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Summary
Consider the intense and rapid changes that transformed the political, social, and economic struggles of the world during the 20th century: the first flight and space flight, the Manhattan Project and the welfare state, Nietzsche and Freud, the Great Depression and inflation, moving pictures and home computers, the Cold War and terrorism - and war and peace.
These 48 comprehensive lectures examine this extraordinary history and provide a multidisciplinary understanding of how the modern world came to be and how democracy has emerged as a political ideal, although the parameters of a truly democratic world order are still being vigorously contested. You'll see how the 20th century can be read as a history of ideas, and how those ideas both influenced events and were in turn influenced by them to shape today's world.
Professor Radcliff not only distills political and economic trends from a century of world history, but she explains them with clarity, drawing on other disciplines as necessary to make key points come alive. She defines the perspective of this course as including what she calls the "Enlightenment Project" - the adoption of liberal, democratic, rationalist principles in much of the world - while emphasizing the unresolved nature of the struggle for democracy.
As you move chronologically through the century, you'll explore a range of ideas in depth, including the "crisis of meaning" unleashed by World War I, the different approaches of Fascism and Communism to organizing and mobilizing masses, and how art provided a window into the psychological forces swirling through public life. Detailed case studies also bring history's ideas alive.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
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What listeners say about Interpreting the 20th Century: The Struggle Over Democracy
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peter Hart
- 05-12-22
A thorough overview
Sufficient detail, Of course it's not a PhD level course. Delivery is warm and human
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- John
- 10-08-19
Brilliant Course.
Broad sweep of 20th century history covering all the major political social and religious developments. Very balanced and objective assessments of essential the legacy of the enlignmeny.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Anthony Mushens
- 18-03-20
Educational
Pitching the lectures at 30 mins exchanges the course manageable when on the go. I enjoyed this and will definitely try more of these Audible courses.
I have already bought the next one.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mister Peridot
- 21-06-16
More philosophy than history
I thought this lecture series would be a history of democracy in the 20th century. Was that stupid of me? Having listened to several lectures now, it appears to be more of a general discussion of ideas, public consciousness and philosophy. If thats what you want then this may well be the right audiobook for you. Lecturer comes across as very clear, intelligent and sympathetic with to my ear a very pleasant voice. I didnt notice her saying "in other words" repeatedly, but she certainly sighs alot. Take a year off Professor? Sounds like you are working too hard.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- smetters
- 15-04-18
Fluffy and not hard hitting enough
A social history, very superficial, no digging into politics between nations which what I wanted.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Stuart
- 08-03-14
Interpretting the 20th century
If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?
Nobody ,I am gla i never attended any of her lectures, her presentation is very poor and i am not surewe are bothrelating to the same century. I would not recomend it to any student or to the casual listern, it not the subject because I study it, it the long pauses ans, EEERRRSSS,. However commisioned need there head examined.
What could The Great Courses have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Some body how can present a piece of history with emphasis on the interesting and factual parts
What didn’t you like about Professor Pamela Radcliff’s performance?
Nothing, she should not be allowed to teach History, her method of droning on put people of History for Life
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
No
Any additional comments?
Dont commision any more from her
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