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Jul 7, 1492
Immigrants exploring new areas
Immigrants began coming to new areas and places in hopes of starting a new life. -
Revolutionary War
The Revolutionary War was all about getting away from Great Britain and led to America gaining its freedom. The Revolutionary War was the first big step in America becoming its own country and people here in America being able to fulfill their American Dream. -
US Declaration of Independence
The United States Declaration of Independence declared the 13 American colonies to be independent states. It states that everyone is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which perfectly fits the American Dream. -
US Constitution
The US Constitution is the law of the land and set up the rights and laws we have today. -
Gold Rush
The Gold Rush was a time where everyone wanted gold because it symbolized wealth and made people optimistic. -
American Civil War
The Civil War led to many events that later freed slaves and paved the pathway for rights and equality in America. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves and named them to be forever free. This put slaves one step closer to reaching their American Dream. -
African Americans gain the right to vote
The right to vote was a big step for African Americans because it was one step closer to reaching equality and more rights. -
Ellis Island opening
Ellis Island allowed thousands of immigrants to come to America for a better life and for a fresh start. -
Women gain the right to vote
Women gaining the right to vote was a huge step in women reaching their equality and rights as American citizens. -
The Great Depression
The US Stock Market crashed and started a huge depression, including huge numbers of unemployment. -
World War II
World War II employed thousands of people and after it was over, many Americans believed things were looking up and it was a fresh start. -
Holocaust
The Holocaust was a terrible event in which millions of people died and just as many with nothing left. A lot of people came to America to fulfill their dreams because they felt it would be the best thing for their future. -
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson, the first African American major league baseball player, helped open the door for African Americans to reach equality in America, especially in sports. He lived out his dream when he reached the major leagues. -
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an iconic image of the American Dream for African Americans. His speech fueled hope and inspiration into people all over and pushed the movement for equality forward. -
Reaching the moon
When the first people walked on the moon, a wave of hope and inspiration spread across the world, especially America. -
Same-sex marriage legalized in Mass.
Massachusetts became the first US state to legalize gay marriage. This was a huge step for gay rights, and it was the beginning of a process that led to more gay rights across the world. -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina destroyed many cities, towns, homes, and lives. A lot of people believed that because they lost everything they had they would not be able to start over again and that it would be really difficult to achieve their dreams. -
Stock Market Crashes
When the stock market crashed in 2008, people lost their jobs, money, and their hope. Things were not looking good and lots of Americans lost their hope of reaching their American Dream. -
Barack Obama becomes first African American president
Barack Obama pushed equality and the American Dream forward when he was inaugurated as the first African American president.
