The United States of America is more than just a country; it is an idea. Built on a foundation of revolution and immigration, it has long been defined by a set of core values—liber
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-16
Introduction
The United States of America is more than just a country; it is an idea. Built on a foundation of revolution and immigration, it has long been defined by a set of core values—liberty, individualism, and equality—and a powerful national myth: the American Dream. This is the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success through hard work and determination. This article will explore these foundational values, the enduring power of the American Dream, and the ways in which modern realities challenge this optimistic vision.
Learning objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:
- Define the American Dream and trace its origins.
- Identify and describe core values that have shaped American society.
- Explain the difference between the "melting pot" and "salad bowl" metaphors for immigration.
- Analyse the main challenges to the American Dream today, such as economic inequality.
- Discuss the impact of political polarisation on American society.
The American Dream: The Promise of Opportunity
The phrase "the American Dream" was popularised by historian James Truslow Adams in 1931, but the idea is much older. It is deeply rooted in the Declaration of Independence (1776), which declares that all men are created equal and have the right to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." At its core, the American Dream is a belief in upward social mobility. It is the promise that your circumstances of birth do not determine your outcome in life. If you have talent and are willing to work hard, you can achieve prosperity, success, and a better life for your children. …