Living the American Dream

Since the first colonists settled in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607, millions upon millions of men, women, and children from all nations have come here to live what many today call “the American Dream.” Their quest to live this dream and to secure the same opportunity for future generations has come at no little cost, even their own blood.



Generally, great sacrifice is only made to obtain or preserve something of great value, and that value is enhanced by continued sacrifices made. So what exactly is the American Dream and why is its value so great?



America’s first generation of modern immigrants came here to escape the confining chains of oppressive European government. There they had been subject to the whims of royalty, religious oppression, and social-class warfare. Their arrival in the “New World” opened up great vistas of opportunity for them. Here they had more freedom to live their lives to the fullest, and yet, they were still subject to the British Crown.



As King George III imposed heavy taxes on the colonists, restricted their individual rights, and interfered with their government, the people grew determined to cut ties with Britain in order to avoid perpetual oppression.



On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men, knowing they could be hanged for treason, signed the Declaration of Independence, pledging to one another their “lives,” “fortunes,” and “sacred honor.” This bold act not only severed “all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain,” but also declared the “self-evident” truths that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”



After fighting a bloody war to secure their independence, America’s founders drafted the United States Constitution in order to secure the “blessings of liberty” for themselves and their posterity. That unprecedented document protects important rights such as freedom of religion, speech, and assembly. It limits the powers of government, acknowledging that people are the source of all political power and, therefore, the people should be masters over government rather than be enslaved to it.



America’s new-found independence and constitutional government made it possible for the American Dream to become reality for them and for future generations. No longer ...