A History of the U.S. Economy in the 20th Century

By: Timothy Taylor, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Timothy Taylor

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The history of the U.S. economy in the 20th century is far too interesting - and far too important to our future - to be dismissed with just a few stock explanations. These 10 fast-paced lectures introduce you to vital economic lessons learned in the last century to provide invaluable guidance for understanding the current economy. Each lecture focuses exclusively on one decade to provide you with a clear understanding of economic developments and outside influences on the U.S. economy.

In some cases, you'll examine well-defined events like the creation of the Federal Reserve or the war in Vietnam. In other lectures, you'll explore larger societal shifts, such as the evolving role of women in the economy and changing consumption patterns. This decade-by-decade approach takes you deep inside America's memorable economic milestones. Among these: the U.S. trade surplus during World War I; the rise of the automobile industry in the 1920s; the mismanagement of monetary policy that led to the Great Depression; the Employment Act of 1946, which gave the federal government the responsibility to maintain high employment and economic growth; the strangling inflation of the 1970s and early 1980s; and more.

Professor Taylor takes care to ensure that you can follow this course clearly regardless of your knowledge of economics. He uses historical examples and quotes from economists and other notables, and his use of economic reasoning often brings surprising insight.

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

©1996 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1996 The Great Courses

Very effective, as far as it goes

I have read many books that weave in and out of this topic, but it is nice to hear a decade-by-decade walk-through. It is detail-rich (for a fast overview from 30,000 feet, as the saying goes), with good meaningful stats blended in, all delivered in a fast cadence by the professor. Note, Glass-Steagal was still in effect when this was produced, making it between 10 and 15 years old. Thus, the kinds of reflections and additional insights that might have appeared based on lessons we have learned since then is not there. But, that wasn't my goal here anyway.
I am SO happy audible acquired this series! My wish list is stuffed with them.

Should be required listening for any citizen

This is one of the older series in The Great Courses library -- it was recorded at the close of the 20th century; but it is outstanding, and the best evidence of that is the fact that every minute of it remains relevant today.

When I listen to the level of political discourse we have in the 21st-century, it almost makes me sympathetic to the belief by our founding fathers that only educated people should be allowed to vote. Better still, just have all of our elected officials listen to this course. It is a fascinating history of the United States in the 20th century as told through the eyes of an economist, and as economists go, Professor Tim Taylor is a joy to listen to. No matter what your political persuasion, prepare to have myths busted, your eyes opened, and your opinions changed. This series is a perfect example of what makes The GreatCourses so great.

Very outdated (from the mid-1990s)

I found this lecture informative, but it’s given in the mid-1990s and is therefore woefully outdated. It draws lessons from the Great Depression without knowing of the 2008 financial crisis, and it attempts to draw conclusions about the future of work without the benefit of witnessing 20 years of globalization, automation, and disruption. The lecture is great so far as it goes, but its age makes me wonder why it’s even offered.

Easy, interesting listen.

Any additional comments?

This audio program is excellent context for viewing current US economy. Program is very interesting and easy to listen to. If you are ‘one of those people’ who think everything is going to hell in a hand basket today, this is a must listen, we have been there before.

Packed With Fascinating Information

This was a riveting look at America's recent economic history. Taylor is really good at providing interesting statistics to illuminate trends. He disabuses the listener of common economic fallacies and inculcates the economic way of thinking about a host of important issues. A major theme throughout the course is the dramatic increase in the size of government over the century. Taylor analyzes different policies and gives the consensus economist view on most of them. I highly recommend this course.

Good basic intro to recent us econ history

Pre-financial crisis, so it was a little odd.

From 1900s to WWII was the better half. 1960s-1980s were too compressed

Lecturer is very enthusiast and often breathless. Loves his material that's for sure.

Each lecture flies by on a medium commute.

Appalling mistake in Lecture 1

I am not sure whether I will continue to listen to this set of lectures because of an appalling mistake in Lecture 1. It gives me great concern about Professor Taylor’s breadth of knowledge. At approximately 24 minutes into Lecture 1, Professor Taylor is discussing Ida Tarbell’s famous work exposing anti-competitive (and incredibly slimy) practices of Standard Oil and John D Rockefeller. In referring to Tarbell, Professor Taylor clearly says “he” wrote this series of articles and refers to “his” writing.

This is not an area of American history that I have read about much, but even I know that Ida Tarbell was a famous WOMAN journalist. I can’t imagine a college professor lecturing on HER work that would be ignorant of that rather impressive detail (given that Ms. Tarbell and all other women wouldn’t have the right to vote for 15 more years)!

It’s truly an appalling mistake, and it gives me reluctance to continue listening. As a much more minor matter, Professor Taylor seems to be engaging in a contest to see how fast he can say everything. I have listened to several great courses, especially since the pandemic began in 2020, and I have not experienced a lecturer that seems to be in such a hurry. I would think that would have been addressed and corrected before Professor Taylor had recorded hours of lectures.

Great for understanding the development of US econ

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book I think is great in not only putting the US economy context, but also for showing how economic choices and policies effect later ones.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Having no formal training in economics I chose to take it in chunks. Luckily the author breaks it down into decades.

Outstanding!

Would you consider the audio edition of A History of the U.S. Economy in the 20th Century to be better than the print version?

Better than any econ class I had in school both grad and undergrad

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

All of it

Any additional comments?

No

excellent

very passionate lecturer. comprehensive and a strong summary of large economic issues in broad strokes. i wish the course were longer so the professor could delve deeper into these topics. that's the only real issue is it's too short.

Too fast

Excellent series of lectures by the ever enthusiastic Prof. Taylor. And no prior knowledge of economics needed. But wouldn't it be nice if he slowed his delivery at least by half.

Professor Taylor does it again.

Another fantastic course on economics from Professor Taylor. His great courses are the best in the series.