New York City's East Side in 1928; Al Smith arrives for his fourth inauguration as NY governor in 1927 in Albany, NY

Al Smith's life story mirrors the Horatio Alger narrative. Born in New York City's tough east side, Smith overcame limited formal education and a challenging environment to ascend from street fights and squalor to a position of high respect and dignity in the political arena.

Describe the significance of the Horatio Alger story in relation to Al Smith.

What role did education play in Al Smith's rise to prominence?