The Pursuit of Happiness

Year Published: 1956

Description: This film "The Pursuit of Happiness" was shown at the Democratic National Convention on 13 August 1956 in Chicago. Senator John F. Kennedy hosts the program, promoting the Democratic Party and how it supports the American way of life. Kennedy describes the party as the oldest in the world, rooted in Thomas Jefferson’s vision of liberty, the Bill of Rights, and the Louisiana Purchase. He highlights James Monroe’s foreign policy, Andrew Jackson’s defense of the working man and expansion of democracy, and the party’s role in guiding the nation through conflicts like the Civil War. The narrative emphasizes Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership in lifting America out of the Depression, preparing the nation for World War II despite Republican opposition, and planning for peace before his death. It then turns to Harry Truman, who completed the war’s victory, launched the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan, strengthened NATO, led the Berlin Airlift, and committed forces in Korea while also advancing the Fair Deal and preventing post-war depression. By 1953, after two decades of Democratic leadership, the nation was prosperous, strong, and respected worldwide. Kennedy concludes that the Democratic Party remains progressive and forward-looking, dedicated to free enterprise, prosperity for all, freedom, security, social progress, peace, and the pursuit of happiness. 0:00 Senator John F. Kennedy introduces himself and describes the Democratic Party as representing a philosophy, tradition, and a hope for the nation’s future. 1:00 Kennedy explains that the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the world, always dedicated to the pursuit of happiness, which means peace, prosperity, responsibility, and security. 2:11 He honors Thomas Jefferson as the party’s first leader, crediting him with freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights and landmark achievements like the Louisiana Purchase. 4:00 Kennedy highlights James Monroe and the Monroe Doctrine, which defended the Western Hemisphere from foreign aggression. 4:39 He turns to Andrew Jackson, praising his defense of pioneers and working people, and his expansion of freedom and democracy. 5:11 The era of Jackson led into disputes over slavery, the Civil War, and the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, followed by turmoil under weaker Republican leaders. 6:00 Kennedy describes Franklin D. Roosevelt’s reforms, his leadership during the Depression, and his foresight in preparing for World War II despite Republican opposition. 7:55 FDR built military strength, led the U.S. into global war, and planned for peace through alliances, though his health suffered until his death in 1945. 9:03 Harry Truman succeeded him, calling for unity, finishing victory in WWII, and countering communism with the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, NATO, and the Berlin Airlift. 12:37 Truman also committed U.S. forces in Korea, avoided a post-war depression, and extended the New Deal with the Fair Deal, leaving the nation strong and prosperous by 1953. 13:53 Kennedy concludes that Jefferson would still recognize Democratic principles—progressive, vital, and forward-looking—summed up by FDR’s call to “sail ahead.” 14:40 The Democratic Party’s enduring goals are free enterprise, prosperity for all, freedom of thought and conscience, security, social progress, peace, and the pursuit of happiness.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tVJSBZn_Jg

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