Império: Portugal, the Azores, and the Making of a Global Empire- In the early 15th century, Portuguese sailors and adventurers began to sail across uncharted seas to unknown lands, and established one of the earliest, and longest lived, modern European empires. From Brazil to the Azores, across Africa to Macau and the Spice Islands, the Empire created immense wealth for Portugal, and shaped the modern world.
Dead Presidents: Crisis, Conspiracy, and Constitutional Succession- Of the 45 men that have been President of the United States, eight have died in office. Though the Constitution lays out a presidential succession, oftentimes the unexpected death of a president is surrounded by shock and uncertainty. This talk will look at what happens when a president dies.
Kingdoms and Empires of the Fertile Crescent- The region of the Fertile Crescent was the birthplace of civilization. It was here, by the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, and the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, that the first cities and complex societies were established. This lecture will look at the course of 4000 years of history, and tell the tale of the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires.
The Mongols: The Sudden Rise and Surprising Collapse of a Mighty Empire- In the 13th century, the fierce, nomadic tribes of Central Asia were united under the leadership of Ghengis Khan. Within decades, the Mongol warriors had conquered and laid waste to territory from China to the edge of Europe, and created militarily powerful and socially complex kingdoms. But just as suddenly as the Mongols rose, their grip on power was loosened.
Voyageurs et Habitants: The Rise and Fall of French Canada- Between the 16th and 18th centuries, French explorers, traders, and colonists helped to establish a French empire in North America. As these intrepid individuals pushed westward, they became the first Europeans to see the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the upper Great Plains. By the early 1700s, France claimed more American territory than its rival, Britain. Yet, by the 1760s, France would lose its American dominions. This lecture will explore the story of the French in Canada.
The Hapsburgs: Royal Family of Europe- The Hapsburgs were one of the most significant European royal families. At the height of their power, the Hapsburg dominions stretched across the globe, from South America, through Europe, to the Philippines. Yet despite this extended realm, and the vast wealth and power that accompanied it, the family suffered tragedy, illness, and eventually, collapse. This lecture will examine the long, tangled story of the Hapsburgs.
The Bourbons: Kings of France- During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Bourbon Dynasty ruled over France and brought her to unprecedented heights of cultural and political greatness. Yet, as the power of France grew, the seeds for revolution were sown. This talk will examine the surprising rise and dramatic fall of one of Europe's great royal houses.
The Age of Revolutions: Politics and Society in the 19th Century- The period from the French Revolution to the First World War is sometimes referred to as the “Long 19th Century.” During that span, several significant transformations occurred in Europe and in the Americas. Concepts of nationalism, democracy, and imperialism called into question the structure of contemporary society and led to dramatic political upheaval. This series of lectures will examine some of the important revolutionary movements of the 19th century, and how those movements impacted the development of modern Western society.
Nixon: The Making and Unmaking of an American President -Richard Nixon's political career was marked by stunning success and surprising failures. Yet, despite the whims of political fortune, Nixon eventually won the presidency. This talk will examine the course, and dramatic collapse, of the Nixon Presidency.
Vietnam: Enduring Struggle, 1945-1975- The story of Vietnam in the mid-20th century is a tale of constant conflict and warfare. In this corner of Southeast Asia, global rivalries were contested, and powerful nations were ensnared. This lecture will examine the origins of the American involvement in Vietnam, our political and military efforts on the ground, and the aftermath and legacy of the Vietnam War.