The period between 1913 and 1939 was one of the most abounding ones in the history of the United States. Despite being sandwiched between two economic crises and two World Wars, these were years of plenty, an era of unprecedented prosperity. Bolstered by technological development and favorable economic policies that supported industry, this period ushered in a dramatic change in the lifestyles of Americans.

Working people at many income levels experienced a rise in their standard of living. The index of industrial production climbed 70 percent and earnings of employed wage earners rose by about 22 percent. Manufacturers flooded the markets with affordable automobiles, consumer goods and other products that were previously out of the reach of common people. The growth of related industries such as advertising and widespread electrification helped things along, as did the mushrooming of consumer credit. In a nutshell, this period redefined the term "thrift" to mean, "wise spending" rather than "self-restraint." To a large extent, the presidency of Calvin Coolidge is credited for this state of economic well-being.

While America marched forward on the economic front, the years preceding and following the Great War saw the American Senate stand divided over several issues, principle among them being the proposed League of Nations. Many felt the need for a rebuilding of the nation based on a fresh ideology that placed sovereignty and freedom above all else.

This CD contains speeches by eight outstanding American statesmen covering various subjects of national interest and concerns, including the debate over whether it was appropriate for the United States to join the League of Nations.

This CD reflects the thinking of the American Nation in an era that was both prosperous and turbulent. It contains speeches made by eight prominent American Statesmen who voiced the concerns of the people they represented in the US Senate. You will find well-preserved audio recordings of speeches made by:

• US Senator Lodge Henry Cabot
• Secretary of Treasury McAdoo William Gibbs
• Secretary of War Baker Newton Diehl
• US Senator Lewis James Hamilton
• US Senator Clark Champ
• Secretary on Navy Josephus Daniels
• President, United States, Harding Warren G.
• Republican James M. Cox

Listen to Samples:

To hear a song sample, click on the "Listen ."

TRACK	RUNNING TIME	MP3
1. League of Nations	00:04:04	Listen
2. Revise taxes	00:04:40	Listen
3. America's choice and opportunity	00:03:03
4. Call of America	00:03:39
5. At Valley Forge	00:03:29
6. An Association of nations	00:04:30
7. Nationalism and americanism	00:04:23
8. There is no rank in sacrifice	00:03:36
9. Prevention of war	00:03:40

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EDITORIAL REVIEW:

For many years after the Great War, the United States continued to debate issues surrounding U.S. entry into the League of Nations. Collective security was weighed against national sovereignty, idealism against pragmatism, and the responsibilities of powerful nations against the possibility of their using force to achieve goals. That the League eventually failed to prevent a second global conflict speaks of divided international agenda.

During the years that followed World War I, noted statesmen made eloquent attempts at supporting and detracting from President Woodrow Wilson’s proposal that the United States become a part of the newly formed League of Nations. Many other issues were brought to the attention of the nation through some of the most memorable speeches ever made. This CD provides a fabulous peek at those turbulent times and offers a great insight into the democratic and republican train of thought on pertinent issues. The grand speeches preserved here, project a graphic picture of the philosophies of the era and draw a clear line of demarcation between supporters and detractors of the League of Nations. Great emphasis on the need to honor national heroes and the rebuilding of the nation is also easily recognizable.

This is an invaluable slice of history that not only informs but also provides a unique opportunity to listen to the voices of some of America’s most revered statesmen. If you are a history buff, this CD is for you.

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS:

"I am of the opinion that young Americans should see this CD and feel a part of the making of modern history of this great nation. Moving, stirring, forceful and passionate, these speeches made by some of the greatest statesmen of our nation still ring true even today. A2zcds - You are doing a great service to the nation yourself by bringing out such CDs. Keep it up."

Customer's Name: Thomas Stalk (Cleveland, Ohio)