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Declaration of Independence
-unalienable personal rights
-Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness
-foundation of the American Dream -approved by Continental Congress
-announced separation of 13 North American British colonies
-right to be Free and Independent States -new chance to live in freedom
-escape from political problems
-build up a new life
-realize own ideas (not possible in Europe) -banner of the American Dream
-inclusion of women, populists, homosexuals & anyone believing happiness can be pursued & attained -
Period: to
earlier settlement & westward expansion
-settlers fight and work hard for their dream
-dream: a piece of land & settling down roots -
Period: to
Manifest Destiny
-dark side of the American Dream
-believe: God blessed the growth of the American nation
-need of expansion
-cultural & racial superiority
-->bound to enlighten nations that were not fortunate enough to have God's blessing
-imposing their way of life on others -
Great Depression
-economic crisis
-high unemployment rates
-dream: safe & healthy future can be achieved together by society & government -
Period: to
World War II: results & veteran's dream
-everyone deserves certain rights, e.g. freedom of speech, freedom of religion -veteran's dream: to settle down, have a home, a car, a family
-increase in industrial productivity & employment opportunities --> leading to a new level of consumption -
Period: to
1950s
-veterans returning from war got "low-interest mortages" (--> able to build a house)
-->development of prototypical American suburbs
-dream: to own a house -
Period: to
1960s
-dream: family = working husband, stay-at-home wife & 2-3 children -
Period: to
Transformation of the American Dream
-dream: prosperity & anticipated success
-owning cars, TVs
-being able to provide a good college education
-new living concepts: people were influenced by ads & TV -rise of credit cards: made dreams possible
-->accumulation of debts -
After the 80s
-dream: even more luxurious materialisic goods & becoming famous like TV role models -
Period: to
Great Recession
-financial crisis
-weakened American economy
-burst housing bubble
-millions lost their jobs, houses, financial security
-dream: have food, be able to afford the basics -
Period: to
Great Recession - today
-America created ~9 million new jobs
-most of them: low-skilled workplaces
-pay minimum wage (7,25$)
-->people need several part jobs -
American Dream today
-pursuit of material prosperity
(people work more to get bigger cars, fancier homes --> have less time to enjoy those things)
-beyond the grasp of the working poor, who work two jobs to ensure family's survival