues that the federa...
Read more

Was Blackbeard from North Carolina?

In a pirate-worthy broadside on conventional history, a Raleigh, N.C., author claims that Blackbeard and many of his henchmen weren't rogue Englishmen, but sons of North Carolina landowners. Most historical accounts contend that the notorious pirate known as Edward Teach or Thatch was from Bristol, England. But Kevin P. Duffus said his review of archives and genealogical research indicates that Blackbeard was probably Edward Beard, son of a landowner in Bath in Beaufort County. "There's never going to be a smoking gun to determine who he really was," Duffus said of the pirate. "My version is a lot more plausible than what's been foisted upon us for nearly three centuries." The writer also claims that several of Blackbeard's crew members were not hanged as earlier accounts said and at least three returned to North Carolina to respectable - and wealthy - lives. With the help of genealogists, Duffus has found a descendant of one of Blackbeard's know...
Read more