Conclusion: Sustainability

Throughout history, and particularly since World War II, American business has held a real and symbolic role in the world economy. The conclusion looks at the reasons behind this: an intermittently regulated business environment; a focus on innovation and regeneration and a comparative lack of stigma attached to failure; and the “American Dream” of democratic entrepreneurship, which has attracted new people and perspectives throughout history. While social and economic freedom is inaccessible to many, the idea of it has been a powerful incentive to encourage risk-taking people, from both America and around the world, to pursue opportunities in America—and enough have succeeded there to encourage others.