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THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

This website is intended for educational purposes. The website contains materials and tasks primarily aimed at 7-9th graders. The Teachers Guide provides information and inspiration for using the content in the classroom.
 
This website is intended for educational purposes. The website contains materials and tasks primarily aimed at 7-9th graders. The Teachers Guide provides information and inspiration for using the content in the classroom. 

Theme


The subject of THE PIRSUIT OF HAPPINESS and this website is Danish migration to America, a particular period in Danish history where more than 350,000 Danes chose to pursue happiness on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. They journeyed out to begin a new life. Some dreamt of a new start, with freedom, fortune, and happiness. Others fled unfortunate circumstances or a criminal past, or hoped for a religious freedom they could not find in Denmark. 

History


In 1849, King Frederik VII abolished absolutism and signed the first Danish Constitution, aimed at addressing inequality and poverty. It was the first step towards the modern Danish democracy we know today, but only 15% of the population benefited directly from the constitution and people in poverty were still not allowed to own land. If you were impoverished and unable to own land, you were also not able to vote. The Constitution was full of noble principles, but in reality many Danes did not benefit from it and they eventually ended up emigrating.

The 70-year period of substantial emigration from Denmark is full of tales and dramatic episodes. It is a drama filled with broken dreams, death, illness, and false hopes, but also a story of happiness, love, and big dreams coming true.

Theme


The subject of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS and this website is Danish migration to America, a particular period in Danish history where more than 350,000 Danes chose to pursue happiness on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. They journeyed out to begin a new life. Some dreamt of a new start, with freedom, fortune, and happiness. Others fled unfortunate circumstances or a criminal past, or hoped for a religious freedom they could not find in Denmark. 

History


In 1849, King Frederik VII abolished absolutism and signed the first Danish Constitution, aimed at addressing inequality and poverty. It was the first step towards the modern Danish democracy we know today, but only 15% of the population benefited directly from the constitution and people in poverty were still not allowed to own land. If you were impoverished and unable to own land, you were also not able to vote. The Constitution was full of noble principles, but in reality many Danes did not benefit from it and they eventually ended up emigrating.

The content


THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS consists of several components, all on the subject of Danish migration to the United States: a television documentary series in three episodes, five short educational films with accompanying assignments, and an interactive game in three parts.

The 70-year period of substantial emigration from Denmark is full of tales and dramatic episodes. It is a drama filled with broken dreams, death, illness, and false hopes, but also a story of happiness, love, and big dreams coming true.

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