Patrick earned his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College where he majored in political science and minored in history. His main focus of study was on the intersection of American politics and international affairs. He followed with a master’s degree from the American University School of International Service where he studied conflict and peace. Patrick published for AU’s academic journal and the International Policy Journal at the Center for International Policy.
Education
BA Political Science with minor in History — Gettysburg College
MA Peace and Conflict Resolution — American University School of International Service
Areas of Expertise
The 1898 Defeat That Undermined the Spanish Monarchy and Led to Civil War
Here’s how the Spanish-American War triggered "El Desastre," undermined the Spanish monarchy, and ignited the internal fractures that led to the 1930s Civil War.
How English and Dutch Privateers Got Rich Raiding Spanish Silver
English and Dutch naval captains exploited religious conflicts with Spain to make themselves and their sovereigns wealthy.
How the Dutch Forged a Maritime Empire While Fighting for Independence
By targeting Spanish and Portuguese colonial possessions, one major side effect of the Dutch War of Independence was the creation of a large maritime empire.
How the Eighty Years’ War Freed the Netherlands From Spanish rule
From 1566 to 1648, the United Provinces of the Netherlands fought a brutal war of independence against the Spanish Empire.
How William the Conqueror Rose From “Bastard” to King of England
After conquering England in 1066, William I of Normandy became one of medieval Europe’s most legendary monarchs.
The Turbulent History of Havana From Colonialism to Communism
Ever since its founding as a Spanish colonial port, Havana has been one of the major port cities of the Caribbean.
The Mongol Siege of 1240 That Turned Kyiv to Ashes
The Mongol siege of Kyiv saw a great city fall. Weakened by infighting and abandoned by its allies, Kyiv was utterly destroyed in just nine days.
How the Zealots Resisted Rome in the Siege of Jerusalem
The Zealots of Roman Judaea launched a revolt against Roman rule that would lead to the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.
6 Thinkers Who Shaped the Zionist Movement in the 19-20th Centuries
The Zionist movement in the 19th and 20th centuries was a robust political force drawing support from across the political spectrum.
How the Golden Horde Changed Eastern Europe Forever
The Mongol-Turkic Khanate known as the Golden Horde dominated Eurasia and Eastern Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries.
How Hannibal’s Siege of Saguntum Sparked the Second Punic War
When Hannibal laid siege to the city of Saguntum, his actions unleashed the Second Punic War, leading to a massive clash between Carthage and Rome.
How the Remote Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel Became a Medieval Fortress Town
One of the most stunning fortresses of medieval Europe is Mont-Saint-Michel in northern France. Its history is a microcosm of the history of medieval France.