The Century, America's Time: Then and Now (1 of 3)

Summary

This script explores the technological and social transformations of the 20th century, highlighting the Eiffel Tower's significance and the internet's emergence as a global village connector. It delves into the Gulf War's impact on American military power and the world's perception of democracy, showcasing the rapid victory against Iraq and the ensuing celebration of American might. The narrative also touches on the fluctuating balance of government influence and the tragic Oklahoma City bombing, reflecting on the century's complex interplay of progress and challenge.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The script starts with a dramatic musical introduction and references to historical events and figures, setting a tone of significance and change.
• 🗼 The Eiffel Tower is highlighted as a symbol of the technological progress of the 20th century, illustrating the theme of advancement and human achievement.
• 🌐 Marshall McLuhan's concept of the 'global village' is mentioned, emphasizing the internet's role in connecting people across the world and making information universally accessible.
• 🚀 The script reflects on the transformative impact of science and technology, comparing the internet's invention to the invention of language in terms of its profound effect on society.
• 🌌 The internet's origin as a military project during the Cold War and its commercialization in 1990 is noted, showing the shift from a tool for conflict to a global communication platform.
• 🔍 The script discusses the internet's ability to transcend national and ideological boundaries, allowing for the formation of global connections and friendships.
• 💡 One of the internet's inventors, Vince Cerf, is quoted, drawing a parallel between the anticipation of technological advancements at the end of the 19th century and the potential for future breakthroughs.
• 🌟 The script suggests that science and technology have significantly altered the American perception of their role in the world, their government, democracy, and popular culture over the century.
• 🛡️ The Gulf War is discussed as a demonstration of American military power and a test for the international community, highlighting the use of advanced technology in warfare.
• 🔥 The environmental impact of war is shown through the description of oil wells set on fire during the Gulf War, illustrating the destructive consequences of conflict.
• 🎉 The Gulf War's conclusion and the celebratory parade in New York City are mentioned, reflecting the American sentiment of victory and the perception of the war as a 'good war'.

Q & A

What significant event is mentioned at the beginning of the script with the phrase 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!'?

The script refers to the famous speech by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1987, calling for the demolition of the Berlin Wall, which symbolized the division between East and West during the Cold War.

Why was the Eiffel Tower a symbol of technological progress in the late 1800s?

The Eiffel Tower was a symbol of technological progress because when it was built in 1889 for the Universal Exposition, it was the tallest structure in the world, showcasing the heights of engineering and construction at that time.

What did Marshall McLuhan suggest about advanced communications in the early 1960s?

Marshall McLuhan suggested that advanced communications would 'shrink the world into a global village,' implying that it would bring people closer together regardless of their physical distance.

How did the internet change the accessibility of information according to the script?

The script states that the internet made any kind of information available to anybody, anywhere, at any time, demonstrating a significant change in the accessibility of information.

What was the purpose of the Gulf War in 1991?

The Gulf War was initiated to liberate Kuwait from the invasion by Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, and to secure oil supplies, as well as to uphold international law and the collective security of nations.

What technological advancements were used during the Gulf War that were considered revolutionary?

The Gulf War utilized 'smart bombs' and other advanced military technologies that were considered revolutionary at the time, showcasing a significant leap in warfare capabilities.

How did the media coverage of the Gulf War affect public perception?

The media coverage of the Gulf War was restricted by the Pentagon, turning reporters into a virtual propaganda machine, which likely influenced public perception by controlling the narrative and information flow.

What was the environmental impact of Saddam Hussein's actions during the retreat from Kuwait?

Saddam Hussein set fire to more than 700 oil wells during the retreat, causing a large dark cloud to cover Kuwait, symbolizing a significant environmental disaster.

What was the significance of the ticker tape parade in New York City on June 10, 1991?

The ticker tape parade was the largest in American history, honoring the American soldiers who participated in the Gulf War and celebrating the victory and the demonstration of American military power.

What is the script's commentary on the role of communication technology in shaping American democracy and popular culture?

The script suggests that advances in communication technology have transformed the way Americans see their role in the world, their government, their ideas of democracy, and their popular culture, indicating a profound impact on society and politics.

What historical event is referred to in the script with the mention of 'Oklahoma City, April the 19th, 1995'?

The script refers to the Oklahoma City bombing, a domestic terrorist truck bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which resulted in the deaths of 168 people and was a significant event in American history.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Impact of Technology on Society

This paragraph discusses the transformative power of technology and its role in shaping the 20th century. It starts with a historical reference to significant political events and then shifts to the technological marvels of the 20th century, symbolized by the Eiffel Tower. The script highlights the evolution of communication, from the early days of the internet to its global impact, emphasizing Marshall McLuhan's concept of the 'global village.' The internet is portrayed as a powerful tool that has revolutionized access to information and connected people across the world, altering the way they interact and perceive their roles in society.

05:05

🌍 The Gulf War and its Aftermath

This paragraph delves into the historical context and consequences of the Gulf War, triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. It details the international response led by the United States, which assembled a coalition to counter the aggression. The narrative covers the military strategy, technological advancements in warfare, and the psychological impact of the conflict. The script also touches on the media's role in shaping public opinion and the eventual liberation of Kuwait. The aftermath of the war, including the environmental disaster caused by oil well fires, is also discussed, highlighting the complex interplay between military actions and global politics.

10:06

🚨 The Oklahoma City Bombing: A Domestic Tragedy

The third paragraph focuses on the tragic event of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. It provides a personal account of the day's events, starting with a typical morning that quickly turned into chaos following the explosion. The script describes the immediate aftermath, including the response of emergency services and the shock felt by the community. The paragraph underscores the profound impact of the bombing on the nation, marking a significant moment in American history where domestic terrorism brought tragedy to the heartland, challenging the sense of security and raising questions about the role of government and the nature of threats faced by society.

Keywords

💡Edison

Edison refers to the famous inventor Thomas Edison, known for his significant contributions to the development of the electrical system and many other inventions. In the script, Edison is mentioned as a symbol of technological progress, which is a central theme of the video discussing the evolution of technology throughout the 20th century.

💡Global Village

The term 'global village' was coined by Marshall McLuhan and refers to the idea that advanced communication technologies have made the world seem smaller by connecting people across vast distances. In the video, this concept is discussed in the context of the internet, which exemplifies the shrinking of the world into a more interconnected and accessible space.

💡Internet

The internet is a global network of interconnected computers that allows for the exchange of information and communication. The script highlights the internet's role in revolutionizing access to information and its impact on a global scale, making it a key component of the video's discussion on technological advancements.

💡Technological Progress

Technological progress refers to the advancement in technology and its applications over time. The script discusses various milestones in technological progress, such as the construction of the Eiffel Tower and the development of the internet, to illustrate the theme of how far humanity has come in the realm of technology.

💡Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a historical monument in Paris, France, and was once the tallest structure in the world when it was built in 1889. In the script, it is used as a symbol of the technological achievements of the 19th century, contrasting with the modern technological marvels discussed later in the video.

💡Gulf War

The Gulf War refers to the conflict in the early 1990s, initiated by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent international military response led by the United States. The script discusses the Gulf War to illustrate the transformation in warfare and the role of technology, such as 'smart bombs,' in modern military conflicts.

💡Smart Bombs

Smart bombs are precision-guided munitions that can accurately hit specific targets with minimal collateral damage. The script mentions smart bombs as an example of technological advancements in warfare during the Gulf War, showing the evolution from the less precise bombing strategies of the past.

💡Oklahoma City Bombing

The Oklahoma City Bombing refers to a domestic terrorist attack that occurred on April 19, 1995, targeting the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The script briefly mentions this event, which can be seen as a tragic consequence of the complex social and political landscape of the time, and a stark reminder of the potential misuse of technology.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people, who can elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. The script touches on the idea of the United States fighting to make the world safe for democracy, reflecting on the country's historical and ongoing role in promoting democratic values globally.

💡Information Age

The Information Age refers to a period characterized by the predominant role of information and technology in the economy and society. The script discusses the advent of the internet and its impact on the accessibility of information, which is a hallmark of the Information Age and a central theme in the video.

💡Popular Culture

Popular culture encompasses the ideas, perspectives, attitudes, and cultural forms that are widely circulated by mass media. The script suggests that advances in communication technology have transformed popular culture, indicating the video's broader exploration of how technology influences societal values and norms.

Highlights

Edison's quote on the self-evident truth that all men are created equal

Gorbachev's call to tear down the Berlin Wall as a symbol of division

The Eiffel Tower as a monument to the technological progress of the 20th century

The internet's evolution from a military tool to a global communication platform

Marshall McLuhan's concept of the 'global village' shaped by advanced communications

The impact of the internet on personal finance and stock portfolio management

The transformative power of the internet compared to the invention of language

Vince Cerf's reflections on the internet's potential to change the way we live

The Gulf War as a demonstration of international community unity against aggression

President Bush's strategy in the Gulf War and the role of technology in warfare

The psychological impact of aerial bombardment on civilian populations

The rapid technological advancements in warfare from WWI to the Gulf War

The media's role in shaping public opinion during the Gulf War

Saddam Hussein's scorched earth policy during the retreat from Kuwait

The swift victory of the Allied forces and its implications for international relations

The celebration of the Gulf War as a 'good war' and its impact on American society

The Oklahoma City bombing as a tragic event that shook the nation

Transcripts

[Music]

I am the Edison

po not what your

country these choose to be

self-evident that all men are

created Mr

gorbachov tear down this wall

[Music]

in 1998 the people of Paris began to

count in public the remaining days of

the 20th century the countdown sign was

mounted on what had become a monument to

the technological progress of the 18 00s

the Eiffel

Tower when it was built as the

centerpiece of the universal exposition

of 1889 Gustaf eiffel's construction was

the tallest in the world a symbol built

with sweat and pig iron of How High man

could reach ignition sequence

[Music]

start left

now when man has gone to the moon and

his machines have reached beyond that to

Mars Science and Technology have given

us new ideas of the possible yeah

everything looks good

here in the early 1960s the Canadian

philosopher Marshall mclan suggested

that Advanced Communications would

shrink the world into a global village

[Music]

nothing has proved mclin's Point quite

like the

[Applause]

internet through the internet any kind

of information is available to anybody

anywhere at any time yeah I check my

mail and I'm also going to check my uh

portfolio um of my uh stocks and you

just log it into the computer and it'll

update every single day on the market

see how your stocks are doing

developed for military purposes during

the Cold War the internet went

commercial in

1990 today information crosses National

and ideological borders in a twinkling

and links people in a worldwide web

sometimes you even can find some friends

through internet I I found some in

Australia the internet is on a scale of

inventions that changed

everything probably somewhere right

after the invention of language it is an

incredibly powerful

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

tool the internet works equally as well

in the middle of the third world as it

does in the middle of Wall

Street you have a device that for the

lowest possible cost can reach anyone on

the surface of the

Earth so every day the edge of the

internet expands outward into new space

new territory Vince surf is one of the

internet's inventors I think back to the

end of the 19th century often now

imagining what must it have been like

for someone sitting in

1898 very close into the future

Kittyhawk coming in 1903 Einstein's

paper in

1905 what is awaiting that person is a

transformation of of the way we live so

here we are sitting on the threshold of

the 21st

century imagine what Kitty hops are just

on the other side of that

threshold I can rightly

wait Science and Technology have taken

us on quite a journey through the

century Young Americans cannot remember

a time when the automobile the the

telephone movies radio and television

seemed

revolutionary and many older Americans

are still mystified by the landscape of

the internet in this concluding episode

we'll see how advances in communication

technology have transformed the way that

Americans see their role in the world

their government their ideas of

democracy and certainly their popular

culture

through the century America experienced

the national Triumph and the personal

tragedies of two world wars Korea and

[Music]

Vietnam near the beginning of the

century American soldiers fought in the

war to end all

wars and yet as The Next Century got

closer they were still fighting

2 weeks before New Year's Eve the United

States had once again bombed the capital

of Iraq it was the second time in a

decade that American bombs and Iraqi

anti-aircraft fire had lit up the night

sky Over

Baghdad the first time in January 1991

marked the beginning of the Gulf War

precipitated by the Iraqi leader Saddam

Hussein in August 1990 he had invaded

the oil Rich Nextdoor Kingdom of Kuwait

once part of Iraq

[Music]

this will not stand this will not stand

this aggression against

Kuwait wait was gone became clear we're

going to have to dispatch American

troops to the gulf and make sure the

invasion didn't go any further President

Bush put together an alliance of more

than 2,000 countries and started to move

half a million men and almost 4 million

tons of equipment Halfway Around the

World to Saudi Arabia

the whole world had come together to say

these countries that continued to uh

ignore the lessons of the past ignore

the promise of democracy they were going

against the prevailing will of the

entire

[Music]

world many Americans believe that this

country was fighting a war to make the

world safe for democracy as it had in

1917 when President Wilson sent troops

to Europe when the United States entered

the first world war the country's

military strength consisted of 50 planes

and enough ammunition for only 9 hours

of bombardment at the other end of the

century when over there me the Persian

Gulf the United States was the greatest

military force on Earth and after the

humiliating defeat in Vietnam 20 years

earlier President Bush was ready to use

America's overwhelming power

for a month so-called smart bombs rained

down on Iraqi

targets the technology would have been

science fiction to people at the turn of

the century but the purpose of bombing

hadn't changed much since the first

world war in the first world war there

was the first exploitation of aerial

bombardment of Civilian

populations it was halfhazard as a

function of the technology of the day

but it worked in terrorize a population

and to try to destroy um commercial and

political centers of

power and so it did in

Baghdad within a few days parts of the

Iraqi Capital lay in

Ruins as it turned out smart bombs

weren't always so smart after

all like their low Tech predecessors

they killed civilians just as

effectively as they shower death on

Iraqi soldiers who shivered in their

bunkers drier but probably no less

fearful than the soldiers in World War I

at all times of the day from morning

till night there's a huge uh sound of

machine guns bombs uh planes in the air

the shelling practically never

stops they they go it may be a yard from

it it may be 100 yards from

they come Splash right at the feet of

they blown to

Pieces by February the 15th 1991 the

Allied Air Raids had destroyed onethird

of Iraqi armor and still Saddam Hussein

refused to leave Kuwait The Prestige of

the United States had been uh put on

this and frankly the the prospect for

the future at the end of the Cold War

had been put on the line the Coalition

geared up for a ground assault to

liberate Kuwait and secure its oil

supplies General Paul wanted to Rally

worldwide public opinion to the Allied

cause I needed something that would

essentially say to the say to the

American people and to the Troops and to

all of our allies and to our enemy all

watching instantaneously in television

real time uh something that would grab

them our strategy to go after this Army

is very very simple first we're going to

cut it off and then we're going to kill

it cut it off the Pentagon restricted

the flow of information turning the 1200

reporters in the Gulf War into a virtual

propaganda machine if George Bush

changed any Minds in Baghdad tonight

they were not if you demonize the enemy

if you say that you're in the presence

of the devil it shouldn't be at all

surprising that millions of people

thought that very substantial Celestial

forces were on the side of the

good Saddam Hussein did what he could to

fulfill the popular role of

devil on February 23rd as the ground

campaign began to actually liberate

Kuwait Saddam Hussein set fire to more

than 700 oil wells as we moved out and

as we got closer to the Border you could

see this large Dark Cloud that uh was

sitting over

Kuwait and uh as we drove Under This

Cloud late in the afternoon it was like

going from day or literally was going

from day into night

[Music]

American soldiers were on their way to

Kuwait at a confrontation with the army

of Iraq they'd been told this was the

fourth largest military power in the

world I had a a shortwave radio that I

could listen to the BBC on and you know

there was all kinds of U reports for

probable casualty figures and that

definitely was on your

mind but there was little Iraqi

resistance they would exchange a few

rounds uh maybe for show or for Pride I

don't know uh and then their hands would

come up the flags would come out and

they would come looking for someone to

surrender to we realize what a what a

disorganized discouraged demoralized

Force we were fighting as a result of 30

odd days of air campaigning and the

Marines were in Kuwait City in short

order this was not just a test of

America this was a test

of the International Community it was

part of our effort to show a united

front to the

[Music]

Iraqis troops from Saudi Arabia were the

first to be greeted by overjoyed

[Music]

kuties and on June June the 10th 1991 in

New York City 4 million cheering people

honored the American soldiers with the

largest ticker tape parade in American

history Americans are are looking to

celebrate the notion of the Persian Gulf

War being a good war and a war that

didn't hurt anyone except the bad guys

the Gulf War was a big

[Applause]

hit since the time that American troops

had returned from World War I and

another generation of American soldiers

came home from the Gulf War and the

United States had grown from a minor

player to the globe's only

superpower we are number one and number

two is number 12 but at the time we saw

that there was a new world of some kind

emerging and a term we used at the time

which is not in favor any longer the New

World Order because the new world

doesn't appear to be that orderly

for freedom-loving Americans a

fundamental question has always been how

much influence should the government

have during the century the answer has

gone from one extreme to the

other this is the Dandy William show

along with Thomas Crystal Waters Brian

O'Brien Rock 100.5 The Cat it is the

Rick and Brad radio program good looking

morning should be probably about 70 for

the high today but a good looking Day

Sunshine Oklahoma City April the 19th

1995 that day started like any other uh

I was out at our training center uh

where we had training as a I'm a hostage

negotiator I was going to stop and visit

with my girlfriend that morning and have

coffee and on the way into work I just

decided to go ahead and head on to the

office Priscilla salers worked for you

US Customs in Oklahoma's federal

building across the street the Oklahoma

Water Resources board was holding its

weekly meeting receive information

regarding everybody let's get out of

here watch the

electricity we just had an explosion

downtown we just had some kind of

explosion