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Rated 5 out of 5 by Magyar1 from Excellent Overview That Considers Problems Specifi There are many excellent presentations in Wondrium, and I have found several experts to be not only knowledgeable but extremely capable presenters as well. Dr. Symonds stands out as the best, and there has indeed been stiff competition. His style is very personable, and he explains a great amount of detailed information clearly. A Navy veteran (I'm Army) could find this as fascinating as an interested civilian would. That is quite an accomplishment. While this may seem minor, I will mention it anyway. It was refreshing to see wardrobe changes from segment to segment. That was a nice professional touch. I realize that several segments might well have been taped on the same day due to scheduling. But ti was good to see Dr. Symonds wearing something different. Sartorial comments aside, I also liked how subjects like racial/gender issues, discrimination, and policy changes were handled. This course is more than "There was this war, and then another war came, and then there was another one." Bravo!

Date published: 2023-09-22

Rated 3 out of 5 by CuriousityDrive from Worthwhile!--But Some Important Topics Sidestepped Prof Symonds is an EXCELLENT speaker/presenter and I certainly RECOMMEND this course—but with a couple significant caveats, as explained below. To be sure, what ‘IS’ COVERED in this course is ‘5 stars’ IMHO. In short, there is a lot taught therein—and taught well—and thus a lot to be learned. That said, a certain portion of the ground covered in this course was covered in more detail in the Prof Symonds other course that was focused on WW2 in the Pacific—which was '5-stars' IMHO. And, some portions of this course are covered in greater detail in other Wondrium courses. However, I have taken off (albeit with some ambivalence/hesitancy since the course is otherwise excellent) ‘two stars’ for what IS ‘NOT’ COVERED in this course—which IMHO should have been covered therein (at least to some degree). Specifically, I subtracted ‘1 star’ for not at least mentioning the ‘MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX’, which President Eisenhower famously warned against. And, I subtracted another ‘1 star’ for not covering (at least briefly) some important and RELEVANT military/navy operations. By not covering the 2 items I mentioned immediately above, ‘ENJOYABILITY’—in listening to details of various US conquests/achievements by a gifted lecturer, which gives many of us (including me) a wonderful patriotic/‘Rah Rah’ feeling—at times (inadvertently) seems to have TAKEN PRECEDENCE OVER: (A) The presenting of ‘CONTROVERSIAL’ US Military/Naval involvements, albeit in carrying out US policy (which some might even categorize as ‘disgraceful’); and, (B) The posing (at least briefly) of various ‘DIFFICULT QUESTIONS’ with regard to such ‘controversial’ US Military/Naval involvements. For instance, such ‘Difficult Questions’ might have included the following IMHO: (1) WHAT exactly are, and are not, VALID ‘AMERICAN INTERESTS’? (2) HOW such valid ‘American Interests’ should be reasonably accomplished—e.g., by force, diplomacy, occupation, loans, gunboats, threats, treaties, trade, etc.? (3) What FACTORS should be reasonably considered in the above 2 questions—e.g., moral, financial, geopolitical, etc.? (4) How the US might have better BALANCED the answers to the above 3 questions in past (naval/military) ‘controversial’ engagements/involvements (so that the lessons from such can be thoughtfully applied in the future)? (As a GREAT example of a lecture that reflects IMHO what I pointed out above, I would HIGHLY recommend viewing a 75-minute class that I recently watched on C-Span from March 26, 2013—given by US Naval Academy professor Aaron O’Connell to a class at the NAVAL ACADEMY—entitled ‘US Marines in the Banana Wars’.) More specifically, I believe this course would have PROFOUNDLY benefited by a discussion, at least briefly (recognizing the course only contains 24 lectures), of some related/important topics, such as: (1) The ‘MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX’ This oversight, very respectfully, seems the most puzzling one of all IMHO. This course is about the Navy and there is MUCH discussion about how it was built and rebuilt over the years. But, there is no mention of the web of politicians, lobbyists, contractors and military leadership—i.e., the ‘Military Industrial Complex’, as President Eisenhower warned against—that can, and often does, lead to: (A) Overspending, (B) Waste, (C) Corruption/graft, (D) Prioritizing the bringing jobs to certain states (with political clout) over intelligent budgetary & strategic considerations, and (E) Undue influence on (e.g., foreign) policy decisions. For example, though the prof mentions that several very large and very expensive vessels that had been financed/built under the Reagan administration were very soon afterwards put in “museums”, it could have proved quite educational to know HOW THIS HAPPENED. Though not discussed in this course, a recent NYTimes article from Sept 4, 2023, entitled ‘Faced With Evolving Threats, U.S. Navy Struggles to Change’, discusses such issues: “Shipbuilders and other contractors that provide equipment installed on these ships have also flooded lawmakers with CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS, totaling MORE THAN 90 MILLION JUST IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. Some of the largest chunks of that money went to lawmakers who lead the budget and Pentagon oversight committees, including Mr. [Senator Roger] Wicker [Republican of Mississippi]. Huntington Ingalls, like the other major contractors, also has its own SMALL ARMY OF LOBBYISTS. They include TWO FORMER HOUSE LEADERS (Richard A. Gephardt, Democrat of Missouri, and Robert Livingston, Republican of Louisiana, who was the speaker-designate before resigning) and a FORMER SENATE MAJORITY LEADER (Trent Lott, Republican of Mississippi), as well as Haley Barbour, the former Mississippi governor and Republican National Committee chairman.” (2) The Philippine-American War (officially between 1899-1902) Though the Spanish-American war was discussed in a fair amount of detail in this course, the Philippine-American War was never mentioned at all—although it occurred right afterwards. As per Wikipedia: “The war resulted in at least 200,000 FILIPINO CIVILIAN DEATHS, mostly due to diseases such as cholera and to famine. Some estimates for total civilian dead reach up to a million.…In retaliation for Filipino guerrilla warfare tactics, the U.S. carried out reprisals and scorched earth campaigns and forcibly relocated many civilians to CONCENTRATION CAMPS, where THOUSANDS DIED.” (3) The 'BANANA WARS' in C. America and the Caribbean during early 20th C. In this regard, the prof (as I presently recall) only very quickly referred to the Navy as being ‘A COP ON THE BEAT' in this region during the early 20th century. Respectfully, this seems like a EUPHEMISM when one considers some of events that took place (in carrying out the 3 presidential policies mentioned above). For instance, as per Wikipedia, as excerpted below, various (not-mentioned) US interventions included (and were not limited to) the following: -- HAITI: Occupied by the U.S. from 1915–1934. Urged by the National City Bank and the BNRH…eight United States MARINES walked into the national bank and TOOK CUSTODY OF HAITI’S GOLD RESERVE of about US$500,000 – about the equivalent to $13,526,578 in 2021 – on December 17, 1914…. Haiti's new constitution—drafted under the supervision of FDR, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy—ended the ban on foreign ownership of land, which thus enabled US interests to buy up parts of Haiti. A corvée system of FORCED LABOR was used by the United States for infrastructure projects, that resulted in hundreds to thousands of deaths….The installation of a president without the consent of Haitians and the forced labor of the corvée system enforced upon Haitians by American forces led to opposition of the U.S. occupation began immediately after the Marines entered Haiti, creating rebel groups of Haitians who FELT THEY WERE RETURNING TO SLAVERY. Overall, American troops and the Haitian gendarmerie KILLED SEVERAL THOUSANDS of Haitian civilians during the rebellions between 1915 and 1920, though the exact death toll is unknown. -- NICARAGUA: Occupied by the U.S. almost continuously from 1912 to 1933, after intermittent landings and NAVAL BOMBARDMENTS in the prior decades. -- HONDURAS: Where the United Fruit Company and Standard Fruit Company dominated the country's key banana export sector and associated land holdings and railways, saw insertion of American troops in 1903, 1907, 1911, 1912, 1919, 1924 and 1925. (4) SMEDLEY BUTLER’s (who was one of the most decorated Marine veterans of all time) scathing critique of his own actions in such countries (above) years afterwards and of ‘American Imperialism’ in general—in which he described himself as "a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers...a racketeer, a GANGSTER FOR CAPITALISM". (5) Perhaps it would have been helpful to have very briefly discussed how Hawaii became part of the US. As per Wikipedia: “Chief American diplomat on the scene, John L. Stevens ... summoned 162 U.S. SAILORS and MARINES from the USS Boston…. The deposed Queen was kept in ʻIolani Palace under house arrest. The American sailors and Marines did not enter the Palace grounds or take over any buildings, and never fired a shot, but THEIR PRESENCE SERVED EFFECTIVELY.” (6) Perhaps also a brief mention that the United States' SECOND occupation of Veracruz—from April 21 to November 23, 1914 during the Mexican Civil War—occurred in the context of (A) the US Ambassador to Mexico, Henry Lane Wilson (under Pres Taft), being an active participant in overthrowing (democratically elected) Madero and install Huerta and (B) President’s Wilson’s insistence on overthrowing Huerta—despite the fact the US had only just recently helped to install Huerta under Pres Taft. And, as per Wikipedia, “A plan was formed in June for the US troops to withdraw from Veracruz after General Huerta surrendered the reins of his government to a new regime and Mexico assured the United States that it would receive no indemnity for its losses in the recent chaotic events…. After the fighting ended, U.S. NAVY ordered that 56 MEDALS OF HONOR be awarded to participants in this action, the most for any single action before or since.” That said, I give credit to the prof for pointing out, albeit quite delicately, A COUPLE of what might be considered the Navy's 'missteps' (my words, not his) in this course. And, to be sure, there is MUCH to be very proud of and joyful about, e.g., defeating Hitler and Japan, among many other examples. Finally, despite my constructive criticism above, I would be VERY glad for Wondrium to ask this prof to teach more courses in the future. Perhaps in one or more of such future courses, he might be so kind as to dive into some of the topics that were left unaddressed in this course, as I would be greatly appreciative of his valuable insights.

Date published: 2023-09-16

Rated 5 out of 5 by Jo Ann S from Stunning course - content and delivery I knew relatively little about the US Navy, and generally am not drawn to the details of military issues, but I am so glad I decided to try the first lecture of this course. I was quickly drawn to the way Prof. Symonds told his story and watched the entire course with interest - and many "aha" moments. The tales of periodic US isolationism bumping up against the need to influence events in far flung places made sense of what had previously been disjointed pieces of history. Prof. Symonds' ability to include just enough detail to make the story interesting, but not so much that you get bogged down and lose sight of the overall themes. Somewhere in the middle he mentioned his other course on WWII and the Pacific Theater - I watched that after I finished this one and it was also excellent (and a good companion to this course; I'd suggest watching them in the order I did).

Date published: 2023-09-11

Rated 5 out of 5 by BillRutgers from Excellent course on the history of the US Navy As a former US Army Officer, I truly enjoyed this course. I have always had a high reguard for the Navy. In fact, if the college I went to had NROTC, I probably would have been a Navy Officer. I have purchased quite a few courses from TGF. This was by far the best. Professor Craig L. Symonds was also the most consistently interesting teacher I have seen.

Date published: 2023-09-10

Rated 5 out of 5 by tommyd555 from Breathtaking Excellence I had high regards for Professor Symonds coming in to this course. His "World War II: The Pacific Theater" course should be taught as THE definitive history of World War II in the Pacific to not just TGC students but students across the country (just like the "World War II: Battlefield Europe" course by his colleague Professor David Stone should be considered the definitive history of the European war---and that's saying something considering how many excellent WWII courses TGC offers...then again these US Naval War College instructors are top notch). I don't know how it is possible but he exceeded even those expectations. No lecture is remotely close to any definition of "boring" when you have a presenter like Professor Symonds: he is a no-nonsense lecturer that gets to the point, states the facts, and will mention when something is his own personal assessment but he is also a masterful storyteller. The end result is the discussions are not only easy to consume (a quality very much underestimated at times) but also entertaining, maintaining your interest level throughout. Excellence achieved through simplicity....and while providing entertainment. Isn't that what every TGC instructor should strive for? An added bonus: hearing the story of the United States navy is like also reliving the history of the United States itself since they are so intertwined not just from a war-perceptive but also relating to political thought evolution through the centuries and the advancement of race relations and civil rights. Professor Symonds is at the top of his game when describing the World War II era as well as these favorite lectures of mine: 2 (The American Revolution), 4 (The War of 1812), 13 (early Pacific battles of World War II), and 24 (assessing the threat of present-day China). But like I said I can't recall a loss of interest or zoning out while listening to ANY of the lectures he presented. He certainly leaves you wanting more or wondering what it would be like to chat with him in person over some dinner or drinks. If I was forced to come up with any criticism it would be that perhaps a lecture or two on “a day in the life of one who is serving in the Navy and how it changed over the years” might have been a good way to get a sense of everyday life/full experience of those who have served. Of course he does cover this in general terms in a few lectures, if not in detail. And while I loved his lecture on the threat present-day China might pose (24), it would be great if he had also covered how the US Navy might respond to threats from other belligerents of the present day-US such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran. We know their navies can't currently compete with the US' but what strategies might the US Navy employ should these "cold wars" get hot? Again this would be if someone was forcing me to extract some type of criticism....it is a very hard task indeed with this course. Thank you for this course, Professor Symonds, and thank you, TGC, for recognizing a great professor when presented with one and for producing a follow-up to his first course. I can only hope there is a third and a fourth. This is TGC at its best. Highly recommended to all.

Date published: 2023-09-05

Rated 5 out of 5 by Mac223 from Easiest Binge Ever I'm glad I went cover to cover with this one. It stays fascinating and patriotic while objective and appropriately critical. Well done. Now do the Army!

Date published: 2023-09-01

Rated 5 out of 5 by pat2023 from Great story A great story told by a remarkable storyteller. Well done.

Date published: 2023-08-28

Rated 5 out of 5 by LLTB from Not just ships, guns and bombs A lot of important history is presented. I thought Dr. Symonds went pretty easy on Bull Halsey, especially considering he also caused the loss of three destroyers and killed many sailors plowing the Third Fleet into a typhoon.

Date published: 2023-08-18

Overview

The United States Navy has played a vital role both in resolving conflicts and in peacekeeping for 250 years. In this course, you’ll learn the saga of its history, from the exploits of the young US Navy and its emergence as a global naval power to its vital role in World War II, the Cold War, and beyond. These engrossing lectures offer you an unforgettable view into a core element of American life.

About

Craig L. Symonds

Luck plays a role in all battles, but in the end, it is the men who win and lose them.

ALMA MATER

University of Florida

INSTITUTION

U.S. Naval Academy

Craig L. Symonds is a Professor Emeritus of History at the US Naval Academy and a former Ernest J. King Distinguished Professor of Maritime History at the US Naval War College. He earned a PhD in History from the University of Florida and is the author or editor of more than two dozen books. His book Decision at Sea: Five Naval Battles That Shaped American History won the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Prize in Naval History. He also wrote Lincoln and His Admirals: Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. Navy, and the Civil War, which won several awards.

By This Professor

Trailer

01: The British Origins of the US Navy

Begin with an overview of the British Royal Navy at the time of US independence. Learn about the British ships-of-the-line—the premier warships of the age—including their military technology and procedures during engagements. Visualize the lives of naval personnel, both officers and sailors, and the severe hardships of life at sea. Note how the early American naval system was modeled on the British system.

30 min

02: American Revolution on River, Lake, and Sea

Take account of the three arms of sea power on the American side during the American Revolution. Follow the first American naval shipbuilding at Lake Champlain, the birth of the Continental Navy in 1775, and the exploits of John Paul Jones. Then, observe the role in the conflict of privateering against British merchant ships, and the French Navy’s critical assistance in undermining the British war effort.

31 min

03: Alexander Hamilton and the Early Navalists

Trace the disputes between factions for and against establishing a standing US naval force. Then, learn about the threats against American merchant ships by both Barbary Coast corsairs and the French, leading to the “Quasi War” with France in the Caribbean and the creation of the Department of the Navy. Witness the ensuing American naval action in Tripoli, and the events of the first Barbary War.

32 min

04: British Blockade and the War of 1812

Investigate the economic and political conflicts that led the United States to declare war on Britain in 1812. In the wake of the British blockade of the US coast, track the frigate duels in the Atlantic and Pacific that gave the United States its victories over the British. Then, study the most strategically significant naval battles of the war, on Lake Erie and Lake Champlain, and their impact on the war’s outcome.

32 min

05: Pirates of the Barbary Coast and Caribbean

One of the US Navy’s first tasks was combatting piracy on the high seas. Following the War of 1812, witness the Navy’s actions in North Africa to subdue pirate attacks on US merchant ships. Then, follow US naval campaigns against privateering and piracy in the Caribbean and South Asia. Finally, learn about the Navy’s involvement in ending the African slave trade.

31 min

06: Navy Expeditions from Antarctica to Japan

The US Navy became a global force through its actions in the first half of the 19th century. Track the Navy’s four-year scientific expedition to find and chart new islands, circumnavigating the Earth. Take account of significant naval episodes in the Mexican-American War. In the new era of steam warships, trace the US mission to open trade with Japan, and the founding of the US Naval Academy.

32 min

07: Civil War Ironclads, Torpedoes, and Submarines

The era of the Civil War brought new technology to naval warfare. Picture the battle of the USS Merrimack and the USS Monitor, the conflict’s first ironclad warships. Investigate propeller-driven steam warships, and new naval firepower, larger guns with far greater range and accuracy. Witness the Union’s naval blockade of the South, and Confederate innovations of underwater mines and the submarine.

33 min

08: Union Gunboats on Confederate Rivers

Learn how control of the western rivers played a critical role in the Civil War. Begin with the Union’s building of ironclad gunboats, and their assaults on Confederate river forts and role in the battle at Shiloh. Note how the Navy and Army worked together in important engagements. Then, follow the Union naval conquest of Confederate defenses below New Orleans, and the capture of Vicksburg.

32 min

09: Union Victories from Charleston to Cape Fear

As the Civil War drew on, Confederate vessels slipping through the North’s naval blockade were a sore point for the Union war effort. Trace the Navy’s dramatic campaign to capture the forts used by blockade-runners. Study the lengthy effort to take Charleston, South Carolina, the longest military siege in American history, followed by intense engagements at forts in Mobile and Wilmington.

31 min

10: Mahan’s Navy and the Spanish-American War

Bear witness to the renaissance of the US Navy in the 1890s, as a substantial, modernized fleet and a standing force capable of responding to crises. See how the Cuban rebellion against Spain in 1895 triggered events leading to the Spanish declaration of war on the United States. Relive two major US naval victories in the war, at Manila and Santiago, Cuba, leaving the US Navy a global naval power.

34 min

11: Teddy Roosevelt and the Battleship Age

Take the measure of the battleship as the dominant naval warship between about 1890 and 1940. Study their design, firepower, and dramatically increasing proportions. Under Teddy Roosevelt, observe the use of the Navy as a tool of diplomacy, and the ensuing multi-country naval arms race. During World War I, track the Navy’s critical role in protecting Allied convoys from German U-boats.

33 min

12: The Naval Threats of Nazi Germany and Japan

Delve into key events affecting the US Navy between the world wars, including sweeping naval arms reduction agreements, the emergence of the aircraft carrier, and the US Marines’ development of amphibious assault operations. Learn how US relations with Japan deteriorated, and how the United States dramatically expanded its navy just as Germany was allowed to rebuild theirs under Hitler.

32 min

13: Big Aircraft Carrier Battles of the Pacific

Follow the deployment of US aircraft carriers in the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and see how these carriers became the dominant naval weapon of the war. Observe how carriers worked in “Task Forces” with other ships and the aircraft they hosted. Witness the key events of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first fought entirely with carrier-based aircraft, the pivotal Battle of Midway, and more.

32 min

14: U-Boats, Convoys, and Radar in the Atlantic

For three years, German U-boats (submarines) fought to destroy Britain’s maritime supply line. Chart the severe losses of ships to U-boats, and the Allied convoys throughout the Atlantic region that worked to counteract them. Grasp the roles of codebreaking operations, radar, and American industrial productivity in winning what was arguably the most consequential naval engagement of the war.

32 min

15: Amphibious Warfare from Sicily to Saipan

Visualize the procedures and logistics of amphibious naval operations, which became a major aspect of war in World War II. Begin with the US invasion of the Pacific island of Guadalcanal, a six-month ordeal on land and sea. Then, study key amphibious assaults on the island of Betio, the Marshall Islands, and the D-Day invasion of Normandy—the largest amphibious operation in world history.

32 min

16: Kamikazes, Atomic Bombs, and America’s Triumph

The US Navy ended the war as the greatest maritime power in world history. In the Pacific Theater, trace the monumental battle of Saipan, a major turning point. Then, study the dramatic American recapture of the Philippines, and the months-long US invasion of Okinawa, leading to the final defeat of Japan’s Navy, the deployment of the atomic bomb, and the unconditional surrender of Japan.

31 min

17: The Birth of NATO and New Cold War Threats

Following World War II, take stock of integral changes in US naval operations. Grasp how the Cold War and the creation of NATO brought new, global defense responsibilities for the Navy. With the advent of nuclear weaponry, examine the Navy’s key role in deterrence through its nuclear-armed submarines. Finally, learn about the historic ending of racial segregation in the military.

32 min

18: MacArthur’s Bold Landing at Incheon, Korea

The US Navy was called into action in 1950 in the first aggressive move of the Cold War. Survey the events that led to war in Korea, and the US and United Nations’ response to the invasion of South Korea by the North’s armies. Observe how General MacArthur’s risky landing at Incheon reversed the war’s dynamic, and how strategic support from the Navy and Marines aided in repelling the invaders.

32 min

19: Hyman Rickover and the Nuclear Navy

From the early 1950s to the mid-1960s, the US Navy often acted as a global peacekeeper. Follow the events of crises in the Mediterranean, Lebanon, and Taiwan, and the Navy’s role in resolving conflicts without violence. Then, meet the extraordinary Hyman Rickover, who oversaw the development of the Navy’s nuclear-powered forces, and relive the legendary Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

32 min

20: The Gulf of Tonkin and War in Vietnam

Though the Vietnam War was largely a land war, the Navy played a distinct strategic role in the conflict. Learn how US naval action with the North Vietnamese in the Gulf of Tonkin brought the United States formally into the war. Trace the Navy’s key roles in the war, from tactical air support for ground troops to impeding enemy supply vessels along the coast and critical operations in the Mekong Delta.

31 min

21: How the Navy Reformed after Vietnam

The era of the Civil Rights movement exposed racial inequities within the Navy, leading to violent confrontations aboard ships. Examine naval reforms under Admiral Elmo Zumwalt that sought to address both racial and gender discrimination. Then, observe the expansion of the Navy under President Ronald Reagan, and its intervention in political conflicts on the island of Grenada, and later in Libya.

31 min

22: Projecting Naval Power in the Middle East

In the late 20th century, the US Navy operated in a new and dangerous world, fraught with ambiguous political relationships, as well as highly sophisticated weaponry. Examine conditions within the Middle East that led to attacks on American ships during the Iran/Iraq War and the Six-Days War. See how tensions with Iran resulted in the largest surface naval battle since World War II.

31 min

23: America’s 21st-Century Missions at Sea

At the turn of the 21st century, new conflicts required the US Navy to reassess its role in the post-Soviet world. Track the Navy’s important work in the air campaign of the Gulf War of 1990, and its logistical roles during the 2003 war against Iraq. Learn also about the Navy’s peacetime operations, in areas such as the suppression of piracy and drug trafficking, and humanitarian aid.

29 min

24: China’s Threats to US Naval Supremacy

Review the complex history of China over the last century, and the parameters of China’s territorial claims to Taiwan and other neighboring islands, which underlie a current rivalry at sea between the Chinese and US navies. Compare the US and Chinese naval forces, factored against China’s present naval buildup, and assess the potential for future conflicts in the China seas and beyond.

36 min