The Gettysburg Historical Journal embodies the History Department\u27s dedication to diverse learning and excellence in academics. Each year, the Journal publishes the top student work in a range of topics across the spectrum of academic disciplines with different methodological approaches to the study of history. In the words of Marc Bloch, author of The Historian\u27s Craft, history is neither watchmaking nor cabinet construction. It is an endeavor toward better understanding. In the spirit of this maxim, our authors strive to elucidate the many facets of human societies and cultures. Whether these young scholars\u27 research is focused on politics, religion, economics, environmental history, or women, gender, and sexuality studies, and the editorial staff is consistently proud of the diverse subject matter we select for publication. [excerpt