Unsung Zeros

Everyone loves a hero. What about a zero? People of questionable ability and virtue riding waves of popularity to reach positions of power is an often ignored theme in American life.  This class will examine some of the exploits and impacts of four less-than-stellar Americans: Generals Horatio Gates, James Wilkinson, and George McClellan, and Vice President Aaron Burr. Each in their own way came perilously close to undermining the early foundations of the United States. Their seldom scrutinized lives provide a trove of important lessons.