The most productive congress ever was the 37th. I'm reading a book by James McPherson

[demosincebirth]

You know why? The 37th U.S.Congress didn't have the South to contend with.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/37th_United_States_Congress

See Major Legislation.

[exboyfil]

1. Battle Cry of Freedom?

I was listening to that very passage on my mp3 while walking today. Strange coincidence. Also it was characterized as Hamiltonian Whigism. I guess I am a Whig. Of course it was mostly Republicans at the time moving forward on it. McPherson did gloss over the excesses of the period though (of course at the time it was a side issue to the big issue of the Civil War). Next book up will be American Colossus: The Triumph of Capitalism, and I am sure to hear much about the excesses.

I am making my way through the Oxford History of the United States from Audible.com. I had to read the first book from the Penguin series (American Colonies) to cover the Colonial time period since Volumes I and II are not out yet (the Penguin Series never got going). Have already listened to Glorious Cause, Empire of Liberty, and What Hath God Wrought. Already have the remaining books in the library. I know American Colossus was withdrawn from the Oxford series, but I need it to fill the hole for Volume 7 (The Long Crisis). Also will need to fill the hole for Volume 8, Reawakened Nation: The Birth of Modern America, 1896–1929. Any suggestions?

[demosincebirth]

2. Yup, that's it.