The American Dream The American Dream Definition The

The American Dream

“The American Dream” Definition: The American Dream is a national ethos (philosophy) of the United States, the set of ideals (Democracy, Rights, Liberty, Opportunity, and Equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.

“The American Dream” Historical trends: • 17 th Century: When the puritans came to America, their Dream was religious Freedom. • American Revolution (1776): Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers defined Dream as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” with an emphasis on independence. • Mid-to late 1800 s: “the American Dream” as a phrase began to appear in American news/literature. Ambitious Americans who moved west and the Europeans who moved to the US to look for better living conditions. Started to be used to describe the promotion of people among social classes and the idea of becoming wealthy.

“The American Dream” More Historical trends: • Early 20 th Century (including the Roaring 20 s): thriving economy strengthened the idea of the American Dream. Foreigners started to view the US as a “land of unparalleled opportunity. ” Hard work equals success financially and socially. • Early 30 s/the “Great Depression: ” Homelessness soared; American dream was not regained until Franklin D. Roosevelt passed the New Deal. • After WWII: American Dream fully recovered. • 1960 s: Roughly 60% of Americans owned homes (double the % in the 1930 s). American Dream was employment, happy family, a house ((white picket fences”). Example: Donna Reed https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=INic 3 Gwgot 8

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“The American Dream” More historical trends: • 1970 s: Massive debt caused by Vietnam War • 1980 s: President Raegan brought the American Dream back by lowering taxes. • 1990 s: American Dream was defined by luxury housing as a way to avoid inflation. Example: Beverly Hills, 90210 (the Original) https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=2 pm 5 W 1 BZOdg • 2008/9: Great Recession when housing bubble burst. Example: The Queen of Versailles https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=LQW 9 Ks 0 GZUQ

What does the “American Dream” mean to you?