The Blenheim Society: Professor Adam Smith

Alex Brown, Lower Sixth pupil, writes:

On Thursday evening the Blenheim Society was given the opportunity to hear from Professor Adam Smith, the Edward Orsborn Professor of U.S. Politics & Political History at Oxford University. Professor Smith delivered a fascinating talk on ‘The Roots of Division: American History and American Crisis’, offering invaluable insights into the complex forces that have shaped American society.

As a leading expert on 19th-century American history, particularly the American Civil War, Professor Smith’s deep knowledge brought the era’s issues vividly to life, helping us understand how historical conflicts, such as slavery and states’ rights, have left a legacy on American politics. His exploration of the divisions between North and South revealed how these tensions remain relevant today, with echoes seen in the modern political divide. Professor Smith also touched upon the upcoming U.S. election, discussing the intense divide between the Democratic and Republican parties of Harris and Trump with the upcoming election in November promising to be highly polarising. He also highlighted how these divisions reflect deeper historical rifts within American society, particularly surrounding issues like race, immigration, and the role of government. Drawing parallels with the 19th-century political landscape, he emphasised how unresolved tensions which can be traced back to the Civil War era continue to influence modern politics. His analysis provided a unique perspective on how historical context shapes contemporary electoral dynamics. We would like to extend our thanks to Professor Adam Smith for sharing his time and expertise with us.