Lectures in History

Professor Carl Abrams talked about American culture during the Great Depression era. He described changes to family life, the role of religion, and the rise of Hollywood films. He also spoke about the creation and legacy of New Deal programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and Social Security.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Ladies from Lady Bird Johnson to Melania Trump talked about the role of the First Lady, their time in the White House, and the issues important to them.This week, check out C-SPAN's latest podcast, First Ladies: In Their Own Words. To find future episodes, find it wherever you listen to podcasts. And follow so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Karen Rader talked about mid-20th century educational films used to teach students about nuclear warfare and science. During the Cold War, policymakers feared the U.S. population was falling behind the Soviet Union in science education. The class included a look at animated programs created by noted Hollywood director Frank Capra in the 1950s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

University of Minnesota Professor Saje Mathieu taught a class about “neutrality” and what that concept meant in World War I America. She explained how neutrality did not mean inactivity, as the U.S. sold materials to both the Allied and Central Powers, helping both sides continue the fight. She also talked about how the U.S. viewed itself as the defender of democracy and sought to police certain nations and ethnic groups, yet faced criticism for how it treated its own dissenters and minorities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emory University professor Carol Anderson taught a class about efforts in the early 1960s to register African American voters in Mississippi. She described some of the leaders of the movement, their tactics, and the opposition they faced from segregationists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American University professor Joseph Campbell teaches a class about the 1972 Watergate scandal and, what he calls, “the myth of heroic journalism.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Charleston, South Carolina Mayor Joseph Riley and professor Kerry Taylor co-teach a course at The Citadel military college looking at why a new African American history museum is being built in the city. They're joined by former South Carolina representative Bakari Sellers who talks about African American history in the state and his own political career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suffolk University professor Kathryn Lasdow taught a class on politics and culture in the United States from 1800 through the 1830s. She described how the country changed during the period between the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State professor Rachel Shelden teaches a class on how the Civil War tested the limits of the U.S. Constitution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Messiah College professor John Fea teaches a class on the 18th-century enlightenment movement, which included natural rights, reason, and self-improvement principles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices