1917

Lenin, Wilson, and the Birth of the New World Disorder

By: Arthur Herman

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 16 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the story of two men and the two decisions that transformed world history in a single tumultuous year, 1917: Wilson's entry into World War I and Lenin's Bolshevik Revolution.

In April 1917, Woodrow Wilson, champion of American democracy but also segregation, advocate for free trade and a new world order based on freedom and justice, thrust the United States into World War I in order to make the "world safe for democracy" - only to see his dreams for a liberal international system dissolve into chaos, bloodshed, and betrayal.

That October, Vladimir Lenin, Communist revolutionary and advocate for class war and "dictatorship of the proletariat", would overthrow Russia's earlier democratic revolution that had toppled the all-power czar, all in the name of liberating humanity - and instead would set up the most repressive totalitarian regime in history, the Soviet Union.

In this incisive, fast-paced history, New York Times best-selling author Arthur Herman brilliantly reveals how Lenin and Wilson rewrote the rules of modern geopolitics. Through the end of World War I, countries marched into war only to increase or protect their national interests. After World War I, countries began going to war over ideas. Together, Lenin and Wilson unleashed the disruptive ideologies that would sweep the world, from nationalism and globalism to Communism and terrorism, and that continue to shape our world today.

Our New World Disorder is the legacy left by Wilson and Lenin and their visions of the perfectibility of man. One hundred years later, we still sit on the powder keg they first set the detonator to through war and revolution.

©2017 Arthur Herman (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

To be read by every America

Learned so much by reading this book. wish all could read and learn the lessons from the past as we are making the same mistakes again.

Turning Point of History

Great book describing situation in the world today. Could Wilson have stopped the rise of communist Russia? Great argument for it in the book.#WWI #ColdWar #Wilson #Lenin #Leagueofnations #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

a sobering look at disintegrating idols.

For those whose idea of history starts with their first birthday this is recommended highly.

Reevaluating Wilson via Lenin; A daring contrast

The author has a well reasoned argument. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Idealism without objectivity, openness to the ideas of others, and the ability to share, can lead to disaster.
The author still holds with the notion that if we learn from history, we may not be condemned to repeat old mistakes. It is revealing that one of his final quotes comes from Henry Kissinger, one of the great practitioners of Realpolitik in modern times.
While the author concludes with allusions to Donald Trump, and addresses the issue of Americas leadership role in the world, I was surprised that he did not mention the parallel between Lenin’s demagoguery and Trump’s, and the disaster that is almost inevitable when people are divided by their leaders in this way.
This book raises many questions and was very thoughtful about the way leaders respond to events and how they take advantage of, or lose opportunities.
Ultimately, as members of a democracy, I feel that we the people should not allow our leaders to lead us in ways with which we do not agree. Wilson did have a idealistic, but democratic notion, in having a “spot election” of Senators, based upon their vote on his league of Nations concept. I think, had it been possible, Wilson would have been surprised and disappointed with the result of such "spot elections".
However, unless we change our constitution, and take advantage of technology, to make law and direct policy by referendum, in a quick and secure fashion, instead of by representative government, we will NOT be running this nation by referendum, so we must put pressure on our leaders to TRULY represent us, to do OUR will, not their will.

Nothing short of magnificent

A tutorial of what not to do. Should be a must listen for all who love freedom!

Stories Behind Mistakes Of Legends Of This Time

Excellent reading. I've always wondered why WWI Treaty of Paris and the stumbling of the changes in Russia led to the certainty of WWII. Read this and you will understand.

Another book you wish was part of every university world history curriculum

WW1 is a war that often gets passed over in discussions as it is considered complicated and tedious. However, when it is presented with excellent eloquence as the defining moment of the 20th century, one finds it easier to proceed. Such is the case with this book.

If nothing else, the contrary biographical sections on Wilson and Lenin, two Utopians whose actions and/or inactions were simply the detonators to WW2 and the Cold War, are worth everyone’s attention.

As in the case of any great history book, a story is presented but not without some balance, and while those suspicious of socialism and communism will find this a good reminder of why, even those leaning Left would do themselves a world of good learning about these events that get “skimmed” over or polished about in a typical history class.

I sure hope many would learn from this book

Basically the lesson in this book is both Lenin and Wilson demonized their opponents, instead debating on the merits of their arguments. This led to millions of people dead around the world. I hope that the young adults today don't get caught in this old trap, some already did. Tell youth to read this book.

Well written and read

Good history that explains the world in 1917 and the characters who set the stage for the balance of the century.

Timely and fascinating book.

A fascinating look into a year that changed the course of history, and the two men whose decisions shaped it.