Course Description: During the past year, Americans and the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and in May of 2019 the Sesquicentennial of the completion of the transcontinental Railroad. This summer we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Men walking on the Moon. Historians are always seeking an opportunity to review significant events of the past. The course is divided into five lectures that focus on 1818-19; 1868-69; 1918-19; 1968-9: and 2018-19. A thread, even a large rope at times, ties these periods together as the nation faces major issues that shape its future. Monday: 1818-19 Creating borders-the story of Florida acquisition, slave or free states, western expansion and the border with Canada highlighted by the Monroe, JQ Adams, and Jackson relationship. Tuesday: 1868-69 The aftermath of Civil War-Freedom and citizenship, impeachment of Johnson, transcontinental Railroad, JW Powell (Cincinnati Red stockings) Wednesday: 1918-19 World War I and its legacy, Red scare, Race Riots, League of Nations, Wilson’s stroke (Chicago Black Sox scandal) Thursday: 1968-69 Civil Rights , Vietnam, Assassinations of King and Kennedy, Moon Landing, Hippies, (Denny McLain and Bob Gibson) Friday: 2018-19 What Hath God Wrought-? Climate, Chaos, Confusion, Collusion??? Constant: BASEBALL, Red Sox and 2019-the year of the Braves!!!

Course Instructor: A native of Idaho, Ross graduated from Utah State in 1965. He then completed a PhD at Washington State University in 1968. After three years at the University of Texas-Arlington, he returned to USU in 1971. He served as Department Head from 1976-1984. He returned to USU as Vice President of Advancement from 2007-2011. Peterson teaches Recent American History as well as courses in African American Studies. His publications include a biography of Idaho Senator Glen H. Taylor and histories of Idaho, Cache County, and Ogden, Utah. His wife Kay, and all three of his sons have USU degrees.
ross.peterson@usu.edu