Iconic America

History Series / 1 Season

In this new eight-episode documentary series, David Rubenstein explores America’s 400-year history through a close examination of iconic national symbols such as the Hollywood Sign, Fenway Park, American cowboys and the Statue of Liberty: indelible artifacts, places, and archetypes. Each episode tells the story of an American symbol to reveal its origins, significance and the arc of its resonance.

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Returning July 11 with the First of Four New Episodes

31s / TV-PG

There are hundreds of historical monuments across America. These markers are one way a nation tells it’s story, but how we perceive them changes over time. In each episode of Iconic America, David Rubenstein (co-founder of the Carlyle Group and acclaimed philanthropist) explores a symbol from history — using them as a gateway to understanding to understanding America's past and present.

The Statue of Liberty Preview

31s / TV-PG

It's hard to argue that there's a more iconic symbol of America today than the Statue of Liberty. For people around the world, The Statue of Liberty stands for freedom. This episode explores the evolving meaning of The Statue of Liberty as symbol for a “nation of immigrants,” and how it embodies our values and our conflicts, from abolition and women’s suffrage to the treatment of refugees

"Their Immigration Story Becomes the Story of Their Life"

2m 45s / TV-PG

David Rubenstein visits Ellis Island with Atlantic writer Caitlin Dickerson and discusses the history of the facility, from immigration hub to detention center, and the daunting reality facing many of the immigrants who left everything they had known to seek out a better existence in America.

A Poem for All Americans, About Immigration

55s / TV-PG

Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" was not originally chosen to be engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty, it was actually added to the statue several years after its dedication. Here's the story behind its inclusion.

Philip Morris' Marlboro Man Lassoes a Hit Ad Campaign

1m 3s / TV-PG

Philip Morris understood that The West as a cultural backdrop, held great appeal to Americans. By tapping into the magic of Marlboro Country, the cigarette company created an ultramasculine cowboy icon, The Marlboro Man, whose ads ran successfully for decades.

The Homestead Act Spurs Westward Expansion

3m 35s / TV-PG

The Homestead Act of 1862 provided that any citizen who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of government land as long as they cultivated their plot.

Why Did Cowboy Movies Leave Women Out of the Picture?

1m 55s / TV-PG

In the 1920s, the rise of a new form of militant white racism had a big impact on the motion picture industry. Consequently, Hollywood Westerns downplayed the significant role that women, Black people and other marginalized groups and minorities played in settling The West, in favor of promoting the mythic image of male-dominant, gun-toting cowboys.

Buffalo Bill Helps Spread the Cowboy Mystique

3m 12s / TV-PG

Buffalo Bill and his Rough Riders' dramatic reenactments of conflicts such as The Battle of Summit Springs cast cowboys as heroic fighters, coming in to save the day against "hostile" Native Americans. The international success of these Wild West Shows led to a skewed perspective of the role of real cowboys in the American West.

The Cowboy Preview

31s / TV-14

The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic. The episode examines the myths and realities of this archetype, which remains as potent as ever in the 21st century.

The Gadsden Flag in Combat Abroad

33s / TV-14

"For us it was this symbol, moving out into enemy territory: 'Don't tread on me.' But during that tour, it really took on a different meaning." - Sergeant First Class Joe Morrisey served in Afghanistan as a member of the First Platoon.

Standing Against Tyranny

1m 27s / TV-14

"I think the word patriot has been so perverted, particularly since January 6th. A patriot is somebody that's tearing up the capitol? No. For me, patriotism is somebody that believes in the fundamental basics of democracy and the republic, and will defend it and defend the rights of people they disagree with." - Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger on how he defines true patriotism.

Flags 101 - The Gadsden Flag

2m 57s / TV-14

After The Boston Tea Party, the British decide to blockade Boston Harbor, marking the first signs of real hostilities between the colonies and England. So in 1775, when the Continental Congress decided to form a navy to protect trade, a flag with a coiled snake, prepared to strike, served as the perfect symbol to fly aboard its ships.

Fenway Park Preview

31s / TV-PG

Baseball is a favorite American pastime and obsession, and no ballpark is more iconic than Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. This episode tells the story of a city’s loyalty to its team and love for its ballpark through thick and thin.

Hollywood as the Ultimate LA Symbol

1m 14s / TV-14

In many ways, the Hollywood sign is a perfect emblem Los Angeles -- first as an advertisement for a subdivision, then as an ad for Hollywood writ large. This video explains the role that car culture played in creating this timeless icon.

Could Hollywood Be Successful Again?

1m 10s / TV-14

Throughout the '60s, Hollywood was losing its financial infrastructure and its audience, and undergoing a major identity crisis. But much to everyone's surprise, a once-popular genre started to regain popularity, and helped save the industry.

Power not Afforded Equally

1m 2s / TV-14

When it comes to different types of mass cultural production, the tremendous influence and power of Hollywood is unparalled. But like all power throughout history, it is not afforded equally to most segments of society.

Often Imitated, Never Duplicated

3m 15s / TV-14

From Dollywood to Bollywood in India and Nollywood in Nigeria, the Hollywood sign has inspired numerous imitations and replicas around the world, but stands alone as a unique and internationally recognized symbol of the American entertainment industry.

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