ONLINE: Smedley Butler (USMC) was one of the most decorated warfighters of his time, participating in nearly every U.S. conflict from 1898 to WWI. He played a key role in expanding American influence, from annexing the Philippines to leading military actions in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and China. After retiring, Butler became a vocal critic of war and corporate interests, famously stating, "I was a racketeer for capitalism." In 1933, he was even implicated in a plot to overthrow Franklin Roosevelt's administration. This lecture-based course explores Butler's complex legacy through the works of historians Jonathan M. Katz and Jules Archer. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 40.
Class sessions are recorded.
John Powers is a writer and director of narrative and documentary stories. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with an MFA and BFA in Drama. He began his career as a screenwriter. Later, he returned to performing arts as a producer and presenter of theater and other cultural events. He has taught for several universities and colleges in their life-long learning programs.