Perspectives

Historical perspective

In his interview “Adam” Michael Lee Cohen shows Adam’s view on the concept of the American Dream. As a concept, the American Dream has its roots in the United States Declaration of Independence from 1776. The Declaration states that “all men are created equal” and that every man has a right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. 

In America’s earliest years, the dream focused on territorial expansion, with people migrating to the West in search of better lands to settle in. The American Dream gained new meaning when, in the 19th century, many Germans emigrated to the US, seeking to escape economic hardship and political persecution. The discovery of gold in California drew even more people who dreamed of becoming rich. 

The 20th century American Dream was not much different...