Interpreting the 20th Century: The Struggle Over Democracy

The 20th century transformed the political, social, and economic structures of the world in ways no one could have imagined as the 1800s came to a close. Even today, more than a century later, that transformation is far from complete. This course is a comprehensive 48-lecture examination of this extraordinary period and is designed around history’s ideas as much as its events.

Price: Paid
Platform: Great Courses
Categories: History Modern History - World

Learn More

Related Courses

Explore similar courses.

Utopia and Terror in the 20th Century

The story of the 20th century is filled with leaders who promised utopia and instead delivered war, genocide, and dictatorship. This provocative and unsettling subject is covered in this 24-lecture series, which will help you understand this seemingly senseless and inexplicable record of inhumanity and how we may prevent it from recurring. Examples of leaders who resisted the century’s inhuman trends offer hope for the future.

Great Courses Learn more

(Set) Democracy and Its Alternatives & Understanding the US Government

Explore the nature of democracy, and consider its possible future, in this eye-opening two-course set. Start with Democracy and Its Alternatives, in which you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how democracy has functioned across history and compare it to alternative forms of government. Then, in Understanding the US Government, explore the many institutions and intertwined political features that have developed as the theory of government designed in 1789 was put into practice.

Great Courses Learn more

The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas

Liberty. Democracy. Rights. Community. Without even realizing it, we all use the fruits of political philosophy. The question is, are we using them well? The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas is your opportunity to navigate the labyrinth of Western political and social theory. Guided by award-winning Professor Lawrence Cahoone of the College of the Holy Cross, these 36 eye-opening lectures reveal how political philosophers, in responding to the societal problems and changing conditions of their day in revolutionary ways, created virtual blueprints of action for leaders to implement—for good or ill. You’ll gain not only the tools necessary to comprehend the omnipresent language of politics, but a thorough understanding of the wellspring of thought that has emerged over centuries of political philosophy.

Great Courses Learn more

Europe and Western Civilization in the Modern Age

Do you want to improve your understanding of where we are today, how we got here, why the 20th century unfolded as it did, and even what the next millennium might hold? This perceptive, richly documented course covers the history and global impact of Europe since the French Revolution.

Great Courses Learn more

Get the latest news!

Get the latest on new courses, sales, learning tips, site updates and community events.