David M. Potter was Coe Professor of American History at Stanford University. He was the author of several books, including People of Plenty: Economic Abundance and The National Character and The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861.

Daniel W. Crofts is professor of history at Trenton State University. He is the author of Old Southampton: Politics and Society in a Virginia County, 1824-1869 and Reluctant Confederates: Upper South Unionists and the Secession Crisis.