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Period: Jan 1, 1564 to
History of the Individual
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Mayflower Arrives
The Pilgrims wanted religious freedoms from the British so they came to America on the May Flower in search of their American Dream of religious freedom. They created their own colony and lived free of persecution. -
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Salem Witch Trials
At this time, Puritans dreamed of religous freedoms, but were faced with false accusations. Over 200 people were accused and 20 were executed. People were accusing each other of being witches and you could not trust anyone. It was every man or women for themselves and when the Salem Witch Trials ended there was a whole new outlook on the individuals part in society. -
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Revolutionary War
During this time America fought against Britain because they were sick of being under Britain's control. The people were sick of paying taxes and sick of all the Acts Britain was placing on America. America revolted and by the end of the war people could live without fear and pursue their American Dream. -
Declaration of Independence
On this Day the Declaration of Independence was signed, declaring the United States free from Britain's control. Since then, millions of people have came to America in search of the American Dream. Also, without this day the rights of the individual would be nothing like what they are today. Without this day, America would not be the land of the free and home of the brave. -
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constitution bestowed Americans rights and freedoms they could only dream of before. It made the people feel more secure in their homes and house of worship. People no longer longed for religious freedoms because they were now granted them. They now dreamed of being as succesful as possible and making something of themselve in the new country. -
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Underground Railroad
At this time in American History slavery was prominet in the Southern states. African Americans were only looked at as property, not a peson. One way blacks escaped slavery was traveling on the Underground Railroad. African Americans dreamed of freedom and equality. To being their dream, they had to escape to the North. In 40 years, 100,000 slaves escaped from bondage in the South. -
Self-Reliance was Published
In 1841, Ralph Waldo Emerson published his piece Self-Reliance. Throughout the piece he stated the individual needs to avoid conformity and follow his or her own ideas. Self-Reliance and many other transcendental pieces helped change the thoughts of the individual in society. The individual started worrying about themself more and less about society. With this, came a change in the American Dream, which was now more towards benefitting the individual instead of society. -
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Civil War
The American Civil War was a conflict between the North and the South. The North was fighting to free the slaves and the South wanted to continue their way of live. At the end of the war, slavery was abolished freeing all African Americans and making their wildest dreams come true. Blacks were still not equal, and that was the next step in America. -
The 15th Amendment Was Ratified
On this day, all African Americans ganed the right to vote. They could now take part in elections and decide the future leaders of the country. After receiving this, African Americans dreamed even more of being thought of as equals. -
NAACP was Founded
The NAACP was founded to advance the civil rights for African Americans. Its mission was, "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination". African Americans dreamed that the NAACP's mission would be achieved. -
Harlem Renaissance Began
The Harlem Renaissance was a huge movement for blacks. They came to New York to be with their fellow race. Blacks expressed themselves through music and art. By coming together, African Americans felt important and wanted, like never before. -
The 19th Amendment Was Ratified
On this day, women earned the right to vote. Women have always dreamed of being equal to a man and the 19th Amendment was a great start to their dream. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
On this day, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a ruling over the segregation of schools. They decided that the segregation of schools was a violation of the 14th amendment, which granted citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States". Therefore, the segregation of schools was announced unconstitutional and taken out of practice. Blacks and whites could be in the same classroom now striving for the same American Dream. -
Gay Marriage
On this day, there are 19 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized same-sex marriage. Gays and Lesbians have always dreamed of being equal and it is unknown if they will ever be viewed as the same as a straight person. Now that 19 states have legalized marriage, hope has filled the hearts of Gays and Lesbians. Their dreams are unfolding and may soon become reality. -
Today
The American Dream dream today is to make as much money as possible and to become rich and or famous. The dream might be hard for some to achieve, but some people will do anything to get what they want, even if it means being an individual and only worrying about themselves.
