Virtual Lecture: “Diplomats at Sea: Junior Officers of the U.S. Navy, Manliness, and International Law, 1861–1865,” by Benjamin Roy

Description

In the 19th century, U.S. naval officers on the high seas were frequently called on to interpret the law of nations. The Civil War complicated matters, launching junior officers into the most difficult legal situations they had yet encountered. Using four case studies, Benjamin Roy argues that manliness was a critical factor in officers’ decision-making, as they sought to glorify themselves, preserve their professional reputations, and project American power on an international stage. Roy is a doctoral student in history at the University of Georgia, and a 2023 recipient of a New England Regional Fellowship, which brought him to the Society to do research. Admission is free for New Hampshire Historical Society members; $5 for nonmembers. Register through Eventbrite.