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The Modern Scholar: Hard-Won Victories: A History of the United States at War
This course explores the role that war has played in shaping the United States of America. The lectures begin with the American Revolution and an examination of how America was born in war. The discussion continues with the "forgotten" War of 1812 and then turns to the Mexican-American War and the Spanish-American War. Subsequent lectures then illustrate America's role in helping to end the "War to End All Wars" before the course concludes with World War II, the Cold War, and the troubling legacy of Vietnam.
- GenresHistoryMilitary Fiction
Audible Audio
Published November 14, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 16, 2024
This is a brief and often inaccurate overview of America’s greatest wars.
Polelle states the average northern soldier’s reasons for fighting in the Civil War was for the preservation of the Union, which is correct. He says however that the southern soldier fought for “self defense” (his words). Nowhere does he use the word “secession” or list the south’s justification for being in the war other than for “self determination” (again, his words). Not once does he mention the issue of slavery being the primary cause of secession. It’s as if he doesn’t want to offend the sensibilities of modern day southerners who subscribe to the post-war “Lost Cause” mythology.
(And, yes, slavery WAS the casus belli for their secession and aggressive attitude)
I caught some glaring errors.
Polelle said Robert E. Lee took over the command of the Army Of Northern Virginia after its commander, Joseph Johnston, was killed in 1862. What he does not say, however, is that Johnstone somehow rose from the dead, as he later was in command of the Army of Tennessee in the western theater of the war. Note the sarcasm? Johnstone was wounded in 1862, not killed. He died in 1891.
During his lecture of World War Two he recounts the Battle of Midway and says the Japanese lost three out of four of their aircraft carriers. This is simply wrong. They lost all four of their carriers that day.
Given that, I can’t trust him as a lecturer. These are big boo boos. Props for being articulate and engaging as a speaker.
Polelle states the average northern soldier’s reasons for fighting in the Civil War was for the preservation of the Union, which is correct. He says however that the southern soldier fought for “self defense” (his words). Nowhere does he use the word “secession” or list the south’s justification for being in the war other than for “self determination” (again, his words). Not once does he mention the issue of slavery being the primary cause of secession. It’s as if he doesn’t want to offend the sensibilities of modern day southerners who subscribe to the post-war “Lost Cause” mythology.
(And, yes, slavery WAS the casus belli for their secession and aggressive attitude)
I caught some glaring errors.
Polelle said Robert E. Lee took over the command of the Army Of Northern Virginia after its commander, Joseph Johnston, was killed in 1862. What he does not say, however, is that Johnstone somehow rose from the dead, as he later was in command of the Army of Tennessee in the western theater of the war. Note the sarcasm? Johnstone was wounded in 1862, not killed. He died in 1891.
During his lecture of World War Two he recounts the Battle of Midway and says the Japanese lost three out of four of their aircraft carriers. This is simply wrong. They lost all four of their carriers that day.
Given that, I can’t trust him as a lecturer. These are big boo boos. Props for being articulate and engaging as a speaker.
February 3, 2017
I enjoyed this quick look at 8 of the wars that helped shape the United States into what it is today.
September 23, 2021
This is not boring even for those well-versed in American military history, but I imagine that for beginners it'd be fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading it, though the mentions of the war on terror made me quite sad given the recent self-inflicted disasters in Central Asia.
October 15, 2016
Similar in quality and style to the Teaching Company, these lectures provide an absorbing overview of U.S. military history, focusing on 8 major wars in chronological order. Professor Polelle has an engaging speaking style and kept me engrossed throughout.
On occasion, the brevity of these lectures resulted in some frustrating moments. For example, when he brought up how General Winfield Scott performed the first major amphibious landing in U.S. history before the Siege of Veracruz, an action well regarded internationally, but quickly moved on without further detail. Argh!
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys listening to American history summarized by a highly knowledgeable professor.
On occasion, the brevity of these lectures resulted in some frustrating moments. For example, when he brought up how General Winfield Scott performed the first major amphibious landing in U.S. history before the Siege of Veracruz, an action well regarded internationally, but quickly moved on without further detail. Argh!
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys listening to American history summarized by a highly knowledgeable professor.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews