Ways and Means – Roger Lowenstein

We started the new year on Saturday January 27, 2024 at Renee’s parents’ home in Rockland discussing Ways and Means: Lincoln and His Cabinet and the Financing of the Civil War by Roger Lowenstein, which was proposed by Michael. Salmon Chase, as Secretary of the Treasury, was the irascible hero of this story. As an economics nerd, Michael was fascinated by the untold story of how the US Civil War had been financed, how decisive the industrial and banking infrastructure was to the North, and the monumental changes wrought by the 37th Congress (land grant colleges, transcontinental railroad, income tax, Green Backs, etc.). Not everyone shared his enthusiasm for the topic. But this was another important work in our perspectives on the Civil War; past readings included The Good Lord Bird, Cold Mountain, Mightier Than the Sword, This Republic of Suffering, Genius of Place, The Night Inspector, and March.

As a note, the meeting was held at Renee’s because of the on-going scheduling issues prompted by the kitchen remodel at Michael’s & Karen’s. January was a dark month in that regard as delays piled up and the drama continued. Who knew this “120 day” project would stretch on til May??

Goodreads says:

Roger Lowenstein reveals the largely untold story of how Lincoln used the urgency of the Civil War to transform a union of states into a nation. Through a financial lens, he explores how this second American revolution, led by Lincoln, his cabinet, and a Congress studded with towering statesmen, changed the direction of the country and established a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.