What is the American dream? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the American Dream as “an American social ideal that emphasizes egalitarianism and material prosperity.” The American Dream has always encompassed this general idea, but different aspects have evolved during specific periods. The idea of ​​the American Dream was first introduced in the late 1800s with the sudden influx of immigrants. For millions of immigrants, America was intended as a port of escape to escape political, religious, and economic turmoil. For foreigners, the American dream was to live better than before, to be able to achieve greatness through hard work and perseverance. However, the start of the Industrial Revolution proved that the American Dream would be difficult to achieve. Life has become extremely trying, especially with the new difficulties immigrants face in a foreign country. Immigrants faced language barriers and were forced to learn English. Additionally, working conditions were dangerous and were generally associated with low income. Living conditions were no better as immigrant families were generally crowded into cold, dirty and cramped apartments. Corruption was inevitable because people wanted to get to the top. Matthew Warshauer, author of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Changing the Concept of the American Dream,” writes: “The emphasis on luck rather than hard work and perseverance is eroding the work ethic that once made the American dream a respectable goal. » (Warshauer) Warshauer would agree that the notion of diligence and determination to acquire wealth completely changed with the introduction of factories and manufactures. Even though immigrants experienced these struggles, many still believed that through diligence...... middle of paper ...... File, Inc., 2006. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE52&iPin=EABH0037&SingleRecord=True (accessed March 25, 2014). Johnson, Lorie A. “There is no such thing as the American Dream.” Is the American dream a myth? Ed. Kate Burns. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At issue. Rep. from “The “American Dream”: an illusion? www.sunfell.com. 2001. Gale Power Research. Internet. March 21, 2014.Ray H. Abrams, “The Concept of Family Stability,” Annals of the Amer. Acad. of political and social sciences, Vol. 272, pp. 1-8 (November 1950), p. 4.Warshauer, Matthew. “The American dream still exists.” Is the American dream a myth? Ed. Kate Burns. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At issue. Rep. extract from “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Changing Conceptions of the American Dream”. American Studies Today Online. 2003. Gale Power Research. Internet. March 21. 2014.