While the First World War had a highly equivocal outcome which most Americans found unsatisfactory and failed to lead to a lasting peace, the Second World
War ended in triumph and shaped the world for the rest of the twentieth century.
This course will compare the leadership of two American Presidents in two
world wars. Areas of particular focus will include their initial response to these
conflicts and the development of their stance towards them; the definition of
their war aims; the foundation and maintenance of their alliances; the military
planning and conduct of the wars; the impact of the wars upon domestic politics;
and their attempts to secure peace settlements that reflected their objectives. The
course will combine secondary readings with some work in primary sources to
allow students to become familiar with the atmosphere of these two periods.
Format: Lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on an hour exam, a paper,
and a final exam.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 40 (expected: 20-40). Preference given to
History majors and Leadership Studies concentrators.
Group A
Hour: KAISER