•Unequal distribution of wealth • 60% of all American families had an income of less than $2000 per year (i.e. they were living below the poverty line). Top 5% of people earned 1/3 of the wealth. The only way poorer Americans could consume was through credit and consumption
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson is considered one of the most influential Confederate leaders of the Civil War.
Coming from lowly beginnings and a broken family, he rose to prominence in every aspect of his life, including his education,
a military career, and his stronghold on Christian faith. He proved himself in the Civil War and gained respect from the Confederacy and the Union.
Stonewall Jackson showed that with resolve and strong religious conviction, he could live a purposeful life and defend the land that he loved.
His mother remarried and fell into debt with her more current husband.
Because of the immense financial struggles distressing the family,
Thomas was forced to go live with his uncle. His uncle paid little or not attention to him.
Even when young, Thomas showed an interest in learning (16). As stated in Stonewall Jackson:
The Man, The Soldier, The Legend, a childhood friend said that Jackson was “by no means brilliant, but was one of those untiring, plain, matter-of-fact-persons who would never give up"
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