Englisch-Abitur - USA
Making a Nation & American Dream ...................................................................................... 2
The American Dream — summarized ................................................................................. 2
How & why the American Dream has changed .................................................................... 2
Slavery ............................................................................................................................... 3
Timeline .......................................................................................................................... 3
Jim Crow Era ....................................................................................................................... 4
Historical Background ...................................................................................................... 4
Plessy v. Ferguson ............................................................................................................ 4
The Laws ............................................................................................................................ 4
Resistance and end of the Jim Crow Era ............................................................................. 5
Relevance in today’s society ............................................................................................. 6
The Civil Rights Movement .................................................................................................... 6
Historical Background ...................................................................................................... 6
Causes............................................................................................................................ 7
Key events & movements .................................................................................................. 7
Culture Wars ....................................................................................................................... 7
Definition ........................................................................................................................ 7
Historical Context ............................................................................................................ 7
Modern Impact: ............................................................................................................... 7
Examples ........................................................................................................................ 8
Today’s challenges .............................................................................................................. 8
Trump – key issues ........................................................................................................... 8
Key issues in today’s society ............................................................................................. 9
Other current examples .................................................................................................... 9
1
, Making a Nation & American Dream
The American Dream — summarized
1. Origins and Historical Context
- The term “American Dream” was popularized by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book
The Epic of America.
- Deeply rooted in American history: immigration, the frontier spirit, and the Declaration of
Independence (“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”).
- Frontier Spirit: attitude of optimism, self-reliance, individualism
o Emerged among settlers, pioneers during the 19 th century
- The idea attracted millions of immigrants hoping for freedom, success, and a better life.
2. Core Values of the American Dream
- Hard work and determination lead to success.
- Freedom and individual responsibility are essential – minimal state interference.
- Equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of background or status.
3. Critical Perspectives
- Social inequality and systemic barriers often prevent true equal opportunity.
- Education, race, class, and healthcare access influence one’s chances.
- For some, the dream turns into the “American Nightmare”: debt, exploitation, or
disillusionment.
- Critics argue the dream has become a myth used to justify inequality.
o If you didn’t achieve your goals, you haven’t worked hard enough
4. The American Dream in Culture and Politics
- Literature: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates the illusion and corruption
behind the dream.
- Film: The Pursuit of Happiness, American Beauty, Forrest Gump reflect both hope and
failure.
- Politics: Both parties refer to the dream but interpret it differently:
o Republicans emphasize freedom and entrepreneurship.
o Democrats emphasize fairness and social mobility.
How & why the American Dream has changed
- 7.5 million manufacturing jobs lost since 1980
- Life expectancy down to about 76 years
o Lowest since the 1990’s
- Different generations have different versions of the dream
o Boomers (1940’s-1960’s): grew up after WW2, boom in America’s economy
▪ Dream: better life than their parents
2
Making a Nation & American Dream ...................................................................................... 2
The American Dream — summarized ................................................................................. 2
How & why the American Dream has changed .................................................................... 2
Slavery ............................................................................................................................... 3
Timeline .......................................................................................................................... 3
Jim Crow Era ....................................................................................................................... 4
Historical Background ...................................................................................................... 4
Plessy v. Ferguson ............................................................................................................ 4
The Laws ............................................................................................................................ 4
Resistance and end of the Jim Crow Era ............................................................................. 5
Relevance in today’s society ............................................................................................. 6
The Civil Rights Movement .................................................................................................... 6
Historical Background ...................................................................................................... 6
Causes............................................................................................................................ 7
Key events & movements .................................................................................................. 7
Culture Wars ....................................................................................................................... 7
Definition ........................................................................................................................ 7
Historical Context ............................................................................................................ 7
Modern Impact: ............................................................................................................... 7
Examples ........................................................................................................................ 8
Today’s challenges .............................................................................................................. 8
Trump – key issues ........................................................................................................... 8
Key issues in today’s society ............................................................................................. 9
Other current examples .................................................................................................... 9
1
, Making a Nation & American Dream
The American Dream — summarized
1. Origins and Historical Context
- The term “American Dream” was popularized by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book
The Epic of America.
- Deeply rooted in American history: immigration, the frontier spirit, and the Declaration of
Independence (“Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”).
- Frontier Spirit: attitude of optimism, self-reliance, individualism
o Emerged among settlers, pioneers during the 19 th century
- The idea attracted millions of immigrants hoping for freedom, success, and a better life.
2. Core Values of the American Dream
- Hard work and determination lead to success.
- Freedom and individual responsibility are essential – minimal state interference.
- Equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of background or status.
3. Critical Perspectives
- Social inequality and systemic barriers often prevent true equal opportunity.
- Education, race, class, and healthcare access influence one’s chances.
- For some, the dream turns into the “American Nightmare”: debt, exploitation, or
disillusionment.
- Critics argue the dream has become a myth used to justify inequality.
o If you didn’t achieve your goals, you haven’t worked hard enough
4. The American Dream in Culture and Politics
- Literature: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates the illusion and corruption
behind the dream.
- Film: The Pursuit of Happiness, American Beauty, Forrest Gump reflect both hope and
failure.
- Politics: Both parties refer to the dream but interpret it differently:
o Republicans emphasize freedom and entrepreneurship.
o Democrats emphasize fairness and social mobility.
How & why the American Dream has changed
- 7.5 million manufacturing jobs lost since 1980
- Life expectancy down to about 76 years
o Lowest since the 1990’s
- Different generations have different versions of the dream
o Boomers (1940’s-1960’s): grew up after WW2, boom in America’s economy
▪ Dream: better life than their parents
2
