Hearst & Hearstism Progressive Movement

Course Description

Hearst and Hearstism in the Progressive Movement As an expanding nation embarked on a new century and a new era, William Randolph Hearst and Theodore Roosevelt were the most spectacular opposing figures in American political thinking. In this course, we will place Hearst in the context of progressive politics of the years 1895-1920, which shaped 20th Century norms. A newspaper tycoon, muckraker, U.S. congressman, and a candidate for President, Hearst's movement was unique in its abandonment of traditional political action, and a nearly fanatical trust in which worker and immigrant forces with social and political wills looked up to a singular individual. We will watch the renowned movie "Citizen Kane" and compare the historical versus the popular images of Hearst. Instructor: Roy Littlefield Roy Littlefield received his PhD in history, politics and law from The Catholic University of America and has been an adjunct professor for 46 years. His dissertation was entitled, "William Randolph Hearst and his Role in American Progressivism."