lecture recording on 24 February 2025 at 10.19.32 AM

Importance of Review

• Acknowledgement of the review session:

  • Helpful in understanding the vocabulary.

  • Vocabulary lists may be important in upcoming materials.

• Encouragement to approach the next unit with focus on World War II:

  • Topics include Great Depression, New Deal, lead-up and aftermath of WWII, elements of the Cold War, and the Space Race.

Geography Basics

• Introduction to Geography Exercise:

  • Map exercise highlighting countries in Europe.

  • Discussion on less-known microstates within Europe.

• Identification of major European countries:

  • Russia located on the far east.

  • Finland mentioned with key traits: Military strength due to historical conflicts with Russia.

  • Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) discussed through historical context.

  • Kaliningrad as an exclave of Russia, its strategic military importance and history.

Scandinavian Countries

• Explanation of Scandinavia:

  • Includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

  • Mention of Greenland as part of Denmark despite low population.

  • Iceland described as 'land of fire and ice' due to volcanic activity.

The United Kingdom and Ireland

• Overview of UK:

  • Composition of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Ireland as an independent country discussed in contrast to the UK.

Eastern European Countries

• Overview of countries near Russia:

  • Belarus described as a friendly dictatorship to Russia.

  • Ukraine, noted for its agriculture and position in global food supply.

• Moldova mentioned with its ethnic divide and political tension.

Central and Western Europe

• Geographical relationships explained:

  • Germany, Poland, and adjoining microstates like Luxembourg.

  • Identified Benelux countries and the significance of EU locations.

  • France's neighboring microstates (Andorra and Monaco).

• Iberian Peninsula countries: Spain and Portugal outlined.

Yugoslavia and Its Aftermath

• Explanation of the former Yugoslav state:

  • Breakdown into Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

  • Historical context of ethnic relations and conflicts impacting modern boundaries.

New Deal Programs

• Overview of the New Deal and its response to the Great Depression:

  • FDR’s major policies aiming to stabilize the economy.

  • Emergency Banking Act, Glass-Steagall Act, and establishment of FDIC discussed for market regulation.

• Significant programs launched:

  • National Recovery Administration (NRA) aimed at setting prices.

  • Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) providing jobs and infrastructure development.

  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for electricity in underserved areas.

  • Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) regulating food production.

Effects of Economic Policies

• Impact of the Dust Bowl and resultant agriculture issues:

  • Explanation of how government policies worsened conditions for sharecroppers.

  • FHA role in providing housing support discussed.

Amendments and Political Changes

• 20th Amendment addressed the timing of presidential transitions.

• 21st Amendment repealed prohibition, reflecting major social shifts during this era.

Notable Figures and Influences

• Discussion on key political figures like Huey P. Long and Father Coughlin:

  • Long characterized as a demagogue advocating for wealth redistribution.

  • Coughlin perceived with a blend of critique about capitalism and fascist tendencies.

FDR’s Communication Style

• FDR’s Fireside Chats as a revolutionary use of radio to engage the public.

  • Aimed at restoring confidence during political uncertainty.

Exam Responses

Initial Reactions about the Exam:

• The exam generated mixed feelings among students; some found it challenging, while others felt they managed well despite the difficulty.

• The instructor acknowledges student feedback regarding the perceived difficulty of the questions and encourages open communication about such concerns.

• Students are advised not to panic about receiving lower scores, as such responses are common and do not reflect their overall understanding or capability.

• It is noted that past exams have generally been less challenging, and the first exam in this course covered a broader range of material, contributing to its complexity.

Importance of Review

• Acknowledgment of the recent review session highlights its significance in helping students grasp vocabulary and key concepts relevant to the course material.

• Vocabulary lists have been emphasized, as they may play a crucial role in understanding upcoming units, particularly as they relate to historical events and themes.

• Students are encouraged to approach the next unit with a focused mindset on World War II, which will cover critically important topics, including the Great Depression, the New Deal, the lead-up to and aftermath of WWII, significant elements of the Cold War, and the Space Race, which are essential for understanding modern history.

Geography Basics

• Introduction to a geography exercise includes a comprehensive map activity highlighting various countries in Europe, fostering an understanding of European geography.

• A discussion on lesser-known microstates, such as Monaco and Andorra, helps students appreciate the diverse political landscape of Europe and its smaller nations.

• Major European countries identified include:

  • Russia: A vast country located primarily in the eastern part of Europe and extending into Asia.

  • Finland: Highlighted for its strong military capabilities, shaped by historical conflicts with Russia, positioning it strategically in international relations.

  • Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are discussed within their historical context, focusing on their transitions from Soviet rule to independence.

  • Kaliningrad: An exclave of Russia, its strategic military significance, as well as unique historical contexts are also explored.

Scandinavian Countries

• An explanation of Scandinavia includes the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The inclusion of Greenland as a territory of Denmark is noted despite its largely sparse population.

• Iceland is described as the 'land of fire and ice,' highlighting its unique geological features, including volcanoes and glaciers, which contribute to its distinct landscape and environmental conditions.

The United Kingdom and Ireland

• An overview of the United Kingdom includes its four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Discussion touches on the political and cultural differences among these regions.

• In contrast, Ireland is presented as an independent country, exploring its historical and contemporary relationship with the UK and addressing themes of nationalism and identity.

Eastern European Countries

• An overview of countries geographically positioned near Russia includes:

  • Belarus: Described as a friendly dictatorship towards Russia, examining its political structure and dynamics in the region.

  • Ukraine: Emphasized for its rich agricultural capacity and significant role in global food supply chains, with attention to recent geopolitical tensions.

  • Moldova: Mentioned for its ethnic diversity and ongoing political strife, which shape its relationships with neighboring countries.

Central and Western Europe

• Discussion on the geographical relationships includes:

  • Germany and Poland, noting their pivotal roles in European history and politics.

  • Adjoining microstates like Luxembourg, which play critical roles in the European Union.

  • The Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) are highlighted for their economic collaboration.

  • France's neighboring microstates, including Andorra and Monaco, are clarified, shedding light on their unique diplomatic statuses.

  • Spain and Portugal as the Iberian Peninsula countries are discussed, considering their historical influences on global exploration and colonization.

Yugoslavia and Its Aftermath

• Comprehensive explanation of the former Yugoslav state elaborates on its breakdown into various nations: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

• Historical context surrounding ethnic relations and conflicts is analyzed, detailing how these factors influence modern nation-states and territorial boundaries in the Balkans.

New Deal Programs

• Overview of the New Deal provides insight into its objectives and major policies introduced to address the challenges posed by the Great Depression, including:

  • Emergency Banking Act: Intention to stabilize the banking system

  • Glass-Steagall Act: Established regulations to separate commercial and investment banking.

  • Establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which aimed to restore public confidence in the banking system by protecting depositors.

• Significant programs launched under the New Deal include:

  • National Recovery Administration (NRA): Designed to set fair prices and wages across industries.

  • Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): Focused on providing jobs in environmental conservation projects, thus contributing to infrastructure development.

  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Developed for providing electricity and economic revitalization in rural areas.

  • Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA): Implemented measures to regulate food production and farm prices.

Effects of Economic Policies

• Discussion of the Dust Bowl elucidates how environmental and agricultural policies exacerbated hardships for sharecroppers and rural communities, leading to widespread displacement and economic instability.

• The role of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in providing housing support and assistance is discussed, shaping post-Depression housing markets and communities.

Amendments and Political Changes

• Key constitutional amendments of the era are highlighted:

  • The 20th Amendment addresses the timing of presidential transitions and aims to reduce the gap between election and inauguration.

  • The 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition, marking a significant shift in American social norms and legal standards concerning alcohol consumption.

Notable Figures and Influences

• Key political figures such as Huey P. Long and Father Coughlin are characterized:

  • Long is portrayed as a controversial populist advocating wealth redistribution and social welfare policies.

  • Coughlin's influence reflects a complex blend of critiques against capitalism alongside perceived fascist tendencies, showcasing the cultural climate of the time.

FDR’s Communication Style

• FDR’s Fireside Chats are described as a revolutionary use of radio broadcasts that engaged the public and aimed to demystify government processes. This strategic communication style purposefully seeks to restore public confidence during periods of political uncertainty and social strife.