The United States today is a high-energy society. For over a century, Americans also wielded vast economic, political, and military powers. How do energy sources and applications relate to the exercise of social, corporate, military, or political power? In considering these sprawling questions, this course sets energy in six historical contexts: the transition from coal to oil, energy policy in the New Deal, energy in the strategy and tactics of World War Two, the postwar technocrats behind civilian nuclear power and the interstate highway system, energy's role in globalization, and factors shaping US energy supply and demand today.

Suggested Reading
Students registered for the class should contact the instructor if they wish his suggested readings on topics, technologies, or energies of particular interest