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Puritans Fled England
The Puritans fled pursecution in England during the 1600's in hopes to aquire religous freedom in America. The new land was a place where people had a choice of how they wanted to live, out from under the rule of a king. -
Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack"
Franklin wrote it as a guide to make American's aware that hard work and dedication leads to success. One of his famous quote is "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." -
Thomas Paine, Common Sense
It was published to challenge the authority of the British Monarchy. It was the first work to ask openly for independence from Great Britain. The people had a strong longing to be their own nation. -
Declaration of Independence
This document announced that the 13 American Colonies would be independent from Great Britain. Also, it granted citizens "certain unalienable rights," such as, "life, liberity, and the pursuit of happiness." -
Manifest Destiny
Westward expansion to pursue a better life. Many people longed for inexpensive land, open spaces, and gold. They were ready and willing to go through hardships in order to fulfill their dream of a more successful life. -
"I Hear America Singing"
Walt Whitman wrote this poem to celebrate the freedom of the individual in the United States. He was excited to see people's liberty to choose how they wanted to live and as a result how happy they were. -
Civil War
Union vs. Confederation. Both fighting for certain way of life. Industry began to rapidly increase during and after this war. -
World War 1
It led to an economical and industrial advancement that helped change urban life. The efforts changed the way machinery and vehicles were designed, allowed women to work outside the home, and brought more of a material dream to America because of the mass-production of everything. -
Roaring 20's
This was a time described as extremely social, artistic, and cultural. Much of this time period had to do with the rebellion against the traditional society. For example, how Flappers paved the way for women's rights advocates. -
Great Depression
The stock market crashed, sending the U.S. into an economical decline. It would take hard-work and unity to bring the country out of turmoil and back to it's normal realm of prosperity and wealth. -
"The Epic of America"
James Truslow Adams published this in 1931. It was the first mention of the term "American Dream." The birth of this term was used to describe the vast diversity of expectations held for a life in the United States. For example, the status of someone socially, politically, and seemingly most important, economically. -
World War 2
Entering this war allowed more major industrializtion and change for the country. Some examples were new technological advancement for weapons and many job opportunities which led to civil rights movements for African Americans and women. Many believe that this war would ultimately bring change to America's focus and motivation forever. -
Suburbia
After WW2 the American Dream began to shift to an idea that everyone should own their own home in the suburbs, with a car in the garage, a tv in the house, and maybe even a vacuum in their possession. -
Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream"
On this day, he stood at the Lincoln Memorial, and told many supporters about his dream for racial equality. His fight for civil rights left a legacy that is still present today. -
The Beginning of Consumer Credit
The 60's were a time where the country would experience it's greatest change; the economic shift to personal finance. Credit cards, mutual funds, and discount brokerage houses were examples of it. The country's willingness to take on debt still impacts society today. -
The Rise of "Frivolous Lawsuits"
In the 1980's State Legislatures began to respond to the "frivolous lawsuits," or people trying to receive a large sum of money because an "unfortunate and unlikely accident" caused by a certain product. People will go to great length in order to receive some amount of compensation with out earning it. -
The Lottery
During this month, the Power Ball game reached $350 million. For most Americans, winning this game is what ultimately grants you a chance at a true American Dream. Through this we witness how much of our country's core values have changed. -
President Obama Inaugurated
Though the evolution of the United States has frightened many people because of the rapid movement away from core foundations and values, not all of it was bad. A positive change had to do with the election of the first African American President, Barack Obama.
