Detailed Information
AE-HN520 - America since 1945 A Global Power
This course will focus on America’s role on the world stage from the end of the Second World War to the present. The course will begin by assessing America’s position in relation to other nations as the Second World War concludes. We will consider America’s economic, political, military, geopolitical, and cultural power and how all of these have contributed to America being a dominant force globally since 1945. We will discuss the importance of the American economy as the world’s largest economy in the twentieth century and the rise of the Chinese economy to overtake America in the twenty first century. We will examine American military power and spending since 1945 and consider how this power has been used including in conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This course will also examine America’s motivation for becoming involved in various global issues and events over the course of the twentieth century. We will ask whether America becomes involved in such issues and events to protect American freedom and interests around the globe or has it, as it has claimed, a greater goal of ensuring the freedom and stability of other nations also. America’s political influence especially in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and how it was used to ensure American interests were protected will also be discussed. Finally, we will look at the global reach of America cultural influences and try to analyse what role they play in facilitating America’s position as a global power.
The course does not presuppose an in-depth knowledge of American history or politics.
Duration: 6 Mondays
Time: 19:00-21:00
Dates: 29 Sept 6, 13, 20 Oct (no class 27 Oct) 3, 10 Nov
- Emerging from War: America and the World, 1945
- The American Economy
- American Military Power
- America and the Cold War: Relations with the USSR
- America and Global Conflicts since 1945
- American Political Influence on the World Stage
- The influence of USAID across the globe
- The Cultural influence of America since 1945
A reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.
At the end of this course students should be able to outline America’s role as a global power. They should be able to critically discuss how the strong political, economic, and military power that America has enables it to be a global leader. They should also be able to assess the impact of America on the world stage since 1945.
Each class will be divided between a lecture and group discussion. The lecture will give students an introduction and general overview of the weekly topic. A strong emphasis will be placed on group discussion. The group discussion will encourage students to express their views on the topics and debate key issues. Students will be introduced to primary sources, readings and video clips relevant to each topic in order to get them to engage more fully with the subject.
Dr Sarah Feehan earned her PhD from UCD. Her thesis was on the Heath government and proposed arms sales to South Africa. She has previously taught courses on American foreign policy and a history of the American presidency. Her research interests include American politics and foreign policy, Britain foreign policy and Britain and the Commonwealth.