The Broken Heart of America - St. Louis and the Violent History of the United States

Explore the complex history of St. Louis and its role in shaping American imperialism, racism, and capitalism through this thought-provoking discussion of Walter Johnson's book "The Broken Heart of America: St. Louis and the Violent History of the United States." Delve into the city's pivotal moments, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Ferguson uprising, and examine how St. Louis exemplifies the intertwining of oppressive forces in American history. Discover the city's dual legacy as both a staging ground for Indian removal and imperial expansion, and a hotbed of radical resistance, including the Civil War's first general emancipation and the nation's first general strike. Join Walter Johnson, Winthrop Professor of History at Harvard University, in conversation with Cornel West, Professor of Public Philosophy, and Suzannah Clark, Director of the Mahindra Humanities Center, as they unpack the complex narrative of St. Louis and its significance in understanding the broader trajectory of American history.