How the Industrial Revolution Saved America

When people hear the words "industrial revolution", few realize that they were chosen by the historian Arnold Toynbee in 1880 to describe the changes brought about by technology which were as sweeping as those caused by the French Revolution in 1789. Toynbee's lectures at Oxford University put the phrase into the lexicon of our culture and it has grown in stature over the last 131 years.

Spinning Jenny

The revolution began in England where the textile industry thrived with the invention of the flying shuttle and spinning jenny, which dramatically increased production. In 1765, 500,000 pounds of fiber was spun into clothing; 20 years later, 16 million pounds were processed. Watt's steam engine in 1769 and his rotary steam engine in 1773 were game-changers, allowing the mechanization of industry, utilizing power beyond the reach of humans and pack animals. A Scotsman named William Symington first used steam power to turn paddles for boats in canals and later Robert Fulton steered his "Clermont" up the Hudson River in what was the first in a trend of developments which revolutionized the transportation industry. Henry Shreve built multi-decked steamboats- later immortalized by Mark Twain in the novel "Huckleberry Finn"- and Shreve's influence would become so pervasive, the city of Shreveport, Louisiana was named after him.

Steamboat

Thomas Edison & his phonograph

Between 1875 and 1930, the stream of inventions arriving on the world stage was truly astonishing. Alexander Graham Bell's telephone in 1876 and Edison's development of the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb and the first power plants in the early 1880's altered the landscape of business and daily living. Edison's 1,093 patents touched- and changed- every facet of our existence. Around the year 1900, Marconi's wireless and later Edison's motion pictures, radio and Baird's development of television ramped up the pace. A critical resource- information- was now flowing quickly and freely.

The unending flow of world-changing inventions not only improved our lives- they saved our young republic. America experienced six financial panics from 1837 to 1920 and four major wars during that same period- roughly one every 17 years. Yet, we survived and eventually thrived, the improvements in technology giving a boost to businesses and economic growth, generating millions of jobs. Samuel F.B. Morse developed the telegraph and a new industry- telecommunications- in 1844, sending a message sitting in the U.S. Capitol, tapping out the words "What hath God wrought?" Just after the Panic of 1873, Bell's telephone, Edison's quadruplex telegraphy, the phonograph and light bulb boosted economic economic activity. Around the time of the Panic of 1893, Tesla's induction electric motor and Diesel's engine ramped it up again.

Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone

I often wonder what our lives would be like without cell phones, computers and T.V. Would we concentrate on simpler things- like sitting down with friends and family face-to-face, sharing our thoughts in front of the fireside- just as our ancestors did centuries before? One thing is certain. It's been about 100 years- going back to the time of Edison, Henry Ford and the Wright Brothers- since we've been able to enjoy something sublime: silence. Peace and quiet. It's nearly impossible today to go more than five minutes without a loud car roaring by, someone's boom-box disturbing the night or a plane roaring overhead. What's been sacrificed in our love affair with technology? Perhaps simply the ability to concentrate our thoughts, sit in solitude and relax- without noise and interruption. If you look at how people, especially young people around the ages of 15-25 live their lives today, it appears some have also lost something very precious- personal skills. An entire generation has grown up closer to their computers and cell phones than to other human beings... What have WE wrought?

I sent a copy of my new historical novel "Abandoned Address- The Secret of Frick's Lock" which deals with the inventions of Edison, Ford and the Wright Brothers- to William Clay Ford, the CEO of the Ford Moter Company. I received a wonderful letter in response, thanking me for the book and the mention of his great grandfather, who helped to build the industrial base of our country. Ford noted our challenges to rebuild that base in the current economic downturn- a daunting task in times of high unemployment, a weak dollar, huge national debt and a continuing loss of jobs to China and other Asian countries. As I read his letter, I felt the spirit of Henry Ford and so many others who helped our economy thrive despite financial panics, wars, a Depression and other times when it seemed we had lost our way.

I recall Abraham Lincoln's words, a sign of his commitment to our country, which was once called a "noble experiment". Lincoln remained steadfast and true to his principles despite the daily military horrors and many Union defeats during the Civil War, a nation tearing itself apart before his eyes. It seemed we were destined to fail. "America will never be defeated from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves... I dream of a time when America will once again be seen as the last, best hope on Earth..." As with Lincoln and Ford, I know that through hard work and ingenuity, America will once again thrive, our potential limited only by our creativity and dedication to excellence.

A Conversation with General George Washington

I first met General George Washington (a.k.a. Carl Closs, "Living Biographer") while visiting Valley Forge in 1998, the General standing in full uniform with a heavy, dark blue wool officer's coat keeping him warm as he greeted guests at the Park. With his cockaded three-cormered hat and 18th century sword, he is an impressive figure, his 6 foot 2 1/2 inch frame towering above the women and children coming to meet him. It was almost ten years later that we'd talk at length about our country, the Revolution and what America meant to him during an event at the historic Hale-Byrnes House near Newark, Delaware. This was the start of a great and very interesting friendship.

Carl explained to me, as we sat at a picnic table at the Hale-Byrnes House (where Washington, Lafayette and his other top Generals planned the looming Battle of the Brandywine in September 1777), that our country was not planned as a democracy- but as a republic. Since the times of the ancient Greeks, republics represented systems whereby citizens could voice their opinions and participate in decisions which would guide their own future. Our country was founded on these same principles and Closs (dressed superbly as General Washington)  explained to me the sacred values which were the foundation of this republic that he and his rag-tag Army fought for 235 years ago.

In the last year I've become good friends with this man, who despite his nearly 70 years of age shows the vitality of a 50-year old. I've talked with him about his thoughts on Washington, our system of government and what our country has become since the struggle began back in 1776. His depth of knowledge regarding the people and events which generated our system of government is truly inspiring.

Carl feels that Washington was- by far- our greatest President, not only because he agreed to lead our fragile democracy during its time of dire need and uncertainty, but because he engendered the virtues which we don't often see in today's politicians: honesty, humility, integrity, strong dedication to principle and devotion to a cause which they are willing to die for. Washington believed deeply in Divine Providence- that God guided him and the other Founding Fathers to pursue a sacred cause: liberty. Washington's fervent support for "The Cause" (he rarely used the word "revolution" or "war") was in large part the reason why we succeeded not only against the British, but also in the early desperate years as a fledgling republic. You can feel this devotion as he speaks; as you view his towering frame and graying ponytail, you sense the presence of his hero, our greatest President, George Washington.

Thank you, Carl... and deepest thanks to the General, without whom we wouldn't be having this discussion. God bless you, General Washington... your devotion lives on today in this man... and in the hearts and minds of millions of patriots who now have the ability to call themselves free Americans. To learn more about Carl Closs, go to his website at http://www.gwashington.net/

A Trip to Spackman's Farm- and back to the Battle of the Brandywine...

On Saturday, April 30th 2011 I visited Tom Spackman who owns the Thornbury Farm just off of Birmingham Road, north of scenic Chadds Ford, Pa. Tom had attended my lecture on the Marquis de Lafayette at the West Chester Country Club given for the Rotary Club of West Chester and enjoyed it so much, he invited me and the entire audience to visit him on his estate. It lies along the battlefield where George Washington's troops- including the young Marquis de Lafayette- fought the British on September 11, 1777 in the Battle of the Brandywine.

Tom was a very gracious host, taking us for a walk through his 250-year old red barn where some very friendly cats begged to be petted. He showed us the edge of the valley where the British under General Howe pursued Generals Sullivan, Stephen and Stirling, culminating in the bloody engagement in and around the nearby Birmingham Meeting House. The largest land battle in North America up until the Civil War raged late in the day as the Colonials were overwhelmed in intense fighting around the hillsides. Lafayette was wounded in the left leg nearby at Sandy Hollow and taken off the field. Casimir Pulaski gave support with his forces on horseback, becoming the Father of the U.S. Cavalry in this battle. By early evening on September 11th, Washington realized he'd been flanked and retreated to Chester, Pa. His quick and orderly retreat, saving his army from a potentially disastrous ending became his hallmark- a general who knew "when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em", surviving to fight another day.

We walked up the ridge which stands about 200 yards from stately serpentine stone houses that were there at the time of the battle, along a small ravine where a creek runs down toward the valley floor. The Colonials followed the creek up a steep slope where the surrounding rock walls rose over twelve feet above them as they tried to avoid fire from Howe's troops nearby. At the crest of the hill you can see the grassy field and Sandy Hollow, now filled with wildflowers where blood once flowed from patriots trying to thwart the British attack. Today a blacktop walking path winds along the edge of the field, leading up to a house whose yard holds a monument to Lafayette erected by local school children to honor his bravery. The cream colored, weathered column is fringed with a black, wrought iron gate and inscribed with a description of Lafayette's triumphant return visit to West Chster in 1825 to re-live that valiant scene from 234 years ago. Lafayette would go on to participate in six other battles, including the dramatic victory over Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19th, 1781, ending the American Revolutionary War.

With few supplies and a Continental Congress which was tardy at best in making appropriations, Lafayette came at the right time. As we hiked up the shady, tree-covered hill where he and the troops dodged musket balls and walked out into the bright sunlight, I could feel his presence... standing there late in the day, encouraging the troops to resist the attack as the battlefield changed hands five times. No marker stands where he was wounded- but as a light breeze blew the wildflowers in their early Spring repose, I heard his voice... and could sense his spirit... His heroism and monetary support- along with his undying loyalty to General George Washington- helped secure our independence, earning him the title "Founding Son" of the American Revolution.

Save our Historic Sites

As you may know, the economic situation has taken a toll on America's historic sites - perhaps one of the best means to keep our history alive and inform generations to come of our heritage. Recently Governor Rendell described for the National Trust "As important as the state's historical sites are, they are not part of the state's core mission." This attitude and position has led to the closing of many important Pennsylvania historic sites such as Washington's Crossing and the Brandywine Battlefield. An article in Preservation magazine also highlighted the problem of preserving America's heritage: http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2010/history-under-fire.html.
After visiting the Brandywine Battlefield last year and learning of its dire situation, I was inspired to write the historic mystery novel “Lafayette’s Gold – The Lost Brandywine Treasure” about my area and the Battle of the Brandywine. Set in the beautiful Brandywine Valley, Lafayette's Gold is a mystery thriller linking lost treasure, shady antique dealers, the mob and heroes from the Battle of the Brandywine.

The Battle of the Brandywine was fought on September 11, 1777 and was the largest land battle in North America up until the Civil War. The Marquis de Lafayette- a rich nobleman- volunteered to fight there and was wounded, suviving to help Washington again at Valley Forge and many later battles, including the final victory over Cornwallis at Yorktown. Due to his bravery and undying commitment, Lafayette truly is a "Founding Son" of the American Revolution. This historical novel about Washington, Lafayette and the Battle of the Brandywine highlights the need to save Brandywine Battlefield Park and other important sites honoring our heritage. Currently Brandywine Battlefield is still open due to the generosity of volunteers and donations from the public- but this may not last. Government actions- and citizen support- are needed to preserve this national treasure.