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Welcome to the Osher Lifelong Learning Instituteat Sierra College Summer 2025Registration isOpen! Summer2025 Term Dates: (M) June16 - (Th) July 31 > Summer 2025 Term > ALL

The Smedley Butler Saga: Gangster of Capitalism    NEW!

Smedley Butler (USMC) was one of the most decorated warfighters of his time, participating in nearly every U.S. conflict from 1898 to WWI. He played a key role in expanding American influence, from annexing the Philippines to leading military actions in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and China. After retiring, Butler became a vocal critic of war and corporate interests, famously stating, "I was a racketeer for capitalism." In 1933, he was even implicated in a plot to overthrow Franklin Roosevelt's administration. This lecture-based course explores Butler's complex legacy through the works of historians Jonathan M. Katz and Jules Archer.
  • The Smedley Butler Saga: Gangster of Capitalism (Online-Zoom) 
  • Instructor: John Powers
    Dates: 6/18/2025 - 7/23/2025
    Days: W
    Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Sessions: 6
    Fee: $35.00
    Location: Online via Zoom 
    Recording: *This class is being recorded.
    *    Recordings will expire after 30 days.
    Seats Available: 287 | Max Enroll: 299
    SKU: SumCHIST631
    Smedley Butler (USMC) was one of the most decorated warfighters of his time, participating in nearly every U.S. conflict from 1898 to WWI. He played a key role in expanding American influence, from annexing the Philippines to leading military actions in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and China. After retiring, Butler became a vocal critic of war and corporate interests, famously stating, "I was a racketeer for capitalism." In 1933, he was even implicated in a plot to overthrow Franklin Roosevelt's administration. This lecture-based course explores Butler's complex legacy through the works of historians Jonathan M. Katz and Jules Archer.
     
    *Class Dates: 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, & 7/23.
 

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