Worse Than Today: The Age of Acrimony 1865–1915
Dates & Time: Thursdays, Sept. 4 & 11 | 9–11 AM
Location: Zoom
Cost: $25 (2 sessions)
Instructor: Terry McAteer, Retired Superintendent of Schools and High School AP Teacher
If you think today is filled with divisiveness between red and blue, imagine living in America during the latter part of the 19th century. The end of the Civil War, with 700,000 American lives lost, sparked an era of deep national angst. This post-war period, marked by growing tension between the haves and have-nots, led to intense labor unrest and a complete reimagining of democracy. The historical parallels to our present are truly remarkable!
Germany at a Crossroads: 35 Years After Unification
Dates & Time: Wednesdays, Sept. 17, 24 & Oct. 1 | 3:30–5:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Cost: $40 (3 sessions)
Instructor: Anette Isaacs, German Historian
Thirty-five years after reunification, Germany stands at another crossroads. In this timely seminar, German historian Anette Isaacs examines the nation’s evolving identity, the legacy of reunification, and the rise of new political forces. We’ll also explore new Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition agenda and the ongoing refugee crisis—offering a revealing look at Europe’s most influential democracy.
Freedom vs. Plutocracy in American History: An Exploratory Seminar
Dates & Time: Thursdays, Sept. 18–Nov. 20 | 10 AM–12 PM
Location: Benerd College #110B
Cost: $100 (10 sessions)
Instructor: Gene Bigler, Former Diplomat and Retired Professor
Participants will join the instructor in using Timothy Snyder’s philosophy of freedom to explore the ways plutocracy—the power of wealth—has been a constant force in the unfolding of American democracy. Individuals can choose how deeply they wish to engage in exploring background contexts, arenas of conflict, influential figures, impact assessments, and the consequences for today’s political landscape.
