American Wars Series (9 Lectures)

American Wars Series American Revolution: Selected theme: What is the turning point in the relations between the American Colonies and the mother country which leads to the American Revolution? Civil War Part 1: Selected theme: After the Declaration of Independence fails to abolish slavery, and the Constitution institutionalizes it, what invention transforms slavery from "a necessary evil" to "a positive good" as seen by the South? Civil War Part 2: Selected theme: By what twist of fate brings Lee's army to Gettysburg, and what are the mindsets of the opposing generals that severely undercut the battle's outcome for both sides? World War 1: Selected theme is: What are the features of the series of European alliances that are the most responsible for leading to World War I? World War II, Part 1: Selected theme: What are the post-World War I economic forces which are crucial to the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany? World War II, Part 2: Selected theme: Why is the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II an issue of race and not an issue of national security? Vietnam War, Part 1: Selected theme: What Vietnamese historical background underlies the Vietnam War, including the Versailles Treaty and Ho Chi Minh's connection with it? Vietnam War, Part 2: Selected theme: What makes the Tet offensive a turning point in the Vietnam War and how does it have a significant impact on the American electorate for the future? War of 1812: Selected theme: What is the surprise ending of the disastrous War of 1812 which lets the U.S. to ignore its lessons that come back to haunt the U.S. in later generations? Mexican War: Selected theme: What are the roles of Texas and slavery in the South which underlie the Mexican War of 1836? Spanish-American War: Selected theme: During Cuba's revolt against Spain in the late 1880s and early 1890s, what is the U.S. ultimatum to Spain which demonstrates that U.S. intervention is not based on moral grounds? Korean War: Selected theme: What is behind the decision to push north of the 38th parallel, leading to the disastrous entry of the Chinese, and why is it unfair to blame Gen. Douglas MacArthur?