A History of the U.S. Economy in the 20th Century

Course Number 529ΓÇö10 lectures (45 minutes/lecture)  22Khz/32kbps
 

Taught by: Professor Timothy TaylorΓÇöMacalester College 


With the 20th century behind us now, the timing is perfect for a fast-paced course that summarizes vital economic lessons learned over the last hundred yearsΓÇölessons that will serve us well as a new century has dawned. 
When Professor Timothy Taylor, one of our most popular lecturers and the managing editor of the prestigious Journal of Economic Perspectives, tells you that the stock market crash of 1929 was not a substantial cause of the Great Depression and that FDRΓÇÖs New Deal may have actually slowed economic recovery, he speaks with authority and credibility.

Those are only two of the insights that run counter to common understanding of U.S. economic history. That history is far too interestingΓÇöand far too important to our futureΓÇöto be dismissed with a few stock explanations.

Each lecture in A History of the U.S. Economy in the 20th Century focuses exclusively on one decade to achieve a clear understanding of economic developments and outside influences on the U.S. economy. In some cases, well-defined events like the creation of the Federal Reserve or war in Vietnam are examined. In other lectures, larger societal shifts are discussed, such as the evolving role of women in the economy and changing consumption patterns. 

The miraculous story of the 20th-century U.S. economy unfolds with remarkable clarity and with valuable guidance for the 21st century.



Lecture 1:  The Curtain Opens on the 20th Century 

Lecture 2:  Big Government is ConceivedΓÇöIncome Tax, the Federal Reserve, World War I  

Lecture 3:  The Roaring 1920s

Lecture 4:  The Depression Decade of the 1930s 

Lecture 5:  The 1940sΓÇöWorld War II and its aftermath

Lecture 6:  The Quiet Boom of the 1950s 

Lecture 7:  The 1960s and the End of Certainty  

Lecture 8:  Stagflation and the 1970s 

Lecture 9:  A Decade of DebtΓÇöThe 1980s

Lecture 10:  Inequality and Insecurity in the 1990s