what is the original american dream 
the phrase american dream was often used by progressive era reformers of the 1900s rather than exalting the pursuit of wealth they sought to tame monopoly capitalism and protect workers and communities from robber barons 7 this concept was popularized by writer and historian james truslow adams in his best selling 1931 book epic of america he described it as that 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 1