The Skeptic's Guide to American History

By: Mark A. Stoler, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Mark A. Stoler

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

To take a skeptical approach to American history is not to dabble in imaginative conspiracy theories; rather, it's to reframe your understanding of this great nation's past and actually strengthen your appreciation for what makes American history such a fascinating chapter in the larger story of Western civilization. And in this bold 24-lecture series, you can do just that.

Travel back in time and examine many commonly held myths and half-truths about American history and prompt yourself to think about what really happened in the nation's past - as opposed to what many believe happened. These lectures demonstrate how reconsidering some of the most popular notions of U.S. history can yield new (and sometimes startlingly different) interpretations of political, social, economic, and military events. But more than just debunking commonly accepted accounts, you'll be able to replace these misconceptions with insightful truths. Exploring both America's history and the verdicts that have been rendered about some of its most enduring figures - including George Washington, John Adams, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and many others - these lectures investigate a wide-ranging list of questions. What impact did other nations have on the American Revolution? Has George Washington always been revered as president? Do we now understand the true blunders in America's Vietnam policies and tactics?

In exploring these and other questions, these lectures prove themselves to be a delightful intellectual experience that will allow you to rethink not just the facts of U.S. history, but also their meaning.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

For individuals interested specifically in US hist

Some topics were global and other very specific about US historical events. i preferred the global topics since they actually impacted the world...

Impressive read

While I find it rewarding to find that most of the challenges I hear by "today's history of the United States" are in favor of my understanding, I am still challenged in other areas, which is a good thing.

Fascinating and engaging

Not an awkward metaphor to say this is a page turner. Each chapter revisits stages of American history and present it in a thought provoking and fascinating light without distorting facts.

I decided to check this out when I felt I had gone too far down the Game of Thrones rabbit hole and realized I was learning more about fictional Westeros than my own country. This was every bit as interesting, entertaining, and far more truly educational. It was a pleasure to experience.

Makes one think

This author highlights the risk we take of not being skeptical of accepted history, not because it is often written to mislead (though that happens), but because history is written by people who have their own perspectives, agendas, and shortcomings (including lack of access to all relevant information).

Enlightening retake on the US history

If you could sum up The Skeptic's Guide to American History in three words, what would they be?

It is not a debunking, not even a re-writing of the US history. It's just history-how it should be written.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that each detail is put in the context of its time.

excellent overview of overlooked history

Great narration and good content. Both interesting and enjoyable. highly recommend this course for history enthusiasts.

Things I never knew

Overall, the course is very clear and concise in its presentation of historical events and why we should question common interpretations. The course doesn’t take a conspiratorial approach but rather a highly nuanced review of events in US history that are usually considered mythological.

10 out of 5

Would you listen to The Skeptic's Guide to American History again? Why?

I love this series. These lectures are mind blowing and enthralling to one who does not already have knowledge of American history.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mind blowing

Any additional comments?

Best purchase I've made on Audible.

Awesome

Wish that high school history had been this interesting. Never did like to memorize dry, boring dates. Sucked all the fun out of history. Listen to this lecture and think about the subject being discussed. It will broaden your perspective.

Great beginner's guide to U.S. history.

As someone who enjoys U.S. history but needed a refresher, this was a good fit.