Mises Institute

The Civil War is often framed as a moral struggle over slavery, but what if economic control was the real driving force? In this lecture, historian Thomas DiLorenzo challenges the mainstream narrative, arguing that Lincoln’s true priority was preserving federal tariff revenues rather than ending slavery. By tracing how tariffs fueled sectional tensions, DiLorenzo exposes how Northern industrialists benefited from protectionism at the South’s expense—and how Lincoln’s war ensured the federal government’s economic dominance. Was the war really about union and emancipation, or was it a fight to maintain Washington’s grip on the economy?

Lecture 1 of 10 from the Steven Berger Seminar: Thomas DiLorenzo on Liberty and American Civilization.

President Trump has indicated that a recession could be coming and the pundits are playing the blame game. Don‘t look to anyone in Washington for a coherent explanation for the downturn, however. Look to the Austrians instead.

Read the article here: https://mises.org/mises-wire/who-gets-blame-upcoming-recession

Be sure to follow the Guns and Butter podcast at https://Mises.org/GB

Politicians love to promise "fairer" and "simpler" tax reform, but the reality is that every tax system is built on force and distortion. In this talk, Lew Rockwell dismantles the myth that taxation can ever be neutral, efficient, or morally justified. Whether it’s a flat tax, consumption tax, or a restructured income tax, every scheme still funnels trillions into the hands of bureaucrats while crushing productivity and personal freedom. Instead of searching for a "better" way to take your money, Rockwell asks the real question: Why should the government take it at all?

Recorded on 15 January 2005 at The Trouble with Taxation Conference, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Does the US government need a gold reserve? No, it doesn’t. The government’s gold is basically an emergency slush fund for elites to use to preserve their political power.

Citation: “What share for gold? On the interaction of gold and foreign exchange reserve returns” by Omar Zulaica, BIS Working Papers, No. 906: bis.org/publ/work906.pdf

Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL

Bob first reviews the standard libertarian case for legalizing drugs as the way to neutralize the Mexican drug cartels. Then he plays a recent clip where Dave Smith argues that drug prohibition leads to violence because (among other factors) you can't call the cops if someone steals your product. Bob argues that libertarians should stop making this (invalid) argument.

Bob's Lessons for the Young Economist: https://Mises.org/HAP490a

Part of the Problem Episode 1233: https://Mises.org/HAP490b

Mark Thornton explores the psychology and economics of extractive industries, from mining to energy production. Despite their crucial role in advancing civilization—providing everything from metals to fuel—these industries are now vilified, especially by younger generations influenced by environmentalist ideology. But what are the real economic consequences of restricting resource development? How does political interference in mining and energy affect future supply, prices, and investment opportunities? Tune in as Mark breaks down the myths, the propaganda, and the financial reality behind one of the most misunderstood sectors of the economy.

Be sure to follow Minor Issues at Mises.org/MinorIssues

Should we audit the US gold hoard? First, let’s take a look at what the official numbers say about how big the US gold reserve is, where it is located, and how much it is worth in US dollars.

Be sure to follow the Loot and Lobby podcast at https://Mises.org/LL

Ryan McMaken and Chris Calton examine the many ways that government intervention has driven up home prices and made affordable homes harder to find.

Register for Our Enemy The Bureaucracy now at https://Mises.org/Phoenix25.

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Radio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug 

PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

For the first time since the war began, a senior US official criticized Ukraine’s use of conscripts. This is overdue, as conscription is one of the worst tyrannies a government can impose on the people under it, and Americans have now been forced to support it for years.

Read the article here: https://mises.org/mises-wire/other-thing-zelensky-got-called-out

Be sure to follow the Guns and Butter podcast at https://Mises.org/GB

On this episode of Minor Issues, Mark Thornton examines the relentless attacks on Amazon, from labor disputes to environmental concerns. Is Amazon truly exploiting workers, or is the unionization push just a case of economic envy? Mark dissects the claims, debunks myths about wages and working conditions, and explores the economic realities behind one of the world’s biggest employers. Tune in for a straightforward breakdown of Amazon’s labor battles and the broader implications for business and workers alike.

"Your Kids Are Already Communists, and College Will Make It Worse" (Minor Issues Podcast): https://Mises.org/MI_89

"Criticism of Amazon" (Wikpedia): https://Mises.org/MI_109_A

Murray Rothbard's 99th birthday is March 2. The Mises Institute is celebrating with its "Murray99" campaign. Everyone who donates $26 or more using the https://Mises.org/Murray99 link will receive a copy of *Economic Depressions: Their Cause and Cure* and *Nations by Consent*. The first 26 donors will also receive a Rothbard lapel pin. All donations will fund student scholarships.

Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues.