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Manifest Destiny
Americans find the desire to strike out West and begin anew, to make a living through hard work, self-sufficiency and thrift - the original values of the American Dream. Image taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_Destiny -
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The Industrial Era
Large factories began to spring up around this time, offering new jobs for men to earn a living and new products to spend their money on. -
The Assembly Line
With the invention of the assembly line, standardized parts, and the division of labor, many consumer products previously limited to the wealthy became avaliable for the common man, and the American Dream began its turn towards consumerism. Image taken from http://blogs.voanews.com/tedlandphairsamerica/2011/06/17/ -
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The Roaring Twenties
During the Twenties, new freedoms become an integral part of the Dream, as seen in the newfound behavior of women, speakeasies, and the freedom that cars bring. -
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The Great Depression
The American Dream of the Roaring Twenties takes a serious blow during the Great Depression; the dream seems now distant and unattainable, and merely making it by becomes the best one can hope for. -
The Epic of America
James Truslow popularized the concept of the American Dream is his book, stating that "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" (Truslow). This statement defines America as a meritocracy, one of the beliefs of the American Dream. Image taken from http://myportfolio.usc.edu/apschiff/2009/09/i_have_a_dream_how_young_hollywood_is_distorting_the_traditional_american_dream.html -
The New Deal
Americans receive hope during the Depression from President Roosevelt and his New Deal, which makes possible again creating a living for one and one's family through hard work and dedication. Image taken from http://dailycaller.com/2011/12/05/gingrich-praised-fdr-new-deal-in-95-06-books/ -
Social Security Act
When the Social Security Act was passed, the American Dream began to take a more material form. The aqcuisition of wealth started to become an integral part of the Dream. Image taken from http://www.jeffjacoby.com/3421/how-to-fix-social-security -
World War II Ends
When World War II ended, many countries were recovering from Axis occupation and were looking to rebuild their government. The United States veiwed itself as a role model, and wanted to spread its ideals and democracy. The American Dream was gaining momentum and beginning to become a strong force in American history. Image taken from http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/parton/2/ww2.html -
The New Teenager
The attitudes of the American teenager also began to change around this time. They realized that this was the point in their lives that should be enjoyed, and became pleasure-seekers. They would grow up to become the first consumerist generation. Image taken from http://www.bucketlistidea.net/bucket-list-ideas-for-teenagers.html -
The Dream Suburbanizes
After the war and the return of the soldiers, American citizens found that they had much money to spare from the plethora of jobs created by the war. Americans were now looking to spend this money, and owning a home took on great importance. From owning a home to buying cars, appliances, and a deluge of other consumer goods, the Dream took a turn towards consumerusm. Image taken from http://reflectandwonder.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/the-suburbs-really/ -
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The Dream Becomes Unattainable
As America gains more and more weath, and average citizens aqcuire increasingly large amounts of posessions, Americans began setting higher and higher standards for the Dream. Now, the Dream could be said to be "striking it rich" or "getting it big." Because of this, many Americans who by previous standards would be living the Dream to its fullest are unsatisfied and believe the Dream to be unattainable. -
The Credit Card
The trend towards materialism and consumerism was only hastened by the invention of credit cards and consumer credit. Now buying items became much simpler, and the possession of objects became something that everyone needed. Image taken from http://alliedconsolidationloans.com/
