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Period: to
Post-War Era
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United States ends World War Two.
After dropping atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the United States effectively ends the second world war. This act unifies the American people and gives them a sense of patriotism that is so commonly associated with the American Dream. -
United States Begins to Fear Communism.
The House Un-American Activities Committee begins questioning suspected supporters of communism in the United States. This being the first hint at the fear of communism and the devotion to capitalism that is very much associated with the American lifestyle and the American Dream. -
Jackie Robinson is the First Black Person to Play Major League Baseball.
After many years of the sport of baseball being discriminated, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to play in the major leagues. This being another step that brings the American ideals toward true equality. -
First Troops are Sent into Vietnam by President Truman.
The United States takes its first action against communism in Vietnam. This war is the most well-known fight against communism and further reinforces the American ideas of capitalism. -
United States National Motto is Changed.
The national motto is changed from "E Pluribus Unum" to "In God We Trust." This being the legendary phrase that is associated with the American Dream and the traditional American Christian values. -
Period: to
Early Contemporary Era
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Martin Luther King Jr. Delivers His Famous "I Have a Dream" Speech.
During the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his most famous equality speech in front of over 200,000 people. This being the first major step in achieving the American ideal of equality for everyone. -
The Civil Rights Act is Passed in the United States.
The Civil Rights Act is passed by Congress which outlaws discrimination which was once legal. Although this could not change the hearts of some Americans, this really gave African Americans a more equal chance to succeed. -
Neil Armstrong is the First Man to Walk on the Moon.
Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. This is one of the biggest acts that has given Americans their sense of pride that is now so commonly associated with the American Dream.
