The American Dream

The American Dream

1. Definition: “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability and achievement.” (James Truslow Adams 1930s); to realize the full potential of oneself; dream of the west and the frontier; dream of upward social mobility; “from rags to riches”; justice for all; individual freedom; better life; patriotism

2. Manifest Destiny

   • political guideline: expand east to west; settlers had a religious mission to settle the West; movement which created American history and culture; God-given rights to expand ideology and society; infinite freedom; authorization to take everything

3. Promised Land

   • City upon a hill; New Israel; guided by God; Identification with ancient Hebrews; New World; New Canaan

4. Pilgrim Fathers (First Settlers)

   • Did not want to pay taxes to England

5. American Dream today

   • different views; racial equality; success through education and hard work
   • American Nightmare
     • growing gap between rich and poor; wasteful consumer society of lonely individuals; weak government; no equal opportunity; terrorism

6. Puritans

   • Fundamental members of the English Protestant Church who were persecuted and settled to the north of Virginia in 1620

7. Bill of Rights

   • First ten amendments of the U.S. constitution -> Human rights

8. The Declaration of Independence

   • Approved on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress (Founding Fathers); official independence of the 13 states from each other as well as from Britain

9. -inclusion vs exclusion -sense of superiority -exceptionalism -search for your own destiny