Introduction
The earliest settlers came to America seeking freedom and a brighter future, hoping this New World could provide it for them. The colonies were formed under the British crown in pursuit of prosperity and influence, but an unknowing king gave the citizens an opportunity to dream. Under the Founding Fathers, this American Dream became an established reality, a part of the freedom won by the Revolutionary War. This new nation expanded into the unknown frontier; the settlers hoped to broaden the foundations of the Dream as well as the scope of the land. Democracy, independence, and abundance stood at the forefront of the hearts of all who sought out the Dream. The lack of accessibility to the American Dream for some, sparked the Civil War; freedom prevailed and the Dream expanded to African Americans, some of whom never thought it possible to possess the rights to life, liberty, and happiness. The Industrial Revolution produced unprecedented wealth and prosperity for a select few but crippling disparity for many, particularly immigrants and children. Leading into the largest economic collapse in American history - the Great Depression - the rags to riches mentality still prevailed in the hearts of many as what it meant to succeed in living out the American Dream. Rising from the ashes, our nation defeated tyranny in the second World War and reinvigorated the Dream for future generations. An economic boom coupled with a sense of unification and liberty provided the foundation for a new chapter in a constantly changing, yet universal Dream. Still, African Americans were for many years troubled by their position in society until the successes of the Civil Rights Movement. During this movement, blacks finally felt as though they could fully achieve the American Dream that so many whites had before them. Modern America again faces the challenges of racism and oppression, forcing people of color to fight for the rights and comfortable living whites had always had. However, our nation has proved resilient in one thing. No matter the obstacle, the foundation of the Dream is still passed on from generation to generation. The American Dream burns as brightly today as it did hundreds of years ago for the first settlers, new immigrants, and the countless Americans who have achieved this Dream in every way imaginable.