Stay ConnectedYour history class was taught all wrong.
Explore all of the pivotal moments and influential individuals that your teachers overlooked through this breakthrough podcast led by renowned history professor Dr. Burt Folsom. Throughout each episode Dr. Folsom will delve into source material and history textbooks to share the stories you never learned about American History.
Copyright: © Young America's Foundation
In this episode, Burt covers the heroic endeavors that contributed to the Underground Railroad and made it possible for thousands to reach freedom in the North. To be successful, black and white people had to work together effectively and courageously. Rarely is this point highlighted in many historical accounts. It is critical to understanding the story of freedom in America. Learn how Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett worked effectively together to bring thousands of Americans to freedom.
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The last eight episodes provided inspiring stories about some of America’s greatest entrepreneurs – stories you likely never heard in your history classes. As a matter of fact, you were likely taught something quite different – that these captains of industry were rather Robber Barons.
Dr. Burt Folsom wraps up the review of his book, The Myth of the Robber Barons by uncovering the background of this myth and outlines the perpetrator’s championing of communism and attacks on free markets during the 1930’s. Sadly, the sloppy and biased research found in Matthew Josephson’s book, Robber Barons, worked its way into the teaching of American history tarring the image of America’s most influential heroes.
This episode is based on Chapter 7 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
Andrew Mellon had a profound impact on the growth of the American economy during the 1920’s. His successful advocacy for lower taxes brought about many life-changing inventions that are taken for granted today. For this episode, Burt is joined by special guest, Anita Folsom.
This episode is based on Chapter 6 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
Two features of human nature are self-interest and competition. Both of which are seen as harmful qualities today. However, these seemingly negative character traits, when filtered through the free market, are powerful motivators that help raise humanity out of poverty. Through this episode, learn how great American entrepreneurs like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie practiced Christian values, enabling them to not only succeed themselves, but also improve the lives of average citizens around the world.
This episode is based on Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
John D. Rockefeller was America’s first billionaire, yet, he was attacked ruthlessly as a Robber Baron. What few realize, he gave away over half of his wealth and was partly responsible for the creation of the American middle class. In this episode, discover how Rockefeller was able to use his fortitude and faith to prevail while many others in his field failed, and improve the lives of millions in America and around the globe.
This episode is based on Chapter 5 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
In the previous episode, we discovered how the Scrantons and friends founded one of America’s largest cities in the middle of the wilderness in Northeast Pennsylvania, and were able to apply ambition, determination, and hard work to expand wealth and opportunities for all Americans living in that area. However, what are the keys to on-going success? Does being born into a family of wealth guarantee continued success or is there more to be said about entrepreneurial spirit and liberties provided by free enterprise?
This episode is based on Chapter 3 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
By 1840, America might have beaten back the British to secure its political independence, but the United States was still dependent on England for quality steel. During this time, no country could truly become an economic power without their own steel production. However, local entrepreneurs in Northeast Pennsylvania sought to change this. America had the resources, yet not one was effectively tapping them.
In this episode of Books with Burt , learn how the Scranton’s changed all this and helped to lead America to become theeconomic powerhouse that it is today.
This episode is based on Chapter 3 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
Here is another amazing story you won’t discover in most history books!
In the second part of our series on the transcontinental railroads, we learn an inspiring example of how an entrepreneur, working with his own hard earned money, can build a pivotal enterprise that improves the lives of Americans across the country and expands America’s influence abroad - all without a single dollar of government subsidies.
Discover how James J. Hill was able to build the Great Northern Railroad from Minnesota to Seattle and expanded American industry to the Eastern World without any help from the federal government.
This episode is based on Chapter 2 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun.
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
History books often point to the transcontinental railroads as success story on how government can facilitate public projects.
But is this really a success story worth touting? Although the United States previously tried subsidies with steamships, some in Washington felt they should try again. This time, two railroad companies would compete for the subsidies. What could go wrong?
This episode is based on Chapter 2 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun.
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
In our first episode, we learn about Cornelius Vanderbilt and his efforts to break through steamship monopolies organized by the New York state government. We learn how his entrepreneurial efforts helped improve the lives of the everyday American.
This episode is based on Chapter 1 of Dr. Burt Folsom’s book, The Myth of the Robber Barons. If you want to learn more about his topic and follow along with Burt, you can grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America/dp/0963020315/youngamericsfoun.
Learn more about YAF at www.yaf.org
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