Historical Events

In November of the 1620's The Mayflower Compact was signed in New Plymouth. This was an important vent because it was the first laws of agreement established after the pilgrims came to America. It was the first form of self-governing and freedom for America.

The Deceleration  of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776. This another major historical event when it comes to the American Dream because the document it self shows what many people define as the American Dream , which is "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" Also because it showed our nations independence and freedom. 

The Great Depression occurred during 1929- 1939. This was when the economic depression struck, people lost their jobs and ended up homeless.  During this time the American Dream became about earning money and escaping poverty.

 "I have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr was given on August 28, 1963. This speech gave people a different view of what the American Dream should be. It gave colored people hope on being able to be equal, seeking better opportunities and having a better life overall.

How The American Dream has changed over time

The American Dream has existed since 1620's when the pilgrims came to America for a better life and opportunities. The American Dream has not altered to much though. In the 1620's, the pilgrims "American Dream" was initially to come to a place were they had the religion of freedom. Though some people also came because they wanted to get out of poverty and become wealthy and own land. As the time has passed, people's perspective have changed , but not drastically. People's American Dream still consist of these things as well as more. Since the American Dream is viewed differently by many people it is fare to say it consist of different
things like better educations, job opportunists, medical care etc. As time as gone by one that rises above many is becoming wealthy. Now The American Dream is revolved around who has the finer things, like the nicest cars, biggest house, and things involving money.

       

Different perspectives

Most cultures have a different perceptive of The American Dream. This has to do with the places they come from. For example, people who come from a place were they are rich but don't have freedom of religion. Then their idea of what The American Dream changed. Instead of coming to America for wealth they would come like the pilgrims for freedom of religion. Then when you look at a poor family with a sick child that comes from a place without any good medical help it will have another perspective. The poor families "American Dream" would be able to earn some money and get better medical care. The desire of the American Dream is different to everyone who views it. Some people may want to escape poverty, to come to a safer environment, for freedom, better health care, job opportunities, and education. That is why the American Dream its self has many different perspectives.

              

Significant Person

The whole concept of the American Dream as in 1931 when James Truslow Adams invented the term "The American Dream". He gave the idea that with hard work and luck you could achieve all your goals. This was a change for many people because originally if you wore born poor that was your destiny for your whole life. As this concept was put into action, people started seeing that if you worked for it you could change the way your life was, for instance, your social class.

        
                                

 Citations 

http://www.allabouthistory.org/mayflower-compact.htm

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

http://cogweb.ucla.edu/Restoration/USDeclaration.html

http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade30.html

http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm