Lectures in History

As a follow up to our recent podcast regarding the life and times of Anne Frank, we asked author Alexandra Ritchie to tell us more about the horrors of World War II and Poland. Ritchie, a citizen of Canada, now lives in the city which is the title of her book, Warsaw. Her focus is on 1944 and what was called the Warsaw Uprising. In her introduction, she writes, "Himmler and Hitler had decided that the entire population remaining in one of Europe's great capital cities was to be murdered in cold blood. Himmler referred to Warsaw as the great abscess, which was to be completely destroyed." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American University professor Laura Beers teaches a class on Winston Churchill and the "special relationship" between Great Britain and the U.S during World War II and the Cold War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tulane University history professor Jana Lipman discusses Cold War refugees from Cuba and Vietnam and the impact of the Refugee Act of 1980. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Santa Clara University history professor Sonia Gomez discusses the intimate relationships between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds that occurred in Hawaii and Japan during and immediately after World War II. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

University of Dallas history professor Susan Hanssen discusses the legacy and cultural importance of the 1918 Pulitzer Prize winning book, "The Education of Henry Adams." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea Pappas, an art history professor at Santa Clara University, dives into the rich world of 19th-century American landscape painting, particularly the Hudson River School. She explores how artists like Thomas Cole depicted nature as a sacred space and its role in shaping national identity. Pappas critiques the romanticized portrayals of Native Americans and discusses the evolution from idyllic pastoral scenes to industrial influences in art. This conversation reveals the complex narratives around civilization, nature, and humanity's moral responsibilities.

In this engaging discussion, Bruce Hunt, a history professor at the University of Texas, delves into the monumental development of the atomic bomb during World War II. He highlights General Leslie Groves' commanding leadership and the complex dynamics with Oppenheimer that shaped the project. Hunt recounts the innovative yet challenging processes of uranium enrichment and the unexpected successes of untrained workers. He also explores the legacy of the Hanford site, shedding light on its cultural impact and environmental considerations.

Historian Heath Hardage Lee, author of "The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon," talks about the life and times of the former First Lady (1969-74). She says that Pat Nixon, who was voted "Most Admired Woman in the World" in 1972, was largely mis-portrayed by the press, who characterized her as being elusive and "plastic." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgetown University history professor Darragh Gannon discusses the Irish diaspora and the role of the United States during "The Troubles" and in the Northen Ireland peace process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

University of Southern California sociology professor Brittany Friedman discusses the formation and evolution of American prison gangs in the 20th and 21st centuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices