Acknowledgments

A page of acknowledgments prefaces my MA cognate, partially because I have a lot of people I'd like to thank and partially because I want to pretend that I'm a real author with an acknowledgements section at the beginning of their book. But since literally zero people are going to end up reading my cognate (and probably rightfully so), I thought I'd post my acknowledgments here.

Also of note: I contemplated just writing "for all my haters" and leaving it at that because it would be both bad ass and hilarious...but I wasn't gutsy enough to go through with it.

There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.

                                                              - George Burton Adams

 Adams’ words are quite demanding for an acknowledgements section, but nevertheless, I wish to begin with his sentiment in mind. This project is made up of the influence and encouragement of a large number of people, but I will limit myself to mentioning a few of the most significant among them. The first of which are the excellent scholars whom I reference in this paper. I am especially indebted to the work of Douglas Bradburn, James Morton Smith, and Bernard Bailyn.

Professor Nancy Rhoden has been an incredibly kind and generous mentor to me for the past three years. If there is any trace of intelligence in this paper, it is due to her insight, patience, and unflagging support. I will never be able to properly thank her. Professors Rob MacDougall, Geoff Stewart, and Colleen O’Brien have also provided me with endless encouragement and advice about this project and others. They have been an integral part of my experience at Western and I value their friendship. Professor Craig Simpson did me a very kind favour by reading a draft of this paper and providing positive and insightful feedback. I am intensely grateful for his enthusiasm and kind words.

My fellow comrades in Western’s history graduate program have had a tremendous impact both on this project and on me as a person. I am lucky to have shared such an amazing year with the most perfect of friends.

Anything I have ever done or will ever be able to do is because of my incredible family: Mom, Dad, Dani, Lisa, Asher, Shael, Pat, and Rose. You guys are the top; this is for you.

And for Harry, who was there for the beginning of this journey, and Hallie, who was there to celebrate the end.