The American Dream Dbq Essay

The American dream, a concept deeply woven into the fabric of the nation, has been a beacon of hope for generations. For many, living a luxurious lifestyle and being able to sustain oneself financially is the ideal American experience. However, there are a lot of dark realities about the American Dream that date back to the 1920s and continue to the present. Tracing back to the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the concept of the American dream has since evolved from the eighteenth century to today’s society. The question of its attainability in the modern world remains a subject of great debate. While some argue that the American Dream is alive and well, although changed, others believe it has simply become a fantasy. Despite the difficulty of obtaining the traditional American Dream for everyone, the new versions of the dream are more realistic

These principles set the foundations for a nation where citizen’s dreams and personal freedom are valued. However, a lot has changed since the eighteenth century, and while the principles remain the same, how they are applied varies and may seem unattainable from today's perspective. This raises a common desire for a society where these rights can be enjoyed, implying that the American Dream cannot exist in a political vacuum but is based on the structure of the society in question. A more pessimistic view of the American Dream is conveyed in John Steinbeck's novel, "Of Mice and Men" (Source B). George and Lennie establish the goal of finding a land to settle and become solitary and independent, a dream that stands for hope for stability and protection in life. However, their dream still has not come true, proving the difficulties and the lack of opportunities in the system people