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The 20th Century and Present Day: Change in Views of American Dream
The century of most violence, excitement, and involvement in the U.S. The American Dream had expanded into a more modern definition. -
Death of Mark Twain
Mark Twain, an author who wrote humorously and exposed the American Dream for what it truly is, died at the age of seventy-four, in his counrty home. (Redding, Connecticut) His various novels have inspired many Americans in the 20th century. -
America Entering World War One
The U.S. had strong relations with Great Britain which was in the middle of global war. Britain's enemies frustrated the American people, since ships carrying Americans were sunk by U-boats. The U.S.A.'s anger eventually led to joining the British side of "The Great War", which had been declared almost three years ago. -
End of World War 1
After the short time that Americans spent at the warfront, a new type of prosperity would emerge in the roaring 20s. -
The Publication of The Great Gatsby
The date F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece was published. The book explores the danger and excitement of the Roaring Twenties. Some of the ideas were based off of Fitzgerald's various depressing experiences. -
Black Tuesday: The Stock Market Crash
At the end of the roaring twenties, the stock market crashed suddenly. Great prosperity was lost, and people became desperate. This event represents the dark times of America, though there was still hope in dreams. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese military strategically planned this devastation on the U. S. Navy because they supported the Allies. Several ships were sunk, and several men died. This event resulted in American involvement for World War Two. -
Victory in Europe Day: World War 2
Victory in Europe was a time of high morale and hope among the American people. The American Dream was probably a collection of thoughts on postwar America. -
Victory in Japan Day
The end of World War II meant several things to the American people. One was a sense of accomplishment as a nation. Another was a declaration of power. Morale was extremely high, and the end of conflict meant optimism for our country. -
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The Cold War
For the U.S., communism was a threat, and the "Red Scare" brought mass paranoia among the people. The end reinstalled a sense of hope for the future of America. -
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
A crowd of civil rights activists, lead by Martin Luther King Jr., peacefully marched in Washington D.C., stopping at the Capitol Building. King presented his "I Have a Dream" speech. This speech represented King's vision of the future and his interpretation of the American Dream. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is signed.
Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which gave African-Americans rights. This was the result of nonviolent protests leaded by civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. -
Signing of the Voting Rights Act
Johnson follows up the Civil Rights Act with the Voting Rights Act. African-Americans were finally able to vote. This was a huge stride in the civil right movement. -
The 1970s
A time when the gap between young and old culture was widened. The youth were in search of reform and their own peaceful America. The adults sticked to the older ways. At this time, views were differing among Americans. -
The 1980s
The 80's were a time for economic prosperity in the U. S. A. People were mostly fervent Conservatives, and most faith for America was put into Ronald Reagan. Optimism rose. -
9/11 Terrorist Attacks
The sudden attack on The World Trade Center shocked Americans and their opinions. This was the day fear and a sense of pride was installed to our people. They would not think the same way again. -
Present Day
The events of the passed have shifted the patterns of optimism and pessimism for America.
