"Great Presidents" Prof Allan J. Lichtman (48 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 8x DVD - The Great Courses)
In this 48-lecture series, Professor Allan J. Lichtman of American University provides a detailed analysis of the lives and legacies of the 12 individuals most commonly cited as America's greatest leaders. Spanning from the founding of the republic to the late 20th century, the course explores the pivotal roles played by figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. By examining their distinct leadership styles and the historic decisions they made during times of crisis—including the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the dawn of the atomic age Lichtman reveals how these men fundamentally shaped the trajectory of the United States.
Moving beyond simple biography, Professor Lichtman utilizes "inside stories" and revealing anecdotes to present these presidents as complex human beings, filled with contradictions and paradoxes. The lectures investigate how personal character and guiding values intersected with the political realities of their eras, from Westward expansion to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. You will gain a deep understanding of why these specific leaders were able to harness an "unsinkable ambition" and a strong affinity with the American people to leave a lasting mark on the world's most powerful elective office.