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American Wars Series: World War I
Modern imperialism. Modern imperialism from 1850s: industrial needs for markets and materials. Germany on a collision course with industrial leader, England. (4.06.00 = The Alliances. Why England, France & Russia ally against the German, Austrian, and Italian alliance. The extreme arms race before outbreak of war. (9.20.00) = The Trigger. Crisis in 1914 when a Serbian terrorist assassinates the Archduke of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo drawing the alliances into conflict. (13.02.00) = The Explosion. How the 2 alliances interact to this crisis to become embroiled in World War. (19.00.00) = The Welcoming. Each country involved eagerly welcomes this war. (22.13.00) = Trench Warfare. Germany is not able to win victory quickly. Trench warfare begins. (26.04.00) = Role of Class. War of attrition, the horror of the slaughter. On both sides, upper class officers view soldiers whose lower class role is to die in battle for the country. (34.05.00) = End of the Old World. After 4 years of battlefield carnage, the world is never the same. (39.00.00) = American Neutrality. The sinking of the Lusitania and President Wilson's arrogant actions.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
Ancient & Medieval Worlds Series: Early Humans
Origins. Evidence of pre-human types is earlier and earlier, now 3-5 million years ago. Over enormous expanse of time, primates head shape changes, hand structure changes, they emerge from trees, develop useful tools. (3.24.00) = Homo Sapiens. Emerge 200,000 years ago from other species, some extinct, some not. The precariousness of human existence. Adaptability to changes. Human distinctions include abstract thinking, language sophistication. Impact of the opposing thumb. Tool making. Animals and primates use some kinds of tools. Human too making is highly sophisticated. The creation of art. The use of tools in some burial rites (11.20.00) = Race. Race is an imprecise term. Early humans originate in Africa. Melanin darkens the skin, provides protection from the sun's rays. Paler skin color with less melanin for northern people. Population spreads to Europe, Indonesia, and elsewhere. (16.20.00) = Ages of humans. Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age) extends to 10,000 years ago, shows little change. Gathering and hunting for food. Discovery of fire 400,000 years ago before homo sapiens. Use f fire for warmth, cooking food (may have been accidental), light, protection to keep animals away. The creating of a spark and then fire by rubbing 2 stones together seems miraculous at the time. The beginning of control of nature. (21.10.00) = Neolithic Age. The creating of artifacts, jewelry, religious objects, burial rites. Clear indications of early humans' concern with death and afterlife. (26.44.00) = Inventions effect on gender. During the Stone Age men hunted, women gathered food and were child bearers. Evidence that women have superior status. They are less mobile, gathering is more important than hunting because it is steady, predictable. The deities worshiped have female forms.. The concept of Mother Earth which renews itself in cycle of seasons. (33.40.00) = Inventing History. Religion. The creating of artifacts, jewelry, religious objects, burial rites. Clear indications of early humans' concern with death nd afterlife. (37.59.00) = Gender. During the Stone Age men hunted, women gathered food and were child bearers. Evidence that women have superior status. They are less mobile, gathering is more important than hunting because it is steady, predictable. The deities worshiped have female forms. The concept of Mother Earth which renews itself in cycle of seasons. (43.53.00) = Creativity. Early sculpture. Cave paintings are somewhat high up, protecting them. The use of paint from vegetable matter, yellows and browns. Themes are animals, humans, hope for future hunt or celebration of a successful hunt, the depiction of extinct animals. A spear aimed at an animal's head indicates knowledge of anatomy. Masks suggest knowledge of math, forms of writing. Neolithic Age (New Stone Age). 10,000 years ago. A human revolution with enormous changes. (46.40.00) = Bronze Age Beginnings of Civilization. The Bronze Age, the age of metals, about 5,000 years ago. Copper and tin are soft but the alloy of the two, bronze, is hard and breaks stone. This discovery is probably accidental. In Egypt 3,000 to 5,000 years ago, the first appearance of settled urban life along the Nile River, a source of water. This pattern is followed in the Yangtze River and other major waterways. The use of strong metal tools to clear swamps. (52.52.00) = Food surplus and division of labor. Earlier all people are involved in food supply. Now more food is produced by fewer people, freeing some for other things, leading to the division of labor. Mining and finding proper ore, smelting to melt away impurities, molding of metal into useful forms. This food surplus allows the possibility of greater travel, contact with other people, trade, and war. Class society begins with the victors of wars, the military leaders, becoming the political leaders, passing on rule to their sons. The defeated become slaves as the spoils of war. (57.09.00) = Replacement of the matriarchal society. Invention of the plow revolutionizes agricultural production, is labor saving. Plows are pulled by work animals controlled by men, changing the society to patriarchal. Goddesses are transformed to gods. (58.24.00) = Class society begins. Economic and political rulers do not do manual labor which is done only by the lower class. Whether or not someone does manual labor is a mark of class distinction between upper and lower class. (1.05.49.00) = Pyramids in Egypt made of 2,300,000 stones each 2-1/2 tons, and all that involves from cutting from a mountain quarry, moving to location including floating along a river and getting into place level upon increasingly high level to a height of 481 feet high, with a margin for error is less than 1 inch. Just as remarkable are elaborate structures underneath as burial sites for pharos with their treasures. (1.13.14.00) = Stonehenge.in southeastern England, 1900-1600 B.C., its complexity, logistics of construction, its choice of location, and possible purpose, possibly a calendar. If so, it will only work at that latitude. These reflect math and science genius of the human brain's power. (1.22.42.00) = Other examples of the brain's genius. Mummification, requiring knowledge of the body. Egyptian brain surgery is practiced, with many survivors evidenced by scar tissue on mummies. The knowledge of pi, the circumference of a circle. Written language. Pictograph images, hieroglyphics, idea graphs of signs representing ideas, cuneiform writing, cutting into stone, letters representing sounds Early writing is record of contributions to religious priesthood, no writing of technology. Iron ore, stronger than bronze, is smelted by the Hittites, later formed into steel. The Phoenician alphabet, the ordering of sounds. The Assyrian aqueduct carries water to lower lands (1.30.06.00) = Decline of Inventions. Inventions are not from advanced civilizations. One reason is the upper class does not want labor saving devices to ease labor of working class which defines the class society. Another reason is the superstitions by priesthood which are threatened by science and the education of the masses. (1.34.30.00) = Complexity of human development. Parallel things going on. Tremendous scientific achievements and at the same time the growth of religious observance, side by side. Sometimes news travels from one civilization to another, other times parallel discoveries independent from each other. Yet technology is only one way to measure human society.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
Revolutions Series: American Revolution
To serve England. 13 American colonies founded to serve England. (02.42.00) = Period of Neglect. 100 year period of neglect by England, factors & results . (07.10.00) = Turning Point. The end of the French & Indian War (7-Years War), is a turning point for the Colonies. (12.44.00) = The Stamp Act Irony. Irony of the 1765 Stamp Act crisis and American resistance. (21.51.24) = Myths. Myths of the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. (25.10.00) = Road to Revolution: How 1775 Battle of Lexington leads to Declaration of Independence. (32.45.00) = The Lost Opportunity for the Declaration of Independence to abolish slavery. (38.45.16) = A Class Society. American colonies as a class society, and role of European Enlightenment. (43.05.00) = Mixed Support. The Colonies' mixed support for revolution which was a violent revolution. (48.08.00) = The Guerilla War. The American Revolution as a guerilla war. (51.20.00) = The Role of Class in the Colonial army. (53.45.00) = Women's Role in the American Revolution changes their status. (55.38.00) = Slaves' Support. Why the slaves were mainly pro-English. (56.48.00) = Native Americans' Support. Why the Native Americans were pro-English. (57.36.00) = France's Help. English response and justifications for the revolution; Ben Franklin's role in enlisting France's help for the Americans. (1.01.01.00) = Battle of Saratoga. The irony of the American victory at Battle of Saratoga, the French role. (1.04.26.00) = English Support. Changing English support, low English troop morale, brutality of Hessian mercenaries. (108.38.00) = Result of Peace Treaty is great increase of American territory. Consequences for political power between the upper and lower classes. International impact of the American Revolution. (1.09.33.00) = Early Govenment Formula. Articles of Confederation reflects increased power of lower classes. Problems with strong state powers and weak federal government. Why the original Articles of Confederation, which is America's law through the 1780's, is more democratic than the US Constitution which replaces it in 1789. (1.13.38.00) = International Impact. Gains of American women, international impact: “Shot heard around world.” (1.6.35.00) = Effect on American History. 1787 Constitution replaces Articles of Confederation, returns power to upper class merchants and planters, reflects founding fathers' negative view of human nature. Bill of Rights for individual rights created later. Why the American Revolution is the cornerstone of subsequent American history.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Presidents Series: Hot War, Cold War
Harry Truman completes FDR's term in 1945. An abrupt change in view of Russia from that of FDR. Change in attitude toward Russia. He completes FDR's term from April, 1945. An abrupt change in view of Russia from that of FDR. He is concerned about Russian ambitions to expand communism. The background to Russia invading Manchuria days after the atomic bomb is dropped on Japan. (8.04.00) = Issues of Using the Bomb. There are the moral issues of using the atom bomb against Japan. (24.36.00) == Origins of the Cold War. It originates from the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, based on the U.S. perspective and Russia's perspective and the supporting facts of that time. The benefits of the economic needs of a war economy are duplicated by the threat of war. The Cold War starts with the Loyalty Oath program under Truman. There is mass public hysteria fanned by the Alger Hiss case and Sen. Eugene McCarthy. . (42.00.00) = Upset victory. Although an underdog in the 1948 election, Truman wins an upset victory. Truman is blamed for the loss of China. Russia gets the Bomb, adding to public insecurity and fear. (50.43.00) = Korea. After the Inchon landing the North is pushed back to the 38th parallel. The war could be ended here but Truman has the U.S. push further despite China's warning. China intervenes resulting in a terrible American retreat back to the original line. The war continues for another 2 years until Dwight Eisenhower ends the war in 1953 after his election in 1952. (55.27.00) = Accomplishments. He is now considered popular because he continued the progressiveness of the New Deal, enacted the GI Bill, the housing rights for vets, and the Full Employment Act. He desegregated the American forces. But he also sustained a war economy with a war not winnable. The Taft-Hartley Act took away some labor gains. His slogan, "The Buck Stops Here," is considered admirable. (1.00.46.00) = 34. Dwight D. Eisenhower. McCarthyism. Elected 1952, recognized for his military charisma and administrative ability of the Normandy invasion. He shows a lack of moral courage by not defending George Marshal when attacked by Sen. McCarthy. (1.03.00.00) = Civil Rights. In an economic boom time he builds an interstate highway system. During the birth of the modern civil rights movement he is reluctant to intervene in the Little Rock resistance to school integration. Yet he does send troops to enforce the law as a fulfillment of his duty. Ike refuses to commit U.S. troops to Vietnam. He warns of the military-industrial complex. McCarthyism. (1.02.24.16) = Civil Rights. During the birth of the modern civil rights movement he is reluctant to intervene in the Little Rock resistance to school integration. Yet he does send troops to enforce the law as a fulfillment of his duty. (1.04.39.15) = During the birth of the modern civil rights movement he is reluctant to intervene in the Little Rock resistance to school integration. Yet he does send troops to enforce the law as a fulfillment of his duty. (1.06.23.00) = The Cold War. John Foster Dulles, a zealot, is his secretary of state who approaches the Cold War with brinkmanship. When there begins to be a sense of bringing opposing forces together to solve problems, the U2 spy plane episode undermines peace attempts. The U2 spy plane flights over Russia had been undertaken without Ike's knowledge. (1.10.05.00) = Vietnam. Ike refuses to commit U.S. troops to Vietnam. He warns of the military-industrial 35. John F. Kennedy. Elected in 1960 in a close race where the role of TV image is a factor. He is charismatic. He clears the air of the issue of him being a Catholic by reaffirming the separation of church and state. He creates the New Frontier image but reality is pragmatic with civil rights. An anti-discrimination in public housing bill is signed but applies only to housing to be built. His administration tries to block civil rights marches and demonstrations. JFK's view at the time is that communism is a Russian monolith, and that Vietnam is a threat to the U.S.. He sends troops in 1961, beginning a self-commitment. When popular demonstrations erupt at home, he misses the chance to withdraw and save face. JFK is assassinated in 1963. If he had lived, Vietnam would have continued. His legacy is his charisma inspires the younger generation in public service. (25.32.00) = 36. Lyndon B. Johnson. LBJ completes JFK's term. He is from Texas, a segregated state. He has a strong personality with unsavory aspects. He identifies with FDR's New Deal traditions. The civil rights movement is in full swing and he pushes important civil rights legislation affecting African-Americans, women, and other minorities. This includes the War on Poverty and education. His important legacy is the Great Society laws. He is reelected in 1964 during the Vietnam War. The Tonkin Bay hoax gives him great authority for a major escalation of the war eventually reaching 500,000 troops. Domestic programs are cut. When increased hope is thwarted domestic uprisings result. The 1968 Tet offensive dooms the war effort as lost, and leads to low public confidence in the president. LBJ drops out of the reelection race. (40.22.00) = 37. Richard M. Nixon. He returns from political defeat to win the 1968 election, and is reelected in 1972. He opens the door to China for economic reasons. The Vietnam War is intensified and then ended. In Latin America he supports the overthrowing of governments not to our liking. Domestically he initiates reforms. He is a paranoid president believing he is above the law and provokes a constitutional crisis. (1.13.03.12) = 38. Gerald Ford As vice president he becomes president after Nixon resigns. He is genial but has an image of bumbler. He loses the 1976 election. . (1.18.29.03) = 39. Jimmy Carter. Carter, an anti-segregationist Governor of Georgia, is elected in 1976 and serves only 1 term. The Iranian Islamic revolution undercuts his reelection bid when he is unable to free American hostages.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
Modern European History Series: Making Modern Europe
Transition Period. Rise of Capitalism. Population Changes. The role of the devastation of the bubonic plague in the movement from rural manors to towns and rise of guilds. After the stagnant medieval era, the beginnings of a new economic and social system as the pursuit of profit by business means (3.57.00) = The Renaissance. Marco Polo travels to China. Rebirth of past cultures. The Arab Empire. Scientific revolution. New view of the universe. Shift to secular humanism; non-religious, not anti-religious. (9.47.00) = Age of Exploration. Reaping rewards from other countries, especially gold, and Christopher Columbus as a turning point in world history. Role of the printing press in the rapid growth of exploration. Ambivalent attitudes toward nature. Native populations devastated. (16.27.00) = Protestant Reformation. Christianity splits into Roman Catholicism and Protestantism in the early 500s. Luther. Calvin. The concept of religion and economic individualism as an extension of capitalism (21.33.00) = Rise of the Nation-State. In France, divine-right monarchy, Louis XIV, is the epitome in 18th century. (23.48,00) = The Enlightenment. People now seen as logical who can achieve happiness through science and education. Standards for ethical behavior. Influences later French Revolution. (28.09.00) = The Decline of the Monarchy. English Revolution of 1740s. Cromwell. Growing away from absolute monarchs. American Revolution of 1776. The shot heard around the world. It's possible to defeat a large power. French Revolution of 1789. Overthrow of monarchy. Napoleonic war brings modern age to others. (42.57.00) = The Industrial Revolution Modern Industrial Capitalism. . England begins the factory system, 1780-1830. The impact of the Closure Act forcing millions of peasants to seek work in the cities. The minimizing of costs results in enormous misery. The planned slums, child labor. The impact of the canal system and the railroads. England becomes the most powerful country in the world. Rise of the new force of nationalism, patriotism, and the self-image of superiority. (48.29.00) = Rise of the Nationalism. Early 1800s. Love of country, striving for indigenous unity, but also sense of superiority leading to extremism. (49.46.00) = The New Modern Age. In the 19th century. music, art, literature, and poetry show change from the set forms of the conservative period to romantic forms, expressing feelings. Labor saving inventions and advances in science and medicine advance the belief in intellectual and material progress. The division of social and economic thinkers who advocate no interference with trade, with others who press for a more egalitarian society with distribution based on need not profit. Marx's view of capitalism. (53.03.06) = Industrial Capitalism. The division of social and economic thinkers who advocate no interference with trade, with others who press for a more egalitarian society with distribution based on need not profit (59.33.00) = Imperialism and Clash of Interests. Last ¼ of the 19th century. Need for control of foreign territory for raw materials and markets. England in India to milk resources as quickly as possible. Image of bringing modernity but actually creating backwardness. African countries are divided up. European countries establish spheres of influence in China. (1.06.10.00) = Seeds of Modern War. European countries, including Italy and Germany, undergo unification. The rise of German industrialization and competition for limited resources in the 19th century for industrial capitalism needs (1.09.54.00) = On a Collision Course. . Much progress in modernization in the 19th century but still mostly rural, but changing. On a collision course ending in the horror of WWI. Alliances are formed by England, France, and Russia, although a backward country, based on fears of Germany. Opposed by an alliance between Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary. An arms buildup. Competition for colonies. On a collision course. (1.17.12.00) = WWI, 1914-1918. Germany plans to knock out France quickly and then take on Russia later. England declares war on Germany. Prolonged trench warfare. Pattern of attacking troops massacred by machine gun fire. Four years of slaughter until armistice in November, 1918.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Presidents Series: Young Nation
1. George Washington, 1788-1796, 2 terms. He is charismatic yet personally aloof. He wages a guerilla warfare, outlasts the British to victory. He rejects royal image. He supports Hamilton's controversial policies which put the U.S. on firm financial footing. He opposes entangling alliances, a cornerstone of foreign policy for over 100 years. He frees most of his slaves at his death. (19.30.00) = 2. John Adams, 1796-1800. He lacks charisma but is a brilliant original political thinker. He defends British soldiers who are on trial for the Boston Massacre. He is a one-term president. The passage of the Alien & Sedition Act is a low point. His resistance to popular war fever against France avoids disaster and is the high point.. (31.44.00) = 3. Thomas Jefferson, 1800-1816, 2 terms. He fights to free slaves in Colonial Virginia and Northwest Territories, but does not free his own slaves at his death. He writes the Declaration of Independence. He argues against a strong federal government, but uses federal power when necessary. He backs the States Rights Doctrine that states can reject federal law. 4. James Madison, 1809-1817, 2 terms. He is the author of the Constitution, with its separation of powers. The Bill of Rights is to come later. He launches the disastrous War of 1812. (16.08.00) = 5. James Monroe, 1818-1825, 2 terns. He is a supporter of states' rights as a balance to federal power. He wants a strong federal government f to encourage business. The Monroe Doctrine rejects European colonization in the Western Hemisphere but sets an expansionist policy for the future. (26.57.00) = 6. John Quincy Adams, 1825-1829, 1 term. . Adams' probable role in the Monroe Doctrine while Secretary of State. He is a nationalist, rises above sectional differences, believes in a strong federal role, support for the business community, major advocate for federal role in the infrastructure (37.37.00) = 7. Andrew Jackson, 1929-1837, 2 terms. Hero of Battle of New Orleans. He is from frontier state, Tennessee, he loves to kill Indians (1.02.44.00) = 8. Martin Van Buren, 1837-1841, 1 term. He is blamed for the 1837 depression, initiated by Jackson's economic policies. (1.04.15.00) = 9. William H. Harrison, 1841, 1 term. He dies of pneumonia 30 days after inauguration (1.06.46.00) = 10. John Tyler, 1841-1845, 1 term. . He succeeds Harrison. He is a Southern slaveholder,
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Presidents Series: Sectionalism, Civil War & Reconstruction
11. James Knox Polk. He achieves very significant expansion of American territory. (11.07.00) = 12. Zachary Taylor. He is a Southerner, a Mexican War hero, wins 1848 election. He attempts to accommodation North-South sectionalism. He dies 2 years into his term. (12.38.00) = 13. Millard Fillmore. Completes Zachary Taylor's term, is a passive President, a pro-slavery Northerner. (13.28.00) = 14. Franklin Pierce. A Democrat, elected in 1852, he does little to offend Southern slaveholders in the crucial pre-Civil War decade. (14.44.00) = 15. James Buchanan. He also avoids offending Southern slaveholders as the country heads for civil war. (15.27.00) = 16. Abraham Lincoln. Deals with blacks as equals on a one-on-one basis, but as an ambitious politician, tells audiences what they want to hear. His election in 1860 begins secession crisis. (30.57.00) = Civil War. Lincoln responds to war crisis with strong measures, assuming dictatorial methods. His Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 frees slaves in the Confederacy but not others. He allows blacks to serve in Union Army. Total war by Sherman and Grant leads to victory but also huge slaughter on both sides. He imposes a generous plan for defeated South. He lacks popularity until after his assassination. (53.47.00) = 17. Andrew Jackson. The controversy of Reconstruction and the future of ex-slaves is over land for poor whites and ex-slaves. His political and economic but not moral motives to keep his party in power create conflict with North. (1.05.48.00) = 18. Ulysses S. Grant. He is considered a failure, lacking the confidence shown on the battlefield. There are scandals associated with his office. His notable memoirs are assisted by Mark Twain.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Presidents Series: Early Industrial Era
19. Rutherford B. Hayes. His party steals 1876 election from Tilden by manipulating electoral votes. He ends Reconstruction and federal troops are withdrawn from South. Poor white & ex-slave small farmers become sharecroppers, a status considered worse than slavery. (08.18.00) = 20. James A. Garfield. 21. Chester A. Arthur, 22. Grover Cleveland. 23. Benjamin Harrison. All are mediocre Presidents, overshadowed by the economic giants of the times. (18.27.00) = 24. Cleveland 2nd term. He breaks Pullman strike with troops after the governor refuses illegally intervene. (24.23.00) = 25. William McKinley. He annexes the Philippines after Spanish-American War, leading to two years of brutal guerrilla war. He is assassinated by anarchist.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Presidents Series: Progressive Era
26. Theodore Roosevelt becomes President when McKinley is assassinated. His role in the Spanish American War demonstrates how he enjoys war. He becomes a reform president and begins the Progressive Era, which lasts until 1917. "The Age of Conservatism" is a new relationship between the federal government and business. His diplomatic style is aggressive, using "Dollar Diplomacy" and "Gunboat Diplomacy." He wins election in 1904. (12.41.00) = Trust Buster. He becomes a reform president and begins the Progressive Era, which lasts until 1917. His label as "Trust Buster," after applying the Sherman Anti-Trust Act against a business, is questioned if really earned. The public believes a problem is solved but is actually worsened in practice. Muckraker. His reputation as champion of labor after settling a coal strike is also questioned. Pure (30.54.00) = Food & Drug Act of 1906, passed in response to a public enraged by "muckraker" Upton Sinclair's book, "The Jungle," has the opposite effect than intended. He presides over what can be termed, "The Age of Conservatism," with a new relationship between the federal government and business. The public believes a problem is solved but is actually worsened in practice. (40.07.00) = Agressive Foreign Policy. Teddy Roosevelt is well educated, has many interests and is a well-respected writer. In foreign policy he deals with European leaders as equals, has a racist attitude toward the Japanese but softened by their rising military power, but has open contempt for Latin American leaders. His diplomatic style is aggressive, using "Dollar Diplomacy" and "Gunboat Diplomacy" in his drive for the Panama Canal. He wins election in 1904 but bows to the 2-term Presidency tradition in 1908. (50.44.00) = 27. William Howard Taft. A one-term Republican, he lacks the charisma of Teddy Roosevelt and at 300 lbs, is the butt of many jokes. Yet during his term he launches more anti-trust suits than his predecessor, and signs into law two amendments: the federal income tax law, and the direct election of Senators. The election law amendment ends the practice of rampant election fraud in Senate elections. The political scandals of LBJ and Nixon. The GOP shift to the right. The erosion of liberalism of Democrats in power a long time. Traditional values versus civil rights, women's rights, etc. The GOP Southern Strategy addresses the resentment of Southern whites to civil rights changes leads to the rebirth of the GOP majority. Republican favoritism toward . (40.28.22) = . His diplomatic style is aggressive, using "Dollar Diplomacy" and "Gunboat Diplomacy" in his drive for the Panama Canal. . (51.09.02) = 27. William Howard Taft William Howard Taft. A one-term Republican but he launches more anti-trust suits than his predecessor, and signs an amendment which ends the practice of rampant election fraud in Senate elections. 28. Woodrow Wilson. A Democrat, is elected in 1912. He believes that anyone who opposes him on any issue is morally evil. Wilson is reelected in 1916 on the theme of "He kept us out of war," but leads the U.S. into the war in April, 1917. In Wilson's world view, the League of Nations is to be not an idealistic utopia but a tool for the U.S. to dominate the world. (30.38.00) = U.S. neutrality in WWI. . Wilson declares U.S. neutrality at start of World War One in Europe in 1914. U.S. expectations of increased trade with both sides are thwarted by English surface naval power which blocks German ports. Germany counters with the U-boat to attack Allied shipping. (45.43.00) = U.S. enters WWI. The official reason is "the freedom of the seas." On a deeper level there is anticipation of significant economic gain, and Wilson's personality which sees Germany as a moral evil. (54.40.19) = Should the U.S. Have Stayed Out of WWI? There is the practical judgment of whether U.S. could have stayed out of the war, and the moral judgment of whether the U.S. should have stayed out, both with significant implications for whether World War Two would have occurred. (58.18.0) = Loss of Civil Liberties. During the war there is domestic terror and mass hysteria, with Wilson leading the way with curtailment of U.S. civil liberties (1.04.51.00) = The Peace Treaty. Intent mainly for revenge on Germany, the Allies brush aside Wilson's 14 points. . U.S. disillusion sets in after the Senate rejects the League of Nations when Wilson refuses to compromise with Senate modifications. (1.25.38.00) = Wilson's legacy. The political debate since WWI and into the present and future is how to assert America's will on the world-- by military force or by economic and political pressure. America is superpower. The war diverts reform (1.31.37.00) = 29. Warren G. Harding. Elected in 1920 in Republican landslide, He is considered a failure as President, His administration is riddled with cronyism and scandals (Teapot Dome), but he also had some capable cabinet members. Harding dies in office. (1.36.45.00) = 30. Calvin Coolidge. He is known for breaking of the police strike. He seems to suit the times, is popular, and easily wins reelection in 1924. He blocks help to farmers because he sees them as inconsequential.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Presidents Series: Depression, War & Revolution
31. Herbert Hoover. He is elected in 1928. He is opposed to the League of Nations, believes American power should be projected by economic and political forces. During the Depression he believes government should keep its hands off, calls for volunteerism, advocates business to help from the top down. (26.32.00) = 32. Franklyn Delano Roosevelt Early career. A distant cousin of Teddy Roosevelt, he comes from NY old wealth carrying a sense of public obligation. His wife, Eleanor, lacks early self-confidence. Marital alienation contributes to her independence and her special role in FDR's career. FDR's is afflicted with polio in the early 1920s, makes a great effort to overcome its effects, and reenters politics (37.05.00) = FDR elected in November,1932 but inauguration is not until March, 1933. In a depression the country drifts dangerously during this interval when no government action will be able to be taken. A run on the banks begins amid increasing financial panic. Inauguration day arrives. FDR's attempts to calm the country. His famous inaugural speech, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself' delivered in his trademark firm reassuring voice. A series of radio fireside chats follow. He announces a new banking law and pronounces the banks safe. The bank crisis is turned around more by FDR's confidence and reassuring manner than change in policy. There is a question of whether his philosophy is that of a pragmatist or an opportunist. (48.28.00) = Farm Measures Fail. Major reform legislation in the first 100 days intended to aid small business and farmers hurt by prolonged drought is not effective. Being paid to restrict crops could not be monitored. The large farms benefited but the small farmers and sharecroppers continued to suffer. Franklyn Delano Roosevelt (continued). 3 important acts passed in 1935 These are needed 2 years earlier but FDR put the brakes trying to win over business which does not trust him. The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) legitimatizes labor unions. The Social Security Act pensions for retirees where workers and employers each paid half of the premium. The Wealth Tax Act (Soak the Rich Act) taxes income progressively. These are passed before the elections and FDR wins a second term in a landslide (05.35.00) = Packing the Court. FDR attempts to control the Supreme Court by adding a number of justices to the existing 9, but rejected by Congress. Later he is able to replace justices who die out with his own choices. (07.26.00) = Later Relief Agencies That Work. FDR later succeeds by going further, creating relief agencies that work. These include the WPA, PWA, and CCC, which created, respectively, jobs for skilled, unskilled, and creative people, and the Fair Labor Board which set work standards. This reflects the Keynes view of jobs as the answer to the causes of economic depression, and is the opposite from the "trickle-down" view. (21.31.003) = U.S. Isolationism. Gathering of war clouds caused by fascism, which the U.S. responses to with acceptance. Hitler appeals to the West for support to bolster his fight against communism. The 1936 Spanish Civil War is doomed by Western neutrality, a missed moral opportunity to stop fascism. The mentality of most Americans is disillusionment after World War I. There is the role of Germany, the American Bund, and Lindberg to foster American support for Hitler. There is a growing conflict with Japan for dominance in Asia, especially in China. There is the emerging Axis Alliance vision of the carving up of the world. Western fears underlie the appeasement of Germany. (1.00.18.00) = WW II Begins.The August 1939 non-aggression pact between German and Russia has its rationale. The German blitzkrieg leaves only England to face German military might. Still neutral, the U.S. begins Lend-Lease aid to England.. 1.03.06.00) = Pearl Harbor The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the controversy over FDR's role contrasts one theory that FDR let the attack happen to unite Americans to support the war against the theory of his "blundering" not his "calculation." There is the issue of which enemy is more dangerous, Germany or Japan, and why the military advisors believe Germany is the more dangerous. (1.12.36.00) = The Second Front and alternative actions present complex strategic issues. There is the question of Stalingrad's role in shortening the war. The question that an earlier second front might have greatly reduced the Holocaust. There are implications of the Stalingrad victory for real politic and post-war relations. (1.38.03.00) = FDR wins 3rd & 4th terms. FDR gets Russia's promise to attack Japan. The controversy of the use of the atomic bomb is explored. The fact that only the start of World War II ends the Depression has profound meaning for that time, and for all time of history from that day to this, pointing to the need for a war economy.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Wars Series: American Revolution
To serve England.13 American colonies founded to serve England. (02.42.00) = Period of Neglect. 100 year period of neglect by England, factors & results . (07.10.00) = Turning Point. The end of the French & Indian War (7-Years War), is a turning point for the Colonies. (12.44.00) = The Stamp Act Irony. Irony of the 1765 Stamp Act crisis and American resistance. (21.51.24) = Myths. Myths of the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. (25.10.00) = Road to Revolution: How 1775 Battle of Lexington leads to Declaration of Independence. (32.45.00) = The Lost Opportunity for the Declaration of Independence to abolish slavery. (38.45.16) = A Class Society. American colonies as a class society, and role of European Enlightenment. (43.05.00) = Mixed Support. The Colonies' mixed support for revolution which was a violent revolution. (48.08.00) = The Guerilla War. The American Revolution as a guerilla war.. (51.20.00) = The Role of Classin the Colonial army. (53.45.00) = Women's Role in the American Revolution changes their status. . (55.38.00) = Slaves' Support. Why the slaves were mainly pro-English. (56.48.00) = Native Americans' Support. Why the Native Americans were pro-English. (57.36.00) = France's Help. English response and justifications for the revolution; Ben Franklin's role in enlisting France's help for the Americans. (1.01.01.00) = Battle of Saratoga. The irony of the American victory at Battle of Saratoga, the French role. (1.04.26.00) = English Support. Changing English support, low English troop morale, brutality of Hessian mercenaries. (108.38.00) = Result of Peace Treaty is great increase of American territory. Consequences for political power between the upper and lower classes. International impact of the American Revolution. (1.09.33.00) = Early Govenment Formula. Articles of Confederation reflects increased power of lower classes. Problems with strong state powers and weak federal government. Why the original Articles of Confederation, which is America's law through the 1780's, is more democratic than the US Constitution which replaces it in 1789. (1.13.38.00) = International Impact. Gains of American women, international impact: "Shot heard around world." (1.6.35.00) = Effect on American History. 1787 Constitution replaces Articles of Confederation, returns power to upper class merchants and planters, reflects founding fathers' negative view of human nature. Bill of Rights for individual rights created later. Why the American Revolution is the cornerstone of subsequent American history.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
American Wars Series: Civil War
The Cotton Gin Changes Slavery as necessary evil to positive good in the South. Why slavery is not established in the North, unrelated to moral issues (4.18.00) = Sectionalism of North and South. . Role of high tariffs on English goods and concept of states' rights. (8.48.00) = Clash of Ways of Life. Dominance of South's planter class. North's family farmers and evolving modernity in the rise of manufacturing. (12.54.00) = Division Between Slave States and Free States. The Missouri Compromise of 1820. The Compromise of 1850. The Washington, D.C. slave trade. The Underground Railroad. The Fugitive Slave Act and enforcement (21.24.00) = Drifting Toward Civil War. Failure of various attempts of compromise. (26.17.00) = Dred Scott Decision of 1856. Supports concept of slavery, negates the Great Compromise of 1820, opening up all western territory to slavery. (29.40.009) = The Republican Party, a Northern, anti-Southern, anti-slavery party, emerges in 1854, supported by disparate groups for economic , political, racist, and moral reasons. It's candidate, Abraham Lincoln is elected president in 1869, totally changing the political landscape. (37,31.00) = Civil War Begins. The South secedes in 1860 with Lincoln's election, despite the long history of the South dominating the presidency. (41.41.27) = Was the Civil War Avoidable? Slavery is a dying institution. The impracticality of expanding slavery in the West. (43.24.00) = The Civil War Was Inevitable. Slave owners want to preserve their way of life, impracticality of slavery ignored. (50.25.00) = Southern Advantages. South had better generals, was a gun culture, know what they are fighting for, a way of life also aspired to by poor whites. (52.29.00) = Southern Disadvantages. Lack of finances, lack of railroads, ineffective leadership, lack of unity with belief in states' rights, cotton and tobacco prevent an independent food supply, the hostility of the slaves, and the shortage of manpower.
Eugene Lieber (Author), Eugene Lieber (Narrator)
Audiobook
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