Beverly Gage Interview 29/4/19

Cambridge American History Seminar Podcast

We're back, with four episodes to close out the academic year! Professor Beverly Gage, Professor of History and American Studies and the Director Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy at Yale University, talks to a recently-returned-from-a-research-trip Lewis Defrates about her paper and upcoming biography 'G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the American Century'. Professor Gage talks about the longtime director of the FBI and his role in American politics and life for nearly fifty years, from his opposition to the left in all its iterations to his development of surveillance techniques. She explores Hoover's dual position as both a Conservative champion of a small state and as one of the key state-builders of the twentieth century. We also talk about the historical status of the FBI as 'nonpartisan' and changing public opinions of Hoover, from his skilful use of public relations mid-century to his largely reviled status today. If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, get in touch via @camericanist on Twitter or [e-mail]. Spread the word, and thanks for listening! See you next week!