The Great American Story: The Great War and Its Aftermath

The Great American Story: The Great War and Its Aftermath

Author: Hillsdale College May 27, 2026 Duration: 51:26

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how Progressive foreign policy brought the United States into World War I before introducing Wilfred McClay.

Americans have overcome many challenges throughout our history, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the Cold War. Studying the great stories from our past inspires us to preserve the blessings of liberty in our day. Now you can study these stories with Hillsdale College.

Hillsdale’s free online course, “The Great American Story: A Land of Hope,” explores the history of America as a land of hope founded on high principles. In presenting the great triumphs and achievements of our nation’s past, as well as the shortcomings and failures, it offers a broad and unbiased study of the kind essential to the cultivation of intelligent patriotism.

Despite efforts to remain neutral, the United States entered World War I in 1917. The Americans helped the Allied powers secure victory a year later. The war took the lives of millions, and resulted in immense destruction and political instability in Europe and beyond. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast delivers the core of a classical liberal arts education directly to your preferred listening app. Hosted by Online Learning Directors Kyle Murnen and Juan Davalos, this series transforms the college's foundational mission into an accessible audio format. Each episode serves as a lecture or discussion drawn from Hillsdale's complete, free online courses, covering enduring topics in history, government, culture, and the principles of a free society. You'll hear in-depth explorations of the ideas, events, and figures that have shaped Western civilization and American institutions, all presented with the clarity and depth of a classroom setting. The podcast is designed for lifelong learners seeking substantive content beyond the headlines, offering structured education through the convenience of an audio feed. Listen for thoughtful commentary that introduces each course's themes, followed by the full lecture material, allowing you to engage with rigorous academic content on your own schedule. This is more than a series of talks; it's a curated curriculum aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations necessary for informed citizenship and personal enrichment.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the temptations that Odysseus faces on his journey to Ithaca before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Having resist…
The Odyssey: Death and Woe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss Odysseus' journey to the underworld before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. In the underworld, Odysseus meets the…
The Odyssey: Circe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how Homer treats leadership in The Odyssey before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. On the island of Circe, Odysseu…
The Odyssey: The Cyclops [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the significance if Odysseus' encounter with Polyphemus before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Odysseus recounts…
The Odyssey: The Kingdom of Phaeacia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the attributes that characterize Odysseus before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Odysseus uses his metis to gain…
The Odyssey: Calypso [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the choice that Odysseus makes to begin his journey back to Ithaca before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Calypso…
The Odyssey: Rumors of Odysseus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the ways that Homer depicts women in The Odyssey before introducing a lecture from Dr. Benedict Whalen. Penelope, the wife of Ody…
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On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the brand new course "The Odyssey." Odysseus, the man of "twists and turns," has been away from his home of Ithaca for twenty y…
An Introduction to Homer's Odyssey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:15
Prepare for the upcoming The Odyssey online course from Hillsdale College as Jeremiah and Juan discuss Homer's Odyssey before introducing a lecture from Dr. David M. Whalen. Enroll in The Odyssey here: https://online.hil…
An Introduction to Homer's Iliad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
Prepare for the upcoming The Odyssey online course from Hillsdale College as Jeremiah and Juan discuss Homer's Iliad before introducing a lecture from Dr. Stephen Smith. Enroll in The Odyssey here: https://online.hillsda…