Historical Background of the American Dream
The roots of the American Dream can be traced back to the early days of American history, with several key events and documents shaping its development.
The Mayflower Compact of 1620 marks an important starting point. The Pilgrim Fathers, often referred to as dreamers, arrived in America aboard the Mayflower with the vision of establishing a country based on personal liberty, self-governance, and individual rights. Their goal was to create an American meritocracy, which eventually became ingrained in the national mindset.
Highlight: The Mayflower Compact is considered the first political agreement on democracy and religious freedom in America.
The Declaration of Independence in 1776, authored by Thomas Jefferson, further solidified the foundations of the American Dream. This document, often regarded as the birth certificate of the USA, asserted that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms, including the pursuit of happiness.
Quote: "All men are created equal, that they're endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." - Declaration of Independence, 1776
The term "American Dream" itself was first coined by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book "The Epic of America." Adams emphasized the dream of a more just world, and since then, the phrase has become widely recognized and used.
Vocabulary: Meritocracy - A social system in which success and status are determined by individual ability and effort rather than by birth or wealth.
