Herzl's Legacy: Introduction (02:16)

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Dr. Daniel Polisar discusses how Theodor Herzl hastened his own death by taking on Zionist leadership. His reputation had suffered with the Uganda proposal and criticisms of his Utopian novel "Altneuland," but no one was ready to replace him.

Subsequent Zionist Leaders (04:19)

Polisar discusses Herzl's influence on David Ben-Gurion, Ze'ev Jabotinsky, Chaim Weizmann, Nahum Sokolow, and David Lloyd George. Herzl's roles as a thinker, writer, institution builder, and diplomat were unique in nationalist leadership. Hear commonalities among Ben-Gurion and Jabotinsky.

Saying Goodbye (03:14)

Polisar outlines Herzl's leadership accomplishments, including publishing "The Jewish State," organizing the First Zionist Congress, building institutions, and engaging in diplomacy—albeit unsuccessfully.

Herzl's Death (04:36)

After the Sixth Zionist Congress, Herzl's health declined; he died in Vienna in July 1904. Polisar quotes biographer Stefan Zweig in describing his funeral. In this lecture, he will assess Herzl's leadership accomplishments and compare them to other national leaders.

Herzl's Accomplishments as a Zionist Leader (06:45)

A Jewish state was unlikely when Herzl began developing his ideas in 1895. Nine years later, Zionism was a burgeoning movement with institutions, democratic elections, and future leadership. Polisar argues that Israel would never have existed without Herzl.

Herzl in Comparative Perspective (03:26)

Herzl was the dominant intellectual, institution building, and diplomatic figure in nation founding. Polisar discusses how the Founding Fathers split leadership roles among them.

Herzl's Leadership Traits: Obsession (05:49)

Polisar discusses Herzl's focus on Jewish honor and injustice, including resigning from the Albia Dueling Fraternity over an anti-Semitism incident.

Desire for Nationhood (04:18)

Hear Hermann Bahr's description of Herzl's preoccupation with creating a Jewish state. Polisar compares this to Winston Churchill's obsession with the dangers of fascism and preserving English-speaking culture and the free world.

Transparency and Clarity of Ideas (02:27)

Polisar discusses how Herzl laid out a clear goal of establishing a Jewish state in Palestine. He compares this to Churchill's first address as British prime minister.

Work Ethic (01:59)

Polisar describes Herzl's continual efforts to lead the Zionist movement over nine years.

Learning (03:38)

Prior to 1895, Herzl had never written a political manifesto. Polisar discusses his development of public speaking, institution building, and diplomacy skills while leading the Zionist movement.

Israel's Founding Father (02:29)

Polisar explains why Herzl's portrait accompanied Ben-Gurion's reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1948. Herzl's remains were moved to Jerusalem in 1949. Hear Bahr's description of Herzl restoring the Jewish people's knowledge of their home.

Herzl's Legacy in Israel (03:05)

Polisar says the state of Israel owes its existence to Herzl; his work led directly to the Balfour Declaration. He also contributed to a liberal intellectual tradition within Israel.

Credits: Herzl's Legacy (00:08)

Credits: Herzl's Legacy