The ideas and spirit of the Renaissance gave rise to a new era of exploration and ultimate colonization in many parts of the globe.  This podcast discusses many of the early explorers as well as the early colonization globally.  Following this period, we will see the world moving toward the modern era.  Visit the Modern World History section in Subjects for the continuation of our World History series.

The ideas and spirit of the Renaissance gave rise to a new era of exploration and ultimate colonization in many parts of the globe.  This podcast discusses many of the early explorers as well as the early colonization globally.  Following this period, we will see the world moving toward the modern era.  Visit the Modern World History section in Subjects for the continuation of our World History series.

The Renaissance was a period of 'rebirth" after the Middle Ages.  Revolutionary changes in art and literature as well as politics would occur as society changed it's focus to that of the individual potential of all men.  "Humanism", or the belief in the potential of all men gave rise to the "renaissance man". Machiavelli would write of politics as many wrote in the vernacular.  These ideas would further weaken the church and also lead to the Reformation period.

The Vietnam War and 1960's were a very difficult time in United States history.  The country went through very divisive times with the Vietnam War as well as the rebellion and rejection of the traditioal values of the 1950's.  The result of this period would be a move in to the 1970's and beyond with a more conservative view and approach to politics and lifestyles.

The sixties brought with it much change and conflict.  The Cold War still existed between the US and the Soviets.  New optimism was spreading, however, as a result of the promise of the new President, John F. Kennedy.  His assassination would shock the world and lead to a new era with President Johnson and his "Great Society" vision.  Both presidents would be faced with racial conflict, and the civil rights movement would begin.  Dr. Martin Luther King and many others would lead the fight for justice and equality in our society.

The sixties brought with it much change and conflict.  The Cold War still existed between the US and the Soviets.  New optimism was spreading, however, as a result of the promise of the new President, John F. Kennedy.  His assassination would shock the world and lead to a new era with President Johnson and his "Great Society" vision.  Both presidents would be faced with racial conflict, and the civil rights movement would begin.  Dr. Martin Luther King and many others would lead the fight for justice and equality in our society.

This podcast discusses the expansion of the Muslim Empire in the Ottoman Empire, the Safavid Empire and the Mughal Empire.  The result of this expansion is cultural diffusion and new ideas spreading throughout the region.

One of the results of World War II was the emergence of two strong superpowers- The United States and the USSR.  Conflicting political and economic systems gave rise to tension short of war known as "The Cold War".  We also saw an economic boom in the 50's.  The GI Bill gave many returning veterans opportunities for education, homes and businesses.  It is the time of "the American Dream" with increased prosperity, consumerism, and a great deal of conformity in American Society.

One of the results of World War II was the emergence of two strong superpowers- The United States and the USSR.  Conflicting political and economic systems gave rise to tension short of war known as "The Cold War".  We also saw an economic boom in the 50's.  The GI Bill gave many returning veterans opportunities for education, homes and businesses.  It is the time of "the American Dream" with increased prosperity, consumerism, and a great deal of conformity in American Society.

Listen and review some key ideas concerning the US and WWII.  Initially, the United States response to the war was one of neutrality.  The United States would supply war materials under the Lend-Lease Act.  The bombing of Pearl Harbor would bring the United States direcyly involved in an second world war.  The result, however, would be victory for the Allies and a stronger United States.  The Soviet Union would also emerge as a powerful nation, leading the world into the Cold War period.

Listen and review some key ideas concerning the US and WWII.  Initially, the United States response to the war was one of neutrality.  The United States would supply war materials under the Lend-Lease Act.  The bombing of Pearl Harbor would bring the United States direcyly involved in an second world war.  The result, however, would be victory for the Allies and a stronger United States.  The Soviet Union would also emerge as a powerful nation, leading the world into the Cold War period.

read more

The Americas contained many civilizations during the period from 900 to 1500AD.  The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas thrived with cities, pyramids, religious ceremonies and rivalries.  The Incas would create a large empire in South America with extensive roads to link the empire and a socialist government.  Human sacrifices would be seen in the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.  All would come to an end when the Spanish would enter the region, capturing the Aztecs and Inca civilizations. 

The Americas contained many civilizations during the period from 900 to 1500AD.  The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas thrived with cities, pyramids, religious ceremonies and rivalries.  The Incas would create a large empire in South America with extensive roads to link the empire and a socialist government.  Human sacrifices would be seen in the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.  All would come to an end when the Spanish would enter the region, capturing the Aztecs and Inca civilizations. 

read more

Here we discuss the period following the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe, and before the Renaissance--The Middle Ages! Western Europe changed dramatically entering a period of feudalism when power was based upon control of land.  There was a decline in culture, learning, and ultimately the Crusades as the power of the Church grows.  Following the Crusades, however, a new period of trade and rebirth will  emerge, ending the Middle Ages and leading to the Renaissance.

Here we discuss the period following the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe, and before the Renaissance--The Middle Ages! Western Europe changed dramatically entering a period of feudalism when power was based upon control of land.  There was a decline in culture, learning, and ultimately the Crusades as the power of the Church grows.  Following the Crusades, however, a new period of trade and rebirth will  emerge, ending the Middle Ages and leading to the Renaissance.