Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause (Ty Seidule) - a podcast by Rob Mellon

West Point Professor Emeritus of History Ty Seidule talks about is recently released book Robert E. Lee and Me.  He discusses growing up in the American South and how he was indoctrinated into the myth of the Lost Cause.  He explains the difference of living in Alexandria, Virginia and living in rural Georgia.  He talks about the deification of Robert E. Lee and the groups that perpetuated the myth.  Seidule explains the history of the flags of the Confederacy including the Confederate Batte Flag.  The discussion includes why several Army posts were named for Confederate officers and how and why that should change in the future.  He explains the importance of Lincoln and Grant's leadership and why that is downplayed by the Lost Cause philosophy.  He discusses the history of Arlington National Cemetery and when Confederate graves and statues were allowed on the grounds.  He finished with how racism has infected the American bloodstream and the steps that can be taken to tell the full nature of our shared history.

HOST:  Rob Mellon

FEATURED BREW:  Ground Pounder Pale Ale, Service Brewing Company, Savannah, Georgia

BOOK:  Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause
https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Lee-Me-Southerners-Reckoning/dp/1250239265

MUSIC:  Bones Fork
https://bonesfork.com/

CLIPS:  From an interview with Shelby Foote, the U.S. Army oath, quote from Andrew Young the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., and a speech given by Harry Truman to the NAACP

Further episodes of History Ago Go

Further podcasts by Rob Mellon

Website of Rob Mellon