After 250 years, do US citizens still believe in the American Dream?
About this episode
The episode explores how 250 years of history have shaped modern America and the evolving concept of the American Dream.
How have 250 years of history shaped modern America? As historic July 4th celebrations take place across the country this weekend we ask how does modern America compare to the vision of the Founding Fathers in the 18th Century? What does it means to be an American citizen today and has that changed over time? Where does this all leave the American dream? In this episode, Justin and Anthony talk to the historian Heather Cox Graham who writes a daily Substack on American politics and society and has started a video project - 250 to 250 - to mark the historic landmark. Today, we are bombarded by information at a frenetic pace but can a careful consideration of the past 250 years tell us more about the United States in 2026? HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent GUEST: • Heather Cox Richardson, historian, author, Substack columnist, founder of 250 to 250 project marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast This episode was made by…
People in this episode
Hosts: Justin Webb, Anthony Zurcher
Guest: Heather Cox Richardson
Topics covered
- American Dream
- history
- citizenship
- Founding Fathers
- modern America
- politics
- society
Keywords
- American Dream
- history
- citizenship
- Founding Fathers
- July 4th
- Heather Cox Richardson
- politics
- society
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC News
Books & works: 250 to 250
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