Characteristics of the American Dream

The land of opportunity was available to all.The American Dream

The American DreamEvery man, no matter where he came from, could pursue and attain his goals if he followed a well-defined set of behavioral rules.

Spiritual satisfaction would automatically go hand in hand with material success.The American Dream

The American DreamThe American Dream entailed

Optimism and hope for personal fulfillment

The American DreamThe American Dream entailed

Great potential for each man or woman regardless of status in life and the hope for greatness

The American DreamHope for achievement of the American Dream existed inPotential development of a democratic society, westward migration and great business opportunities America offered its citizens

The American DreamOptimism faded by the 1920s. Americans wereSaddened by the horrors of WWI, distressed by poverty of large segments of the population and disillusioned by the great inequality of wealth

The American DreamFitzgerald suggests that the American dream is a myth and illusion

The American DreamFitzgeralds American dreamSelf-gratifying, gaudy and cheap pursuit of pleasure was selfish

The American DreamFitzgeralds American dreamPleasure seeking lifestyle tarnished the vision of the dream

The American DreamFitzgeralds American dream

Intense search for money and prestige outweighed the importance of spiritual satisfaction and virtue in America.