Intellectual History: "The Sum of Our Dreams; A Concise History of America," Louis Mazur, Rutgers University, Part 1

The Sum of Our Dreams (A Concise History of America), Louis Mazur, Rutgers
1607-1900

Part 1: 44 pages, 4782 words, many visuals.

Equal opportunity—“for all our citizens”—lies at the core of the American Dream
--linked to other fundamental principles such as freedom and democracy

--“individualism” coined by Alex DE Tocqueville
--the place of government for each person
--Americans have fought over what they want their government to do, and not do, over how dreams can be best achieved and who should achieve them

“This book is about the sum of our dreams, not their conclusion”

The title comes from a speech Barack Obama delivered in Bettendorf, Iowa.
--“Americans share a faith in simple dreams. A job with wages that can support a family.
Health care that we can count on and afford. A retirement that is dignified and secure. Education and opportunity for our kids. Common hopes. American dreams.”

--“every American has the right to pursue their dreams…America is the sum of our dreams.”