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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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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.
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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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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 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.
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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
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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/
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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
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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
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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
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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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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.
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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/
