Our History in the Making Selections

• For generations, periods of extraordinary technological change have inspired both excitement and unease. New machines have promised prosperity, efficiency, and higher standards of living, but they have also raised profound questions: What happens to workers whose skills become obsolete? Will technology broadly enrich society or concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few? Can governments and institutions adapt quickly enough to manage disruption? Today, with the rise of artificial intelligence, these questions have returned with striking force. This fourlecture course places today’s AI revolution within a broad historical framework. We will explore earlier periods of technological upheaval, from the Industrial Revolution to electricity, assembly lines, computers, and the digital age. We will also examine the inventors, thinkers, and business leaders who shaped these transformations, including James Watt, Henry Ford, John Maynard Keynes, and contemporary innovators helping drive AI development. Special attention will be given to the public policy questions emerging around artificial intelligence, including debates over job displacement, workplace surveillance, intellectual property, privacy, misinformation, education, and the ethics of autonomous systems. Along the way, we will confront a larger question that has echoed throughout history: are new technologies tools that liberate humanity from old burdens, or forces that create new inequalities and anxieties? This course connects historical perspective with one of the most consequential developments of our age.

• This exciting and timely set of 4 lectures examines the decline and eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. From the death of Stalin to the beginnings of Vladimir Putin's reign, we will explore figures such as Nakita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev with special focus on the singular premiership of Michael Gorbachev. We will also study the lives and aspirations of average Russians as they tried to balance revolutionary principles with their average needs and wants during the Cold War -- all within an economic and political system that was failing.

• This set of 4 lectures examines the historic reemergence of China as a great power since 1949.  In the wake of a  decades-long civil war, division, military weakness and a “century of humiliation,” the last 70 years has seen China pose the biggest challenge to the prevailing economic and geopolitical status quo.  Whether as a hardline communist state or a modified free market behemoth, its progress has been extraordinary.   These lectures will examine this dramatic change of fortunes from the ascent of Mao Zedong and China’s reopening to the west in the 1970s to the profound challenges China still faces in the early 21st century including terrible demographic trends, risky military policies, and daunting wealth disparities that threaten both its long-term prospects and even its short-term outlook as it strives to build the largest economy in the world.

• This set of 4 lectures examines the precipitous decline of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It examines the economic and political meltdown of the Yeltsin years – even as reformers sought to introduce western-style norms combined with unprecedented levels of social and economic openness. We will also explore the rise of Vladimir Putin and his reassertion of Russian power both at home and abroad, leading to fraught relations and a series of wars with neighboring states.

• In the thirteen fateful years before the Civil War, US politics did not merely struggle—it broke down. This four-lecture series explores how a functioning political system collapsed under the weight of slavery, sectional rivalry, and failed leadership. Three forces drove this unraveling: the intensifying divide over slavery, the fragmentation and collapse of the Whig and Democratic parties, and a succession of presidents—Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan—unable or unwilling to meet the crisis.  Along the way, we encounter some of the most dramatic episodes in U.S. political history, brought to life by a cast of brilliant and deeply flawed figures, including Stephen Douglas, Charles Sumner, Thaddeus Stevens, Abraham Lincoln, and Jefferson Davis. Congress became a battleground, compromise grew elusive, and political norms eroded. By the end, the machinery of government could no longer contain the nation’s divisions. This course traces how the conflicts of the 1850s made disunion—and ultimately war—unavoidable.  This is the first in a two-part series of lectures on the coming of the American Civil War.

• This set of 5 lectures examines the history of Iran from the 19th to the 21st centuries with special focus on its gradual opening up to European influences, its battles with Britain and Russia particularly, and the internal struggles over how Iran (then Persia) was to modernize, whether to westernize, and yet still keep their independence and their Islamic faith.   Pressures and instability only mount as the demand for oil rises in the 20th century and new powers such as the United States scramble domestic politics, leading to revolution, war and isolation.

• This set of 4 lectures examines the recent history and development of one of the most dangerous places on the planet: Korea.  Both North and South Korea have endured decades of colonization and war to emerge since 1950 as two exemplars of a modern state, one deeply capitalist and globalized, the other dystopically communist and closed off from the world.  These lectures will explore their complicated and contradictory efforts at modernization from the Korean War to the present with special emphasis on the leaders, policies and types of societies that have come into being.

• This set of four lectures will examine one of the most fraught topics in American politics today: Immigration. Despite the US’s long history of acceptance and openness to foreign immigration, since 2000, concerns have spiked about the number and ethnicity of those being admitted. Throughout US history, immigration policy has evolved and reacted to often dramatic shifts in American society. In this set of lectures, particular attention will be given to immigration laws in the 1920s, Lyndon Johnson’s landmark Immigration Act of 1965, and recent developments in problems and policies along the US’s borders.

• This set of Five lectures examines the history of the development of women’s civil and political rights in America from 1800 to the present. It will embrace a broad range of social, economic and political issues relating to differences in class, ethnicity and race and explore critical contemporary issues such as voting rights, limits within marriage, abortion, education, social expectations, economic dependence and empowerment, political leadership and workplace harassment. We will also examine the importance of figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Margaret Sanger, Betty Friedan and others

• This set of four lectures examines and speculates about the way modern warfare is transforming with the advent of drones, AI and other technologies in the wake of the war in Ukraine.  We will study the origins of drone warfare, the basic types and uses of the current generation, how they have revolutionized warfare, and how, in the hands of third-rate militaries, they have fundamentally challenged the great military powers of the world to adapt.  This has been clearly showcased in the Russo-Ukraine War, the US-Iran war, conflicts by the Houthis in Yemen, and elsewhere.  Most analysts now believe that we are experiencing one of the most important technological revolutions ever seen in the history of warfare.  How have the United States, its allies, and adversaries responded and adapted to recent developments?
   

• This set of 4 lectures examines one of the central concerns of many Americans today: are we living through a crisis in our basic democratic system of government? We will be exploring this question through two historical cases and an examination of contemporary developments here in the 21st century. We will examine the origins of the world’s first democracy in Athens in the 5th century BCE and the reasons for its decline. We will then examine the rise and fall of the democratic government of Weimar Germany between 1918 and 1933. We will also give close attention to the rise of “illiberal democracy” since 1991 and how most democracies today are experiencing flirtations with authoritarianism, neofascism, and other severe challenges to essential checks and balances of a democratic state  

•  This set of 4 lectures examines the recent history of India, one of the world’s most important, dynamic, developing countries in the 21st century.  Coming out of a bloody, decades-long struggle for independence in 1948, India has seen several generations of dramatic political and policy shifts as leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and others sought to navigate an ideological and geo-political middle ground in the Cold War.  In the 1990s, India dramatically shifted gears towards an accelerated economic development program that has made it into a dominant regional player and critical actor in global affairs.

• This set of 4 lectures examines the recent history of the Middle East with special attention given to the region’s economic and political development from World War Two to the present.  Special focus will be given to the national experiences of states such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Egypt among others.  We will explore the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, ethnic conflict, clashes with western powers, as well as the special economic and demographic challenges peoples of the region have confronted.  For those looking to deepen their understanding of current events today, this will act as an essential primer.

• This set of 4 lectures examines the recent history of the Middle East with special attention given to the region’s economic and political development from World War Two to the present.  Special focus will be given to the national experiences of states such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Egypt among others.  We will explore the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, ethnic conflict, clashes with western powers, as well as the special economic and demographic challenges peoples of the region have confronted.  For those looking to deepen their understanding of current events today, this will act as an essential primer.

• This series of four lectures explores one of the key tensions emerging in the Middle East today: the growing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran – with the US and a number of other powers playing key roles. As the US has begun withdrawing from the Persian Gulf, who will take its place? The oil-rich Saudi kings and Iran’s theocratic republic are each preparing for war – even as many other countries in the region are impacted including Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and others. Meanwhile, other great powers such as China worry about the eventual outcome. In these lectures, you will get a better sense of the geo-political shape of the Middle East going forward. 

• This set of four lectures delves into what has transpired in the last 25 years in China, a nation seemingly poised to dominate the 21st century. However, it now faces increasing economic, political, social, and foreign relations instability. Where is this great power headed? How have recent events influenced President Xi Jinping’s policies? Additionally, how has US policy affected China’s strategic plans? We will analyze whether uncertainty and decline might heighten or reduce the likelihood of regional conflict. Key areas of change, such as demography, real estate development, raw materials and energy acquisition, and the industrial flight from China will be examined, much like the themes explored in American history online courses. This exploration will take place within a domestic political landscape tightly controlled by one man, paralleling insights from Korean War lectures and broader political history lectures.

• This set of four lectures explores what has happened in the last 25 years to China, a country seemingly destined to dominate the 21st century – and yet now increasingly proceeding under a cloud of economic, political, social, and foreign challenges. Additionally, those interested in American history online courses and Korean War lectures will find valuable insights in these political history lectures, which provide a broader context for understanding China's evolving role on the global stage.

• This set of four lectures will delve into a series of separate crises that have impacted Latin America in the 21st century. These crises have led to unprecedented economic and political instability, resulting in heightened levels of crime, unrest, and immigration that have shaken both regional dynamics and the US. As part of our broader educational offerings, including American history online courses and Korean War lectures, this series will also touch on themes relevant to political history lectures, providing a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues.

• At critical moments in American history, our political parties undergo dramatic (sometimes traumatic) transformations when tried and tested political ties and principles shift! In the last half century, America has experienced one of these periods as the Republican Party has evolved from a broad coalition. For those interested in exploring these changes in depth, American history online courses often include political history lectures that examine key events, including the impacts of conflicts like the Korean War.

• This set of 4 Korean War lectures explores the origins and evolution of America’s so-called “forgotten war,” a conflict that involved Korea, America, China, and the Soviet Union in ways that constantly threatened to tip the Cold War into a hot world war. Additionally, we will delve into the development of Russia’s nuclear capabilities, all while connecting these themes to broader concepts in American history online courses and political history lectures.

• In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the world has witnessed extraordinary levels of popular unrest. At times, these movements have served to block authoritarian regimes, while at other times, they have unfortunately been in service to them or have failed in their opposition. This set of four lectures, which can be complemented by American history online courses, will examine eight examples of mass protests in recent history – four that were largely successful and four that were not. Additionally, those interested in deeper insights into such movements may find value in Korean War lectures and other political history lectures that explore the complexities of mass activism.

• In 1920, the most popular sports in America were horse-racing, boxing, and baseball. By 2020, the landscape had shifted significantly, with basketball and football dominating both college and professional levels. This transformation in American sports reflects broader changes in US culture, which can be better understood through American history online courses. Additionally, the impact of events such as the Korean War, often discussed in Korean War lectures, and the evolution of political dynamics, highlighted in political history lectures, have all contributed to this marked shift in interests and values.

• In recent years, concern has grown across the world about a resurgence in fascism. From countries as diverse as Hungary, Poland, Brazil, India, Turkey, and the United States, fascist tropes, styles, and ideological elements have emerged. This troubling trend is often explored in various educational formats, including American history online courses and political history lectures. Additionally, the complexities of global conflicts like the Korean War are examined in Korean War lectures, providing context to the political dynamics that have shaped these nations.

This set of 4 political history lectures delves into the origins of the Nazi Party in the aftermath of World War One, examining how Adolph Hitler seized control of Germany to establish a totalitarian state focused on racial purity and regional dominance. For those interested in broader themes of power and governance, similar insights can be found in American history online courses and Korean War lectures that highlight the complexities of political movements.

After eleven years of bloody conflict and over a million casualties in total in just the last three years, the current war in Ukraine has reached a critical turning point as a new US president takes the lead. This pivotal moment echoes themes explored in American history online courses, reflecting how both Ukraine and Russia have been dramatically transformed by the war, which has severely impacted their political landscapes. The lessons learned here can be reminiscent of discussions from Korean War lectures and other political history lectures that analyze the consequences of prolonged conflict.

In this set of 4 lectures, part of our American history online courses, we will examine 8 elections in US history where unknowns or outsiders disrupted the candidacies of party favorites and insiders. For 4 of these cases, the outsider went on to win the general election. In another 4, they did not – but still substantially altered the course of history, nonetheless. Throughout the course, we will be exploring the unlikely outcomes and their significance, much like the insights shared in our Korean War lectures and other political history lectures.

In this set of 4 lectures, part of our American history online courses, we will examine 8 elections in US history where unknowns or outsiders disrupted the candidacies of party favorites and insiders. For 4 of these cases, the outsider went on to win the general election. In another 4, they did not – but still substantially altered the course of history, nonetheless. Throughout the course, we will be exploring the unlikely outcomes and their significance, much like the insights shared in our Korean War lectures and other political history lectures.

This set of four lectures examines the reemergence in the 21st century of authoritarianism, not in 'third world' or developing countries from the Cold War Era, but in healthy democracies that lead the developed world or are highly advanced by most measures. This topic is relevant to American history online courses, as it highlights the complexities of political evolution. Examples proliferate in western, central, and even discussions found in Korean War lectures and political history lectures.

This set of 4 lectures examines how average people have dealt with historically bad times in recent history. We will be looking at a variety of episodes from both US and European history, including insightful American history online courses. Additionally, we will delve into significant events such as the Korean War in our Korean War lectures, and explore how average individuals have navigated through these challenges, all while providing context in our political history lectures.

This set of 4 lectures will explore America’s long history of and tolerance for domestic terrorist organizations. Beginning with John Brown’s raids and the post-Civil War Ku Klux Klan to the assassins, anarchists, and bombers of the early 20th century, we will examine how their radical views are connected to broader themes explored in American history online courses. Additionally, these discussions will complement our Korean War lectures and political history lectures, providing a comprehensive understanding of the tumultuous periods in U.S. history.

In 1965, Pres. Lyndon Johnson passed the Immigration and Nationality Act, which laid the groundwork for modern America’s approach to both legal and illegal immigrants. This act was celebrated as 'Opening the door to the world.' Since then, illegal immigration has become a significant topic, often discussed in American history online courses alongside other pivotal events like the Korean War. These political history lectures examine the ongoing impacts of such legislation and its influence on contemporary immigration debates.

This set of four lectures will seriously examine how sex scandals have impacted the lives and political careers of many of America’s most famous presidents. Additionally, as part of our American history online courses, we will explore these themes in the context of changing social norms and delve into related topics, including Korean War lectures and other political history lectures.

This set of 5 lectures tracks the fall of Hitler's Germany from 1939 to 1945, with a primary focus on Hitler's domestic political and foreign policy as well as military decisions. In addition to exploring this pivotal period, we will also touch upon related themes present in American history online courses and delve into the political history lectures that examine the broader context of global conflicts, including the Korean War lectures. We will explore the development of the so-called 'final solution' to the...

From the 1940s through the 1960s, America experienced an unprecedented era of prosperity and economic dominance. This period is often explored in American history online courses. However, the 1970s brought a stark contrast. The combination of high inflation and high unemployment presented challenges that economists believed were impossible. This tumultuous decade is frequently discussed in Korean War lectures and political history lectures, highlighting the complexities of the era.

This set of 4 lectures will explore America’s trade regimes, tracing back to the earliest years of the republic. In addition to tariffs and economic subsidies, we will also discuss strategies for economic development. These topics will be part of our broader American history online courses, which include insights from various political history lectures and even touch upon significant events like the Korean War.

This set of 4 lectures will explore significant constitutional crises in American history, a key focus of our political history lectures. These critical moments tested our constitutional system, which ultimately endured. While all cases demonstrated resilience, each highlighted unique challenges similar to those discussed in our Korean War lectures.