Great Presidents

Overview

Meet 12 of America’s most important presidents and examine their lives, achievements, and legacies to American life and politics. This course offers deep insights into how these leaders shaped the nation.

Course Details

Explore the audacious creation of the executive branch and the compelling narratives of the 12 greatest presidents, including:

• George Washington and his role in establishing the presidency.
• Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to democracy and governance.
• Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War.
• Theodore Roosevelt’s progressive reforms.

In a series of 48 lectures, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how these figures navigated significant historical challenges, influencing the course of American history.

Video Lessons

1. The American Presidency (33 min)

• An overview of the selection of 12 great American presidents.

1. George Washington—The Rise of a Patriot (31 min)

• Washington’s journey from soldier to national leader.

1. George Washington—American Liberator (31 min)

• Analyze Washington’s pivotal role during and after the Revolutionary War.

1. George Washington—The First President (31 min)

• Establishing presidential precedents and governance methods.

1. George Washington—American Icon (32 min)

• Explore Washington’s lasting legacy and his refusal of a third term.

1. Thomas Jefferson—The Pen of Freedom (30 min)

• Jefferson’s influential writings and beliefs on freedom.

1. Thomas Jefferson—Party Leader (30 min)

• The formation of the Democratic-Republican Party.

1. Thomas Jefferson—Expansionist President (30 min)

• The Louisiana Purchase and its implications.

1. Thomas Jefferson—The Agonies of a Second Term (30 min)

• Navigating challenges during his second presidential term.

1. Andrew Jackson—Hero of the New Republic (31 min)

• Jackson’s military legacy and rise to power.

1. Andrew Jackson—The Conqueror Returns (31 min)

• The political maneuvers following his early presidency.

1. Andrew Jackson—The Warrior President (31 min)

• Key events shaping Jackson’s first term and policies.

1. James K. Polk—Party Loyalist (30 min)

• Polk’s transition to the presidency and his expansionist views.

1. James K. Polk—The First Dark Horse (31 min)

• His unexpected rise to the presidency.

1. James K. Polk—Apostle of Manifest Destiny (30 min)

• Expansionist policies and the Mexican-American War.

1. Abraham Lincoln—Frontier Politician (31 min)

• Lincoln’s early political journey and ideals.

1. Abraham Lincoln—The First Republican President (31 min)

• His election and its significance.

1. Abraham Lincoln—Wartime Leader (31 min)

• Leadership during the Civil War and major decisions.

1. Abraham Lincoln—The Martyred President (30 min)

• The turbulent years leading to Lincoln’s assassination.

1. Theodore Roosevelt—Patrician Reformer (30 min)

• The early life and career of TR.

1. Theodore Roosevelt—The Cowboy as President (30 min)

• TR’s ascent to the presidency and his innovative policies.

1. Theodore Roosevelt—Progressive Dynamo (30 min)

• An in-depth analysis of his domestic and foreign policies.

1. Theodore Roosevelt—Third-Party Crusader (31 min)

• TR’s impact on the political landscape as a third-party candidate.

1. Woodrow Wilson—American Visionary (32 min)

• Wilson’s early life and influences on his presidency.

1. Woodrow Wilson—The Professor as Politician (30 min)

• The evolution of Wilson’s political strategies.

1. Woodrow Wilson—The World Stage (31 min)

• America’s role in World War I under Wilson.

1. Woodrow Wilson—The Fight for Postwar Peace (30 min)

• The League of Nations and its implications.

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt—Provocative Politician (30 min)

• FDR’s early struggles and strategies during the Depression.

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt—New Dealer (31 min)

• The implementation of the New Deal programs.

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt—Into the Storm (30 min)

• FDR’s leadership during World War II.

1. Harry S. Truman—A Struggle for Success (31 min)

• Truman’s rise to presidency following FDR’s death.

1. Harry S. Truman—Winning the Peace (30 min)

• Challenges faced during Truman’s presidency and the Cold War.

1. John F. Kennedy—The Construction of a Politician (33 min)

• JFK’s political rise and the challenges he faced.

1. John F. Kennedy—A President in Crisis (31 min)

• Major events during Kennedy’s presidency.

1. Lyndon Johnson—Politician in the Rough (30 min)

• Johnson’s efforts in the Great Society and its outcomes.

1. Lyndon Johnson—Professional Politician (30 min)

• The political strategies employed during his presidency.

1. Lyndon Johnson—Building the Great Society (30 min)

• Johnson’s ambitious domestic policy initiatives.

1. Lyndon Johnson—Acrimony at Home and Abroad (30 min)

• The challenges faced during the Vietnam War period.

1. Ronald Reagan—”The Gipper” (31 min)

• Overview of Reagan’s early life and rise to fame.

1. Ronald Reagan—A Conservative in the White House (31 min)

• The impact of Reagan’s presidency on American conservatism.

1. Ronald Reagan—The Acting President (31 min)

• Reagan’s policies and their implications.

1. Ronald Reagan—The Teflon President (31 min)

• An analysis of Reagan’s legacy and political philosophy.