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GCSE History · key term
A belief that anyone can achieve success and a better life through hard work and opportunity. In post-war America, it was often associated with a secure job, home ownership and material comfort.
Used by AQA and OCR
Paper 1
Revise: Post-war Society and EconomyThe American Dream was the belief that opportunity and hard work could bring success and a better life. In the post-war years, it often meant a steady job, a detached suburban home, modern possessions and security for a family. Parents hoped that their children would receive a good education and enjoy even greater opportunities.
Paper 3
The belief that life in the United States offered opportunities to achieve prosperity and a better future.
Revise: Big business and citiesThe idea of the American Dream encouraged people to believe that moving to the United States could bring prosperity and opportunities unavailable at home. This was an aspiration, not a guarantee of success.
Distinguish the American Dream from reality. Use housing discrimination or regional poverty to explain why prosperity was unequal.
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