Lectures in History

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BONUS EPISODE: The Atomic Bomb Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

In this speech from 1945, Robert Oppenheimer speaks about the development and use of the atomic bomb. He also talks about atomic weapons as “evil things” and the ethical application of science and scientific discovery. He also expressed his hope that the atomic bomb would never be used again, the peaceful use of nuclear technologies, and nuclear deterrence.

The physicist known as “the father of the atomic bomb” served as the first director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory beginning in 1943. The first atomic bomb test in New Mexico was on July 16, 1945, and on August 6, 1945, Little Boy was detonated above Hiroshima. After WWII, he became chief adviser to the newly-created Atomic Energy Commission.

The speech was delivered at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It is presented courtesy of the American Philosophical Society Library.

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1970s American Car Culture and Film Jul 23, 2023

Show notes

University of Dayton Professors John Heitmann and Todd Uhlman taught a class about 1970s American car culture and films of the era. Using examples like Easy Rider, American Graffiti, and Badlands, they argued these films reflected many Americans' disillusionment and glorified the open road as a way to take back control in the face of societal changes. They also talked about the impact of oil shortages, the rise of coast-to-coast races called “Cannonball Runs,” and the popularity of trucker movies and music.

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White House Myths Jul 16, 2023

Show notes

White House Historical Association historian and American University lecturer Matthew Costello taught a class on White House myths. He talked about the realities and legends behind often repeated stories such as the tunnel system, a gift alligator, how decorating traditions began, and Dolley Madison rescuing George Washington’s portrait.

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New York City and Broadway in the 1960s Jul 09, 2023

Show notes

Baruch College Professors Vincent DiGirolamo and Elizabeth Wollman taught a class about New York City and Broadway in the 1960s. They described the political culture of the time, the relationship between Broadway and off-Broadway productions, and how smaller theaters were often more experimental and responded to current issues such as Vietnam.

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Lead-Up to the Battle of Gettysburg Jul 02, 2023

Show notes

U.S. Army War College professor Douglas Douds gives a lecture about the causes and military objectives of the Civil War prior to a day-long staff ride at Gettysburg for the college’s resident class.

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Jean Harris & Scarsdale Diet Doctor Murder Trial Jun 25, 2023

Show notes

University of Colorado Denver professor Sarah Fields teaches a class about the 1981 Jean Harris trial, also known as the "Scarsdale Diet" doctor murder case.

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Landscape Preservation and National Parks Jun 18, 2023

Show notes

Professor Laura Watt talked about the evolution of a national park system and the effort to preserve pristine wilderness. She argued that this approach often obscures the ways humans have already interacted with the land. She also spoke about her research on the Point Reyes National Seashore, which used to be a dairy ranch community before it was designated a national park in the 1960s.

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The Underground Railroad Jun 11, 2023

Show notes

Norfolk State University history professor Cassandra Newby-Alexander discussed the history of the Underground Railroad and efforts to escape enslavement before the Civil War. Norfolk State is an historically black university in Norfolk, Virginia.

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The Ohio Dynasty of Presidents Jun 04, 2023

Show notes

University of Akron professor Kevin Kern discusses the Ohioans who were elected president, including the seven that served between 1868 and 1920.

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Colonial Myths and Monuments May 28, 2023

Show notes

University of Delaware Professor Zara Anishanslin taught a class about how colonial history is remembered through historic sites and monuments, and sometimes contested. She argued that people’s assumptions about Colonial America are influenced by material and popular culture, including paintings depicting early American history in the U.S. Capitol and statues of Columbus and Pocahontas. This video was provided by the University of Delaware.

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