The Great Depression and the New Deal: A People’s History

A poor American family holding a “Job Wanted” in the street sign illustrates history of the Great Depression and the New Deal

What’s the history of the Great Depression and the New Deal? Did the New Deal truly solve the problems caused by the Depression? Howard Zinn analyzes the Great Depression and the New Deal, highlighting the surge in labor unrest and activism. Despite the introduction of social programs, the New Deal ultimately favored elite interests and failed to address racial issues, particularly the ongoing neglect of Black Americans. Read more to learn more about this historical perspective.

Drones in Combat: Lessons From the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

military drone in combat flight with missiles over a mountainous region

How do drone strikes reshape defense strategies? What unseen psychological tolls do drones inflict? How has the use of drones in combat evolved? An episode of The Daily podcast explored the impactful role of drones in modern warfare through Ukraine’s strategic drone strikes against Russian military targets and infrastructure. These precision attacks have reshaped defense strategies, while also influencing psychological dynamics in the conflict. Read more for a summary of the episode, along with some vital context and considerations.

War Is the Health of the State: Howard Zinn on the World Wars

Troops fighting in a trench in World War I, of which it's been said that "War is the health of the state"

Why did the United States enter World War I and World War II? Who benefited? In A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn discusses World War I and World War II in the chapters “War Is the Health of the State” and “A People’s War?” The wars represented some of the first times the new American empire acted on a global stage. Keep reading to learn about American participation in each war and the popular response to them.

The Impossible Victory: A People’s History of the Vietnam War

A person holding a sign with the peace symbol illustrates a people's history of the Vietnam War ("The Impossible Victory")

How did the US involvement in Vietnam turn into a full-scale war? What tactics did the US employ? In what ways did the anti-Vietnam War movement gain momentum in the US? In the chapter “The Impossible Victory: Vietnam” of his book A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn details the complexities of the Vietnam War. He sheds light on the significant role of the draft in shaping public sentiment and resistance movements. Continue reading to get a people’s history of the Vietnam War.

A People’s History of the Cold War (Howard Zinn)

A depiction of the White House and the Kremlin across the street from each other illustrates the history of the Cold War

What’s the history of the Cold War from “the people’s” perspective? What was it really about? Howard Zinn portrays the Cold War as a strategic endeavor by American elites to curb communism’s influence while safeguarding financial interests. The CIA’s covert operations and the Vietnam War showcase the lengths to which the US went to maintain dominance and thwart perceived threats. Read more to get Zinn’s take on this prolonged ideological conflict that dominated much of the 20th century.

Who Is Larry Elder? Understanding Conservative Politics

Larry Elder, conservative media figure, speaking on stage dressed in a suit

Who is Larry Elder? What’s his perspective on the current political climate? Larry Elder is a conservative podcast host and public figure who has provided support for politicians including Donald Trump and Ron Desantis. Elder works to counter what he sees as a negative media portrayal of conservatives on an episode of the PBD Podcast. Here is some context for what Larry Elder thinks and what his arguments are.

Is Systemic Racism Real? Understanding Conservative Perspectives

Sign that says end racism being held up at a protest

Is systemic racism real? What’s the conservative perspective? Systemic racism is real according to some, but not according to others. For example, on an episode of the PBD Podcast, conservative media figure Larry Elder argued that it is not real, and that, in fact, the belief in systemic racism harms minorities. Take a look at what Elder argues about racism.

Modern Conservative Thinkers and the Effect of Mentorship

An elephant holding an American flag representing conservative thinkers

Who are some modern conservative thinkers? What views do they hold, and how have they influenced each other? Modern conservative thinkers include Larry Elder, Stephen Miller, Candace Owens, and more. Many of these thinkers have influenced each other in mentoring relationships and discussions. Here are some insights about modern conservative thinkers, with examples of how mentorship has had an influence, taken from the PBD Podcast.

A People’s History of America in the 20th Century (Howard Zinn)

A United States map incorporating depictions of key aspects of the history of America in the 20th century

What does America in the 20th century look like from “the people’s” perspective? What were the aims of the elites, and how did they seek to achieve them? Howard Zinn provides a “people’s history” of America in the 20th century. He covers the labor movement, the Great Depression and the New Deal, New Imperialism, the World Wars, the Cold War, and significant social movements. Read more to get Zinn’s take on America in the 20th century.

What to Know About Donald Trump’s Fraud Trial of 2023

Donald Trump, who is facing a fraud trial, waving.

What’s the controversy around Donald Trump’s fraud trial? What charges are Trump facing for the alleged crime? On The Daily podcast, Michael Barbaro sheds light on a momentous civil lawsuit in New York City aimed at Donald Trump. The lawsuit alleges that he exaggerated assets to obtain favorable loan and insurance conditions. Check out more about the civil lawsuit Trump is currently facing.