Franklin D. Roosevelt and Immigration
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about the political ascent of Franklin D. Roosevelt at the time of the Great Depression. Professor Gerstle explains that immigrants in New York City were a significant part of Roosevelt's political base. "He a...
African-American Slave Women
American history professor Alice Kessler-Harris talks about the plight of slave women during the time leading up to the Civil War and beyond. "Slave women in the South are in a horrendous position," Professor Kessler-Harris says. "Most people talk a...
America on the Eve of World War I
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that the United States was very divided over whether to enter World War I. "There was a strong socialist movement and anarchist movement in American society," Professor Gerstle says. "They were opposed to t...
African-Americans Move To The City
American history professor Alice Kessler-Harris talks about the lack of equal opportunity on the job front for African-Americans who began moving to cities in the 1920's. "I think it's sometimes painful to acknowledge just how discriminatory the wor...
War of 1812, The
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the War of 1812, which he says the United States "...had to fight without the benefit of a national bank (and) without the institutions that were absolutely necessary to mobilize resources." Professor Onuf notes that...
Choosing The National Capital
Historian Peter Onuf talks about Thomas Jefferson's decision to allow the national capital to be located in Washington D.C. Professor Onuf explains that Jefferson agreed on Washington D.C., because he thought that the power of the federal government...
Woodrow Wilson, Immigration and Minorities
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that Woodrow Wilson's views on immigrants and assimilation were very similar to those of Theodore Roosevelt. But while Roosevelt was very conflicted about minority rights, Wilson was much more set in his ra...
Woodrow Wilson and Women's Suffrage
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about Woodrow Wilson's reluctant initial support for women's suffrage. Professor Gerstle explains that it was only when Wilson realized he needed the backing of women during World War I that he, "...really put...
Patterns of Immigration Between 1924-1965
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that immigration to the United States was relatively low during the period between 1924 and 1965. There were strict limits placed on the number of those who could come to the U.S. during those years, althou...