TTC - History of the U.S. Economy in the 20th Century
(10 lectures, 45 minutes/lecture)
Course No. 529
Taught by Timothy Taylor
Macalester College
M.Econ., Stanford University

When Professor Timothy Taylor, managing editor of the prestigious Journal of Economic Perspectives, tells you that the stock market crash of 1929 was not a substantial cause of the Great Depression and that F.D.R.'s New Deal may have actually slowed economic recovery, he speaks with authority and credibility.
Those are only two insights that run counter to common understanding of U.S. economic history. That history is far too interesting—and far too important to our future—to be dismissed with a few stock explanations.
Vital Economic Lessons of the Last Century
This fast-paced course introduces you to vital economic lessons learned in the last century to provide invaluable guidance for understanding the current economy.
Each of 10 lectures focuses exclusively on one decade to achieve a clear understanding of economic developments and outside influences on the U.S. economy.
In some cases, you examine well-defined events like the creation of the Federal Reserve or the war in Vietnam. In other lectures, you explore larger societal shifts, such as the evolving role of women in the economy and changing consumption patterns.  "Of course, knowing what happened in economic history does not offer easy answers to today's problems," states Professor Taylor. "Times change; the past rarely offers a perfect template for the present.  "But knowing the history does help discussions about the present to get off on the right foot, free of at least some of the myths and ignorance that can so easily lead us astray. As always in the study of history, knowing where you came from helps us to learn who you are and where you are."
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.
He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Economic Perspectives. At Stanford University he won the award for excellent teaching in a large class given by the Associated Students of Stanford University.
At the University of Minnesota, he was named a Distinguished Lecturer by the Department of Economics.
Explore the U.S. Economy Decade by Decade