Simon Schama's History of Now (2022)

Episode Overview

In the aftermath of World War II, America found itself grappling with starkly contrasting ideas about its future. Should the nation embrace a social democracy that prioritizes the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens, or trust in individual initiative and free markets to ensure prosperity for everyone? Simon Schama explores how filmmaker Charlie Chaplin and author Ayn Rand envisioned two opposing paths for the postwar era. He also highlights how writers like Rachel Carson raised awareness about the environmental harm being caused. Schama engages with Margaret Atwood, who shares how Carson influenced her writing, and photographer Edward Burtynsky, who showcases striking images of the consequences of consumer culture.