Inspired by Sarah Churchwell's “Behold, America”

Introduction: A Nation Born of Ideas

The United States of America is often regarded not just as a geographical entity, but as a nation uniquely founded on ideas—freedom, opportunity, democracy, and above all, the promise of a better life. These ideals coalesced into what became known as the American Dream, a term now loaded with expectations, myths, and contradictions. But alongside it—sometimes shadowing it—runs the slogan America First, a phrase which has carried different meanings through the decades, often embodying isolationism, nationalism, and exclusion.

In Behold, America, historian Sarah Churchwell untangles the complex evolution of these two phrases. She reveals how the American Dream and America First, while seemingly opposite, have often been deeply intertwined. Their histories reveal the tensions and transformations within American society from the 19th century through the 21st.

The Origins of the American Dream

Contrary to modern perception, the phrase "American Dream" is relatively recent. It was first coined in 1931 by historian and writer James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America. Adams defined it not in terms of material wealth, but as a vision of a better, richer, and fuller life for every person, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.

But the idea of the American Dream predates the phrase. Its roots can be traced back to the Founding Fathers, who declared in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal" and endowed with the rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." From the earliest days of the Republic, this ethos of self-determination and upward mobility became central to American identity.

However, as Churchwell argues, this dream has always been contested. It excluded millions—enslaved Africans, Native Americans, women, and immigrants—who were not seen as rightful inheritors of the American promise. The American Dream, in practice, has often depended on who was allowed to participate in the nation’s story. shutdown123