Robert Moses: The Power Broker Who Built (and Demolished) New York

Wow, I went straight into watching and opened the comments. Was curious why there were so few comments, so assumed the video was brand new. Color me shocked when I found this was from a channel with such a small viewer base! Top notch content. Legitimately thought you were some bigger video essay channel. If you consistently produce this level of quality, I have no doubt you will be very soon!

This is so insightful, your channel is so underrated!

these are great videos!! Keep em coming. I lived in NYC for 25 years and was always a City history nerd, but always felt like I was the only one :)

I love learning from you

I really like this! Interested to see more video essays from you. I am an audio engineer in NYC (audiobooks and podcast recording/editing mostly) and I noticed some cliping or like hiting the limiter in your audio. If you ever need help on a mix please let me know.

Harrison, this is brilliant. I was riveted. So professionally done. Keep ‘em coming and bravo!

Anybody here in 2024?

My most anticipated book is The Years of Lyndon Johnson 5.

Hi! could you please do a video on Giuliani and/or Bloomberg? would love to know the real story behind how they “cleaned up New York”

Excellent introduction to a monumental book. I also recommend "Gotham" by Mike Wallace and Edwin Burrows and "Greater Gotham" by Mike Wallace. These three books give a great history of New York City through the late 60's. I hope Mike Wallace writes and publishes the third volume of his series, but he is quite elderly now.

Ever the student! What's next on the book list? I'm ready to learn 🤓

This is a great synopsis of Moses and I appreciate your focus on the Middle Eastern neighborhood in lower Manhattan. Is that explained extensively in the powerbroker?

Your talent is amazing

This is some high quality content. Please continue uploading videos, you're a very talented creator!

Well done, Harrison! I had no idea who this man is, but it’s very interesting to learn about the figures behind longstanding infrastructure and policies. Loved the visuals and archival footage. Keep up the great work!

moar robert caro biography reviews

I am progressive and pragmatic

I know you said that Robert Caro is the last of the “great men historian's.” I’m not sure I agree as many other biographers after wrote about well..famous men/women (mostly men). But from what I’m reading about Caro on LBJ, he absolutely gives attention to his aides, many of whom would never be asked to be interviewed or to be told their life stories to a Historian. It makes you realize that as powerful LBJ was, he needed the people around him, and they deserve respect.

No surprise, if you’re not cIueIess about Iife, that such a figure was Machiavellian. I wonder if the parks he buiIt are constructed differently for poor vs nonpoor peopIe…🤔

This is a very poor summary about Moses. You start off OK but then simply just reiterate a millions something we know. Furthermore, Moses' power began to wane in the 1960's and his reputation slid after Caro's biography. But note one of the ways he established power and independence from elected officials and voters was through the establishment of "authorities" which would raise money through bonds to fund transportation and other public works. The governor or other politician could appoint members on the authority but once the bonds were bought and money raised they were outside the control of the voters as these were quasi private entities. Do yourself a favor and put some work into such a video -- or don't as you may realize that to do Robert Moses justice you would require at least 3 30 minute videos.