As the nation tries to come back together in the years after the Civil War (1865-1877), what were the successes and failures of this rebuilding effort?

The late 1800s was a period of weak Presidents, political machines and corruption. The public reaction was to increase governmental powers and to set up the reforms of the Progressive Era in the early 1900s.

A few decades after the Civil War, the United States emerged to become the Industrial giant of the 1900s. How did the U.S. make so many changes so fast? Who were the leaders? And what were some of the effects?

This is the true PowerPoint story of why and how America drawn into WWI and how the initial participation by the American Expeditionary Forces spearheaded the gradual defeat of the German Kaiser's previously unbeatable juggernaut.

This initial victorious battle broke the German's seemingly impregnable Western Front and inspired our despondent Allies on to ultimate victory!

Join Jennifer Moore-Ambrosia for an overview of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, a failed military invasion of Cuba commenced by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)-sponsored paramilitary group Brigade 2506 during the Cold War. The goal was to overthrow the increasingly communist government of Fidel Castro. Learn how the invading force was defeated within three days by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark civil rights and US labor law in the United States outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. During the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a monumental piece of federal legislation that secured the right to vote for racial minorities throughout the country. Learn how the Voting Rights Act of 1965 overcame legal barriers that prohibited African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

In recent years, there have been movies (e.g. The Imitation Game), television shows, books and articles devoted to the breaking of the German Enigma coding machine during WWII. Code breaking's role in the Pacific War is equally interesting and just as important, but other than the movie Midway, less attention has been paid to it. While the Enigma story is primarily British, this story is almost entirely American. The purpose of this series of classes is to give the history of American code breaking, give the human stories involved, and describe the role code breaking played in the conduct of the war in the Pacific. Class I: The Beginnings of U.S. Army Code Breaking Efforts Topics include: the creation shortly after WWI of the first American code breaking group, under the direction of the inimitable poker-playing character Herbert O. Yardley, its termination by Hoover's Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson ("Gentlemen, don't read each other's mail"), Yardley's tell-all best seller entitled The American Black Chamber, the book's impact in Japan because of its revelations about the United States' use of code breaking in negotiating the Washington Naval Treaty, the transfer of Yardley's files to the Army which created a code breaking group under the direction of William F. Friedman, and the breaking of the Japanese encryption machine Purple by Friedman's group.

For the second part of this series, topics include: U.S. Navy code breaking, which started with the creation of OP-20-G under Laurence Safford; Agnes Driscoll, a master cryptographer who was responsible for training Navy code breakers in advance of WWII; Joseph Rochefort, who was in charge of Station Hypo in Honolulu; the breaking of the Japanese naval code JN-25 by Rochefort's group; the Battle of the Coral Sea; the Battle of Midway; and what happened to Joseph Rochefort (no good deed goes unpunished).

The third course in this series includes: the use of code breaking in U.S. submarine warfare; the shooting down of Yamamoto; Japanese Army Codes; MacArthur's use of signals intelligence in the New Guinea campaign; the Navajo code talkers; other U.S. encryption means; the sinking of the USS Indianapolis; and did we have prior knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack- could we have had prior knowledge?

This course explores the causes of the early 17th Century migration to New England and the creation of democratic governments, public education systems and religions tolerance by the immigrants and their descendants.

The 17th and 18th Century wars that helped shape the colonial attitudes leading towards the American Revolution will be visited, as well as the roots of revolution that matured.

NOTE : All participants will receive a 150-page folio of materials as a part of this course.

jack's evolution perspective on this country began in 1963. It was the year of the birth of the Ford Mustang, which changed the design of all autos after that. It was the time of President Kennedy, and the birth of the space program. Casius Clay was a coming champion. Congress passed the Equal Pay Act. New technologies started exploding all around us, and the government began funding education and telling us how and what to teach. Equal Rights, as President Lincoln visualized it, was emerging. The very foundations of our nation were being challenged and changed. Join Jack to discuss what made America great, and keeps us great and free. He will discuss life experiences in finance, manufacturing, distribution, home design and building, with a life-long love of automobiles.

Find out how the Erie Canal and the motion picture inventions of Thomas Edison are responsible for the rise of Broadway as the center of the musical theater, and Hollywood as the center of the movie industry. Learn about the rise of New York City as it became a world port, financial center, and a theatrical center. Clips will be presented of the "Golden Age" of the Broadway and Hollywood musicals.

Great Courses, taught by Professor Mark A. Stoler, Ph.D., an award winning scholar and professor, examines commonly held myths and half-truths about American History and invites participants to think about what really happened in the nation's past, as opposed to what many believe happened.

This is a 24-week week course, with 12 lectures being presented in the Winter 2019 term. The additional 12 weeks will be presented in the Summer 2019 term. Each lecture will be 1/2 hour for lecture, and 1 hour for discussion.

Discover how and why Mardi Graas traveled around the world from a quasi-religious festival in pagan Rome with days of riotous eating, drinking, chariot races and unbridled lust and ended up becoming a week-long festival in New Orleans.

Hear an insider's story about the design and construction of Walt Disney World. Before Walt Disney died in 1966, he assembled a dedicated team to create Walt Disney World made up of people who had worked with him since the 1950s in California. After Walt's death, team members would ask each other, what would Walt do? This question was asked countless times during the design and construction of the park. It was asked about issues involving quality, creativity, safety, and the guest experience. The answer was always - do the right thing. Speaker and Author Mike Miller was the engineer who served the team during construction from 1968 to 1971.

In the most perilous time in America's history the country was led by a country lawyer from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln. Our talk would look at the life of Lincoln from his boyhood to his assassination. His rise from rail splitter, lawyer, congressman, and war-time President. His leadership qualities, common sense, and humanity held the Union together while his search for a winning general was found. Abraham Lincoln's is the supreme personality of the conflict between North and South.

This is the true and accurate PowerPoint description of Abraham Lincoln's last trial as a Springfield, Illinois lawyer before he became a presidential candidate. The case had everything: a well-known man stabbed to death by a neighbor; claim of self-defense; eyewitness testimony; alleged deathbed admission; a critical celebrity witness, and a community fiercely divided. This case helped propel Lincoln to the presidency.

First Man on the Moon is an inspiring story of heroic risk-taking and humble dedication to advancing humanity's adventure in space.

Everyone knows Neil Armstrong was the first to set foot on the moon. But this modest and unassuming man was determined to stay out of the spotlight, so the rare combination of talent, luck, and experience that led to his successful command of Apollo 11 is not widely known.

Now, for the first time, NOVA presents an intimate portrait through interviews with Armstrong's family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly before. Join us for a viewing of this special program and explore the man behind the myth, and hear about his unsung achievements as a Navy combat veteran and pioneer of high speed flight.

In its groundbreaking exploration of this quietly effective man, NOVA explores his achievements following Apollo, which included his leading role in the inquiry into the Challenger disaster and efforts to encourage young people to share his lifelong passion for flight.

In 1970 Marion County had a population of 70,560 compared to a population of 331,298 in 2018. Increased population brings progress as well as challenges. Join us as we remember Marion County 50 years ago through the stories of those who lived and worked here.

Panelists include Barbara Brooks, Rev. Lorenzo Edwards, Paul Ferguson, Brent Malaver, and Margaret Hankinson Spontak. Discussion will be moderated by Nate Gilman and will conclude with time for questions from the audience.

At 10:56 p.m. EST, on July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong, 240,000 miles from Earth, spoke these words to more than a billion people listening at home: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Join Rich as he leads a community discussion, inviting people of all ages to talk about personal experiences from this historical event. Where were you? What were you doing? Participants will have the opportunity to share memories and remembrances, and are invited to bring to class with them any memorabilia or tangible items to show and tell. All are welcome to come and share thoughts in this open environment.

Recall the memory of the films and Television shows, from the silent era on, made by Hollywood studios. Many of these movies and shows have been forgotten, some have become classics, and a few have been immortalized. Clips are shown from films and television series, participants will discuss the background on the making of these productions and how they reflected the times in which they were produced.

Recall the memory of the films and Television shows, from the silent era on, made by Hollywood studios. Many of these movies and shows have been forgotten, some have become classics, and a few have been immortalized. Clips are shown from films and television series, participants will discuss the background on the making of these productions and how they reflected the times in which they were produced.

This "Cradle to Grave(s)" PowerPoint presentation reveals all of the contributions Sacajawea added to the successful completion to the Jefferson sponsored "Journey of Discovery" in 1815.

It shows the people involved, the obstacles they had to overcome, and relates the loyalty given by this young Native American girl who was an indentured slave, bought and paid for in an Indian game of chance, yet grew to be the key, respected ingredient by Lewis & Clark during that dangerous mission for which she was paid nothing and suffered much.

This course will cover the following topics: The war in the west, the rise of Grant; the Peninsula Campaign, McClellan vs. Lee; Anietam, Shiloh; Union Leadership incompetence, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Topics include:

3/19- Building Armies
As both sides build armies, the war in the west is in full swing. As the border states remain in flux, Ulysses s. Grant emerges from nowhere to take command of the Union forces. The battles of Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson cement his early reputation. His partnership with William Tecumseh Sherman is initiated.

3/26- Anietam, Shiloh
George Brinton McCllellan takes command of the Army of the Potomac and Joe Johnston commands the Confederate army. Richmond is now the capital of the Confederate nation. The Peninsula campaign ensues. With Johnston wounded, Robt. E. Lee takes command of the Army of Northern Virginia. In the West, the horrific battle of Shiloh takes place.

4/2- The Peninsula Campaign
Lee gets the better of McClellan and forces him back down the Peninsula. McClellan is replaced. A second battle of Bull Run or Manassas takes place on practically the same ground that the first major takes place. Little Mac is back and stops Lee and his army in a confederate invasion of the border state of Maryland.

4/9- Union Leadership Incompetence
Little Mac is replaced again and his replacements are worse. For the union forces, the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville bring Northern morale to its nadir.

This course will cover: Gettysburg and Vicksburg; Grant comes east; Grant on the move; Stalemate, Appomattox, and the Lincoln assassination.

Come hear how Grant and Sherman secure the last Confederate stronghold in the west. Robert E. Lee decides to invade the North a second time. How Grant is called east and becomes the commander of all Northern armies, and opposes Lee for only 11 months, but both mens' reputations as great Generals are secured.

Hear how Lincoln finally has a general who understands the correct strategy to defeat the army of Northern Virginia. And, how peace comes at Appomattox Courthouse in April of 1865, and that Lincoln is assassinated less than a week after the hostilities end.

This course will touch upon the following topics: Two separate societies, slavery; compromises, abolitionism; inevitable conflict, Ft. Sumter; and the call to arms, rise of the Confederacy, and the First Manannas.

Topics include: 1/29- Two separate societies, slavery
Early on in the life of the Republic, it was obvious that the United States had morphed into two different societies, one with slavery, and one without. Why did the country become so disparate? Take a close look at the system of Southern slavery from the owner's perspective and everyday lives of slaves.

2/5- Compromises, Abolitionism
By the 1820's the rift between Southern states and the Northern states was threatening the existence of the country as a whole. Political compromises were needed and adopted for the next forty years to keep the country whole. We examine these compromises and entertain the rise of the abolitionist movement. The idea of secession is first discussed.

2/12- Inevitable conflict, Ft. Sumter
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 brought on the inevitability of Southern Secession. The political tension of the previous forty years was brought to fruition. We'll look at the futile efforts to stave off war ending with the shelling of Ft. Sumter in Charleston Harbor.

2/19- Call to arms, rise of Confederacy, First Manannas
The Southern states coalesce into the Confederate States of America. Eleven states with a first capital in Montgomery, Alabama. The outpouring of men trying to join confederate arms was overwhelming. The Union also calls for volunteers. The two armies meet in July, 1861 about thirty miles from Washington, D.C. at a small town in Virginia called Manannas near a small stream called Bull Run.

This PowerPoint presentation highlights the greatest Native American Chiefs who traveled and ruled in America throughout our history. From birth to death, their exploits and travails fill the screen in living color.

What their treatment was from the U.S. Government; the promises and treaties that were made and broken; the suffering and plans for extinction or removal of the tribes; the heartbreak of a homeland found and lost.

Our country wouldn’t be what it is without the generosity of our forefathers and the continued altruism of successful individuals and corporations. Our universities, hospitals, innovations and great discoveries find their roots in the pockets of those who gave to make America the great country it is today!

Join us to find out who they are and what role they played:
Feb. 8 – Early American
Feb. 22 – The Industrialists
Mar 8 - Corporate Altruism
Mar 22 – Todays Givers – The Pledge

This PowerPoint presentation of one of the lingering historical mysteries has been about knowing who gave Benjamin Franklin the incriminating letters for which Franklin was publicly and humiliatingly disgraced and made "Persona non grata" in England.

The letters caused an up-roar in both England and the Colonies; a duel to the death, and the naming of Franklin as the "First American."

The Underground Railroad was a secret network of trails, waterways, routes and safe havens for slaves seeking freedom in the 1800s. Harriet Tubman was the creator of this network. Mervyn Paz illustrates the story through a "sampler" quilt made of various blocks which were used as coded messages for slaves traveling in secret to escape from plantations to freedom.

An overview of the late sixties: an inflection point in history when many of us came of age. Rapid-fire social changes were an everyday occurrence as counterculture youth was on the march with flower power revolutions in music, psychedelic drugs, feminism, antiwar Vietnam activism, antiracism, and civil rights.

On the national stage were the tragic assassinations of JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, and Jim Crow politics transmogrified by LBJ’s Voting Rights Act turning Southern Democrats into Republicans. Even as Watts, Detroit and Newark burned, there were hopeful visions of the brotherhood of man in space on TV’s Star Trek and Neil Armstrong’s “small step for (a) man, . . . and giant leap for mankind.”

The course will depict with multimedia music tracks, videos, news clips and personal reminiscences by the lecturer of an historic antiwar demonstration to exorcise its demons by levitating the Pentagon, described in Normal Mailer’s Pulitzer Prize winning “Armies of the Night,” culminating at the Democratic National Convention riots in Chicago with War protesters battling police.

The reality of Vietnam was documented in the Pentagon Papers, by TV news, and protest songs by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the Beatles. But not all Americans were onboard. A “silent majority” hated the protests and the Woodstock youth culture they stood for, and elected Nixon. The sixties culture clash sowed the seeds of the toxic political polarization today.

In reaching for the American Dream of “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” our generation might usefully reflect on how the way we were affected the way we are.

It’s late June 1863, two enormous armies began marching toward one another in what will become the largest battle in western hemisphere history. America’s greatest military mind versus America herself. This battle that will forever change a nation will lose more lives than any other American war and the future of these United States will be decided on land owned by a freed slave in an idyllic sleepy little town named Gettysburg.

A weakening economy, rising inflation, growing unemployment levels, and a bear market made financial markets and the US economy as tumultuous as the rest of society during the end of the 1960’s through the start of the 1970’s. Let’s visit that time when the stock market lost more than a third of its value and bears were on the prowl on Wall Street. Are there parallels from the bear market of 1968-1970 to other times? Can we learn anything from 50 years ago to help us determine if current conditions provide bullish or bearish indicators? By visiting the past you just may recognize signs to help prepare for the economic and financial road ahead.

Prof. Didier uses more than 65 images to tell the stories of the ladies who were America’s first CEOs of the service industry and the true story of the woman who made a fortune selling young girls into sexual slavery.

Our constitution has served the American people for 228 years with only 27 amendments.

This course will view the 18th century setting in which the framers developed the constitution, the elements of the constitution they created, the selling of the constitution to the original 13 states and evaluate how the constitution has worked out for the American people these past 228 years.

Note: All participants will receive a 150-page folio of materials, as part of the course.

Slavery is one key issue which has shaped American identity. The preamble to the constitution proposes four items “toward a more perfect union.”

The second is to ensure domestic tranquility. Allowing slavery in the new republic insured the lack of domestic tranquility. We experience its effects today.

Slavery is not a subject for children to process as adults. Slavery has plagued humanity from ancient times to the present. America’s expression of slavery has been uniquely peculiar and pernicious. To exorcise its effects we need to examine the roots.

How much do you remember of reconstruction from school?

It was the major crisis, as a result of the Civil War; an attempt to put "Humpty Dumpty" back together again and only partially succeeded. The unfinished work still remains to be done if we wish to be "a more perfect union." Reconstruction is an upcoming series by Ken Burns.