America after the Cold War: The First 30 Years

Overview

Survey the past 30 years of the American story to understand our world today. This course examines the complexities of contemporary history following the fall of the Soviet Union, a transformative period that shapes current events but is often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Course Details

In 12 engaging lectures by esteemed professor Dr. Patrick Allitt from Emory University, you’ll explore pivotal events and trends from 1990 to 2019, contextualizing them within the broader American story. Topics include:

• The aftermath of the Cold War and the emergence of a new world order.
• The Clinton presidency and its major controversies.
• The impact of 9/11 and the subsequent War on Terror.
• Economic fluctuations from the dot-com boom to the mortgage crisis.
• The Obama administration and its challenges.
• The ongoing racial paradoxes and cultural evolutions in America.
• Advances in science and technology, energy policies, and educational systems.
• A renaissance in American culture.
• The surprising election of Donald Trump and its implications.

Video Lessons

1. 1990: America’s New World Order (29 min)

• Explore the early 1990s and America’s new role in a post-Soviet world.

1. The Clintons and the 1990s (29 min)

• Review the drama and controversies of Bill Clinton’s presidency.

1. A New Millennium, George W. Bush, and 9/11 (28 min)

• Discover the events leading up to and following the 9/11 attacks.

1. The US Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (29 min)

• Analyze the justifications and consequences of these military engagements.

1. The US Economy: Long Boom to Big Crash (28 min)

• Witness the economic landscape, from stable growth to the mortgage crisis.

1. Obama, Hope, and Polarization (28 min)

• Examine the major events during Obama’s presidency amidst growing challenges.

1. African American Paradoxes after 1990 (27 min)

• Investigate racial tensions and progress over the last three decades.

1. Science and Technology in the Internet Age (29 min)

• Learn about innovations that shaped the modern American landscape.

1. US Energy Independence and Climate Change (30 min)

• Explore America’s energy policies and their environmental impacts.

1. Putting US Education to the Test after 1990 (30 min)

• Assess the U.S. education system and its effectiveness.

1. A New Golden Age of American Culture (29 min)

• Appreciate the cultural revival in literature, art, and media.

1. The Trump Upset (29 min)

• Review the surprising election of Trump and its effects on American politics.