Commentary

Commentary
Business and Industry

Limits of Liberalism

1916-1945

North Carolina's conservatism in the 1930s contradicts the state's progressive image, or rather, the myth of its progressivism, born of developments before and after the 1930s.  The conservative opposition to the New Deal created momentum for a postwar conservatism and a viable two-party competition in the state.  Genuine liberalism, New Deal or otherwise, one could argue, has yet to capture the Tar Heel state.

Commentary
Colonial North Carolina

Edenton Tea Party: An American First

1664-1775

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, we see that many events contributed to the nation's declaration of independence. This article tells us about the women's political resistance of Oct. 25, 1774.

Commentary
Political History

Willie Jones: Anti-Federalist and Co-Founder of the United States

1776-1835

A man of many titles, including “the Jefferson of North Carolina,” Willie Jones (pronounced Wiley) deserves more attention.

Commentary
Jeffersonians

An Overlooked Jeffersonian Argument: Thomas H. Hall and Internal Improvement Legislation

1776-1835

“My present purpose . . . is to present a figure seldom heard of nowadays but one deserving a lasting place in the history of North Carolina.”  In 1911, journalist Louis D. Wilson so described Thomas H. Hall, a Congressman from Edgecombe County, North Carolina.  Almost 100 years later, Wilson’s statement still rings loudly.

Commentary
Entrepreneurship

The Story of Lunsford Lane: How Entrepreneurial Spirit Overcame Slavery

1776-1835

Biographers usually love or hate their subjects.  So, I must admit before writing further that I admire Lunsford Lane.