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Special Program—The 2024 Society of the Cincinnati Prize Presentation & Reception
September 5, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The 2024 Society of the Cincinnati Prize honors Eli Merritt, M.D., M.A., for his book Disunion Among Ourselves: A Political History of the American Revolution (University of Missouri Press, 2023), which explores the politics of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.
Far from a harmonious collaboration, the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War was so filled with political strife that the delegates feared the war would end in disunion or civil war. But instead of disbanding, these founders managed to unite for the sake of liberty and self-preservation, forging grueling compromises and holding the young nation together. In filling this critical gap in our historical understanding of the Revolution, Disunion Among Ourselves serves to remind readers that the founders overcame political challenges through a commitment to ethical constitutional democracy and compromise. Merritt’s study of the fear of disunion and civil war contributes to our knowledge of that last influences of the political rhetoric of the American Revolution and demonstrates that the seeds of the Civil War lay in conflict and that the founding fathers had good cause to fear disunion and internecine conflict.
In this special event, Dr. Merritt will receive the 2024 Society of the Cincinnati Prize and draw from his book to discuss the deep political divisions that almost tore the Union apart during the Revolution. The lecture will be followed by a reception. The Society of the Cincinnati Prize was established in 1989 to recognize authors of outstanding books that advance understanding of the American Revolution and its legacy.
Tickets: $60.00 per guest
Presentation at 6:00 p.m. in the Anderson House Ballroom
Reception at 6:45 p.m. in the Olmsted Gallery
Business casual attire
Registration is required and closes on Monday, September 2. This special event will only be held in-person at Anderson House. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please register by using the link below.