West Point and the Mexican American War – Connections Galore!
This talk describes the story of how the military leaders of the Union and Confederate Armies came to know each other before the Civil War began. It is impossible to read a biography of these leaders without running into their connections and friendships with their compatriots, even when adversaries. In this talk, Dr. Dave Schrader provides the history of West Point, describing the classes and their extra-curricular events and shenanigans, highlighting who-knew-who. Many graduates got their first combat experiences in the Mexican American War (1846-1848) where more connections were forged. The talk then delves into various momentous battles where opponents knew each other – very well.

Dr. Dave Schrader
Dr. Dave Schrader has been giving CWRT talks to Los Angeles audiences since 2013. He is particularly fascinated by “the rest of the story” – for example, the activities of support organizations such as the Signal Corps, the Commissary Corps and the Quartermaster Corps, who often played major but behind-the scene roles in the abilities of generals and presidents to achieve their goals. Or people like Lincoln’s Secretaries or his Ambassadors that played a pivotal role in supporting the President and his policies. Or the Fire-Eaters who drummed up support for secession in the south while the Abolitionists were busy motivating people in the North. Most of his talks are interactive so be prepared for audience participation!