They Made America:

» Course Focus

American well-being was built by innovators who had ideas, took risks, were often described as crazy, and gave us cheap electricity, the airplane, the Internet, the iPod, biotech medicines, and so much else.

And it will be sustained in the 21^st century by innovation. But how does innovation happen?

We seek answers by tracing the origins of the critical idea... and the obstacles to its emergence as a practical benefit. For example...

• What was there in the cultural climate that helped or hindered this emergence?

• How did the innovator's character shape the outcome?

• What was the role of money - where did it come from and what did it do? And did the innovations "pay their way?"

» Course Modules

Licensing available for the complete course or individual modules.

I. FUELING AMERICA'S GROWTH
• Conquering the Currents
• Electrifying America

II. PUTTING MONEY TO WORK
• Trading with Strangers
• Banking for the People

III. MERCHANDISING INSPIRATION
• Making Guns and Cars
• Creating Markets for Women
• Exporting Ideas

IV. CONNECTING PEOPLE
• Shrinking the Globe
• Reporting without Deadlines

V. MULTIPLYING BRAINPOWER
• Empowering Business
• Empowering People

VI. DISCOVERING OURSELVES
• Changing Our Lives
• Making Drugs from Genes

» Course Components

1. They Made America by Harold Evans profiles the innovators who shaped the way we live. “History that provokes as well as instructs,” said one review.

2. The PBS television series of the same name, inspired by the Evans book, edited for educational use and enhanced with web resources.

3. An electronic text of important readings and documents, selected under the direction of Executive Editor Harold Evans and Senior Editors Daniel Kevles and Ruth Schwartz Cowan with the assistance of an advisory committee of prominent scholars. The readings illustrate and amplify the themes of Making It New.

4. A project website containing additional materials for course instructors and students.