Robert Morris: The Financier and the Finances of the American Revolution Vol. 2

Robert Morris tombstone states that he was The Financier; officially however he was Superintendent of Finance. Whatever his title Robert Morris played an integral role in financing the American Revolution and Yale Professor William G. Sumner examines Morris life and actions to enhance our understanding of the finances of the young nation.In Volume II of a two-volume work Sumner begins with the events of 1781 when Morris anticipated receiving loans from Spain. From there Sumner looks at Morris attempts to secure loans from other nations his unpopularity and resignation and the organization of the treasury. Sumner also covers the Bank War of 1785-1786 the Commercial Convention and the Constitutional Convention Morris career in the U.S. Senate and his social standing and business dealings. What should be noted is that while Morris helped to finance the Revolution he spent three years in prison for personal debts. WILLIAM GRAHAM SUMNER was a professor of political and social science at Yale University and became known as a Social Darwinist and advocate of the laissez faire principle in economics. Besides writing a number of books on sociology history and economics he was also influential in the movement to modernize the American university system.