The American DreamLesson starter.1. What do you think is meant by ‘The

American Dream’?2. Who do you think has achieved ‘The

American Dream’?

Today we will…

• Understand what is meant by the American Dream

• Identify those who may or may not have achieved the dream

• The entire USA population, apart from Native Americans, are descended from immigrants

• Before 1776 America was ruled by the British

• After The Declaration of Independence Europeans flooded into America for a new life

• The Statue of Liberty was the first part of America most new immigrants saw

Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these the homeless, tempest tossed to me

I lift my lamp by the golden door.

The American Dream is the idea that anybody living in America can become

successful and happy, regardless of their social class or background.

American Dream

Thinking Task

• Do you think the American Dream is achievable for everyone living in America?

• Write down your ideas.

Who has achieved The American Dream?

• John F Kennedy• His grandparents

were Irish Catholic immigrants

• His family became very rich and he went on to become first Catholic President of the USA

• Barack Hussein Obama

• Father was Kenyan, mother descended from English

• Became first African American president

.• Bill Gates• Born to English

and German parents

• Owner of Microsoft• One of the world’s

wealthiest people

.

• Jennifer Aniston• Born to Greek

and Italian parents

• Successful actress

Have all Americans achieved the American Dream?

• Many live in extreme poverty today

• The majority of these are African American/Hispanic

• Many receive a poor education

• Many cannot afford to go to college/university

• Many cannot afford healthcare

• For many immigrants and their descendants, the American Dream is not within their reach

Discrimination

BBC Clip 2

African Americans

Slavery