Battle of Wits

In Part 1 of this four-part lecture series, the class will explore the efforts—both successful and unsuccessful—of the two warring governments to establish effective intelligence organizations in the early days of the Civil War. The Confederacy’s “Secret Service Bureau” and the U.S. “Bureau of Military Information” used age-old intelligence tradecraft techniques, such as code-breaking, deception and covert surveillance. Other topics will include mapmaking and the contributions of escaped slaves, or “contrabands.” This lecture series focuses less on the battlefield and more on the battle of wits.

This program is four sessions: Thursdays, 11:50 a.m.-1:15 p.m. from April 26 - May 18

Cosponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason). 

About OLLI Mason

In celebration of George Mason University’s 50th anniversary, OLLI Mason is pleased to collaborate with George Mason University’s Program in Russian and Eurasian Studies to provide the interactive course Russia’s War on Ukraine in Historical Perspective.

OLLI Mason provides intellectual and cultural experiences to curious individuals. Learn more at OLLI.gmu.edu.

Invite

This program is appropriate for ages 18+. Register by clicking on the "Begin Registration" button. A Zoom link will be emailed two days before start of each program. 

You will have to register for each program. Click on "Show More Dates" (below) and click on a date to register.