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
Why the Invasion of Spain Was Napoleon’s Fatal Error
Why was the invasion of Spain Napoleon’s fatal error? Discover how the Peninsular War and the "Spanish Ulcer" drained the French Empire and led to its ultimate collapse.
William I and the Rebirth of the Dutch Monarchy in 1813
In 1813, William I of the House of Orange-Nassau returned to the Netherlands after exile and restored the Dutch monarchy to power.
Why Napoleon Forced His Own Brother to Abdicate the Dutch Throne
In 1810, Emperor Napoleon I ousted his own brother Louis Bonaparte as King of Holland to exert greater control over the country’s resources.
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.