The American Dream: Definition and History
The American Dream is a fundamental concept in U.S. culture, representing the belief in unlimited opportunities and the ability to achieve success through hard work. This American Dream Präsentation explores its definition, which varies among Americans but generally encompasses individual freedom, self-fulfillment, social mobility, and equality of opportunity. The dream includes the freedom of religion, speech, finance, and the pursuit of happiness without persecution.
Definition: The American Dream is often summarized as: 'If you work hard, you can achieve anything you want, regardless of where you come from.'
The concept has evolved over time, with people becoming more materialistic, often aspiring for wealth and fame, compared to earlier desires for peaceful family life on owned land.
Highlight: The term "American Dream" was first coined by James Truslow Adams in 1931, describing "the dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement [...] regardless of social class or circumstances of birth."
The Geschichte des American Dream is deeply rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which stated that "all men are created equal" with the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Initially limited to white property owners, the powerful idea of inalienable rights led to the extension of these rights to slaves, women, and non-property owners over time.
