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The Documentary: The Origins of the American Dream: The Origins of the American Dream

Discussion & Talk

US Protesters Outside New York Stock Exchange

31/05/2017 GMT

The Origins of the American Dream

BBC World Service - The Documentary, The Origins of the American Dream, The Origins of the American Dream

Where did the idea in which nothing is impossible as long as you work hard originate?

The American Dream is back, or at least President Donald Trump says so. Once again every American, regardless of background, race, gender or education, can, through sheer hard work, make it to the very top and become rich. Did the idea of the America Dream, in which nothing is impossible as long as you work hard, evolve with the ‘founding fathers’ of the nation? Is it intrinsic to the country’s identity?

Professor Sarah Churchwell, raised in Chicago now living in London, argues that the American Dream is much younger than we realise, and it was born as a response to the 'Roaring Twenties' and the devastating stockmarket crash of 1929, and Depression that followed.

She uses history, literature and music to explore the original meaning of the American Dream, which was an appeal for much more modest dreams of a better life for all, not riches for some.

(Photo: People demonstrate outside the New York Stock Exchange, 2009, against government bailouts. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

The Documentary: The Origins of the American Dream

Using history, literature and music, Professor Sarah Churchwell explores the meaning of The American Dream, and how it began.

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