Audiobooks by Wendy McElroy

The Korean War and The Vietnam War

Following World War II, the United States and Soviet Russia vied for dominance around the world in an intense contest called the Cold War. Both Korea and Vietnam felt the full brunt of this conflict, and each was divided into two ideologically opposed sectors; to the north, the Communists dominated, while to the south, the United States prevailed. In both countries, America would face her worst nightmare: a land war in Asia. It began in Korea but continued in Vietnam, where more than fifty-eight thousand Americans would die. During the course of the Vietnam War, one American president was assassinated, another declined to seek reelection, and a third was discredited. Just as the fabric of society in Vietnam was torn to shreds by the continued political upheaval, so too was our own world powerfully reshaped. The United States at War series is a collection of presentations that review the political, economic, and social tensions that have erupted in military conflict and examine how the conflict resolved, or failed to resolve, those tensions.

Joseph Stromberg, Wendy McElroy (Author), George C. Scott (Narrator)

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The Korean War and The Vietnam War

Following World War II, the United States and Soviet Russia vied for dominance around the world in an intense contest called the Cold War. Both Korea and Vietnam felt the full brunt of this conflict, and each was divided into two ideologically opposed sectors; to the north, the Communists dominated, while to the south, the United States prevailed. In both countries, America would face her worst nightmare: a land war in Asia. It began in Korea but continued in Vietnam, where more than fifty-eight thousand Americans would die. During the course of the Vietnam War, one American president was assassinated, another declined to seek reelection, and a third was discredited. Just as the fabric of society in Vietnam was torn to shreds by the continued political upheaval, so too was our own world powerfully reshaped. The United States at War series is a collection of presentations that review the political, economic, and social tensions that have erupted in military conflict and examine how the conflict resolved, or failed to resolve, those tensions.

Joseph Stromberg, Wendy McElroy, Wendy Mcelroy (Author), George C. Scott (Narrator)

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Communist Manifesto and Social Contract

In his Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx argued that history flows inevitably toward a social revolution, which will result in a society without economic classes. Rousseau’s Social Contract fanned the flames of the French Revolution with his controversial explanation of social authority as an implied contract between people and government.

Ralph Raico, Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Don Jones, E. R. Davies, John Lutz, Travis Hardison (Narrator)

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World War II, Part 1: The United States at War

Edited by Wendy McElroy. World War II reshaped the map of the world. As Europe exhausted itself in yet another war, two new nations, with conflicting ideologies, were rising to prominence: the United States and the Soviet Union. Though they fought in World War II on the same side, they would not emerge as partners.

Joseph Stromberg, Wendy McElroy, Wendy Mcelroy (Author), George C. Scott (Narrator)

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The Vietnam War Part2

After WWII, Korea was divided in half at the 38th parallel. To the north were the Communists; to the south were the United Nations peacekeeping forces. In June 1950, North Korean soldiers backed by Soviet-built tanks poured across the parallel. The Korean conflict became on of the first expressions of the Cold War between Russia and America. It was an attempt to balance the power that had been thrown so badly out of alignment by WWII. But Korea would bring victory to neither side. It would merely reaffirm the deadlock. In 1954, the country of Vietnam was also divided in half – at the 17th parallel. To the north was the Communist regime of Ho Chi Mihn; to the south was the America-backed regime of Ngo Dihn Diem. Elections to unify the country were scheduled for 1956, but they were never held. Instead, each side used military means to accomplish political goals. To America, Vietnam symbolized her ability to contain communism in Asia. To the Communists, Vietnam symbolized their ability to defeat America in warfare. It became a struggle to the death between East and West – not only between military forces but also between opposing ideologies. Meanwhile, the fabric of Vietnamese society had been torn apart. By 1961, the Cold War was escalating with John F. Kennedy in the White House and Nikita Khrushchev in the Kremlin. Both Sides held nuclear weapons, and they tested each other for weakness. But, by 1964, Kennedy had been assassinated and the Soviets were at odds with communist China. The new American president, Lyndon B. Johnson, found himself trapped in a war without end. His solution was to escalate America’s military commitment in Vietnam. Between November 1963 and July 1965, Johnson transformed America’s limited engagement in Vietnam into an open-ended commitment. Continuing this strategy, President Richard M. Nixon ordered one of the most criticized events of the war - the bombing of Cambodia. American opinion clamored for an end to war, and eventually prevailed. The names of more than 58,000 Americans are inscribed on a black granite monument in Washington, D.C., memorializing those who died in Vietnam.

Wendy McElroy (Author), George C. Scott (Narrator)

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The Middle East

By the end of World War I, Britain had promised control of Palestine to both Arabs and Jews. Each of these peoples claimed a longstanding right to the same piece of land, and violence was inevitable. This presentation examines how and why this magical land has become a virtual war zone.

Sheldon Richman, Wendy McElroy, Wendy Mcelroy (Author), Harry Reasoner, Peter Hackes, Richard C. Hottelet (Narrator)

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The Ratification Debates

In the fall of 1787, the call went out: Each of the 13 states assembled special conventions to consider ratification of a proposed Constitution of the United States. Without ratification by nine conventions, the Constitution would flounder: America would be a league of states, not one nation. At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, the states – voting as states – had unanimously approved the Constitution. But individual delegates had fiercely opposed certain aspects of the document. Now, they returned to their home states to agitate against the Constitution. Some demanded a bill of rights. Others complained that states’ rights had been violated. Some states – such as Delaware and Georgia – quickly and unanimously ratified. Other states – such as Virginia and New York – agonized. Two states – North Carolina and Rhode Island – would not ratify at all without a bill of rights. Indeed, Rhode Island would not approve the Constitution until economic sanctions had been imposed against her. The Constitution was a controversial document, which was passionately debated by the best minds in the land.

Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Walter Cronkite (Narrator)

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The Korean War/Vietnam Part1

After WWII, Korea was divided in half at the 38th parallel. To the north were the Communists; to the south were the United Nations peacekeeping forces. In June 1950, North Korean soldiers backed by Soviet-built tanks poured across the parallel. The Korean conflict became on of the first expressions of the Cold War between Russia and America. It was an attempt to balance the power that had been thrown so badly out of alignment by WWII. But Korea would bring victory to neither side. It would merely reaffirm the deadlock. In 1954, the country of Vietnam was also divided in half – at the 17th parallel. To the north was the Communist regime of Ho Chi Mihn; to the south was the America-backed regime of Ngo Dihn Diem. Elections to unify the country were scheduled for 1956, but they were never held. Instead, each side used military means to accomplish political goals. To America, Vietnam symbolized her ability to contain communism in Asia. To the Communists, Vietnam symbolized their ability to defeat America in warfare. It became a struggle to the death between East and West – not only between military forces but also between opposing ideologies. Meanwhile, the fabric of Vietnamese society had been torn apart. By 1961, the Cold War was escalating with John F. Kennedy in the White House and Nikita Khrushchev in the Kremlin. Both Sides held nuclear weapons, and they tested each other for weakness. But, by 1964, Kennedy had been assassinated and the Soviets were at odds with communist China. The new American president, Lyndon B. Johnson, found himself trapped in a war without end. His solution was to escalate America’s military commitment in Vietnam. Between November 1963 and July 1965, Johnson transformed America’s limited engagement in Vietnam into an open-ended commitment. Continuing this strategy, President Richard M. Nixon ordered one of the most criticized events of the war - the bombing of Cambodia. American opinion clamored for an end to war, and eventually prevailed. The names of more than 58,000 Americans are inscribed on a black granite monument in Washington, D.C., memorializing those who died in Vietnam.

Joseph Stromberg, Wendy McElroy, Wendy Mcelroy (Author), George C. Scott (Narrator)

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The Persian Gulf States

More than half of the world"s oil comes from Persian Gulf states. Political instability and religious strife here threaten to interrupt the world"s economic routines. This presentation examines the history of Persia, Iran's attempt to westernize, and the backlash of religiously fervent Moslems against the West and against each other.

Joseph Stromberg, Sheldon Richman, Wendy McElroy (Author), Harry Reasoner, Peter Hackes, Richard C. Hottelet (Narrator)

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The Prince/Discourse on Voluntary Servitude

The Prince - Machiavelli wrote The Prince for his ruler as a guide for gaining and keeping power. Central themes of his essay are the relation between politics and ethics; what the best form of government consists of; the importance of the Church; and the growth of Italy as a nation-state. The word "Machiavellian" often suggests sinister motives, but some scholars question this traditional interpretation. Discourse on Voluntary Servitude - Boetie, an unfamiliar figure in modern times, lived in 16th Century France during the birth of the nation-state, the rise of absolute monarchy, and intense religious and civil wars. He examines the psychology of political obedience; the structure and specific mechanisms of state authority; the motives of those who obey and those who command; and the phenomenon of obedience in the absence of force.

George H. Smith, George Smith, Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Don Jones, E. R. Davies, Jonathan Lutz, Travis Hardison (Narrator)

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The Philippines

Strategically located, The Philippine Islands have been one of the keys to American policy in the Pacific. But this loose island chain has a better history, vacillating between oppression and rebellion. America's military installations here ensure that she will be caught in any Filipino conflict.

Joseph Stromberg, Wendy McElroy, Wendy Mcelroy (Author), Harry Reasoner, Peter Hackes, Richard C. Hottelet (Narrator)

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On Liberty/Vindication of the Rights of Woman

On Liberty - John Stuart Mill advocated individual liberty based on a philosophical concept called utilitarianism, or "the greatest happiness for the greater number." This intellectual tradition rejects natural rights, such as those in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Despite beginning with a different theoretical foundation than natural rights proponents, Mill reaches a similar conclusion-that diversity in individual thought and action ultimately benefits society. Vindication of the Rights of Woman examines the tumultuous life of Mary Wollstonecraft and the social conditions against which she struggled. It explores her call for female independence against the backdrop of 18th Century England, the French Revolution, and the changing role of women. Mary Wollstonecraftt lived the life she advocated, defying accepted customs for female employment, marriage, and family life.

David Gordon, George H. Smith, George Smith, Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Dara Modglin, Don Jones, Jonathan Lutz, Pat Childs, Ruth Sweet (Narrator)

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