Title: American Dream - Wikipedia
Headings: American Dream
American Dream
Contents
History
19th century
20th century
Literature
American ideals
Literary commentary
Political leaders
Public opinion
Four dreams of consumerism
Other parts of the world
After World War II
Britain
Russia
China
See also
References
Further reading
External links

Content: American Dream - Wikipedia
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For other uses, see American Dream (disambiguation). The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals ( democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "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. During the infancy of the United States, for many immigrants, the Statue of Liberty was their first view of the country. It signified new opportunities in life and thus the statue is an iconic symbol of the American Dream. The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that " all men are created equal " with the right to " life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ." Also, the U.S. Constitution promotes similar freedom, in the Preamble: to "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity". The American Dream has been questioned by researchers and political spokespeople, arguing that it is a misplaced belief that contradicts reality in the present-day United States. Contents
1
History
1.1
19th century
1.2
20th century
2
Literature
2.1
American ideals
2.2
Literary commentary
3
Political leaders
4
Public opinion
5
Four dreams of consumerism
6
Other parts of the world
6.1
After World War II
6.2
Britain
6.3
Russia
6.4
China
7
See also
8
References
9
Further reading
10
External links
History
The meaning of the "American Dream" has changed over the course of history, and includes both personal components (such as home ownership and upward mobility) and a global vision.