The Colonial American Dream
Introduction
The roots of the American dream can be traced all the way back to the first colonists to settle the New World. The Puritans who fled religious persecution in England became self-made successes throughout New England largely on the strength of their spiritual beliefs that it was preordained. For them, life on earth was a constant battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil, and the only way to battle evil was to be ambitious, work hard, and always strive for success. Their religion taught them that prosperity on earth would eventually lead to spiritual peace and eternal life. They sought wealth and status, but only to reap the rewards of heaven.
Colonial literature is rife with Puritanical and religious themes, but slavery, the American Revolution, and political and cultural change also appear as topics of special interest in the novels, poetry, short stories, essays, and letters from and about this very unique moment in American history—the moment the American dream was born.
Religion
Puritanical colonial literature reveals the Pilgrims' belief that they were God's chosen people—the new Israelites—whom God protected on their way to the promised land. Because they were chosen, they felt a special responsibility to God and God's divine plan, which demanded they live according to God's Word.
This page contains 201 words.
The Colonial American Dream article
Read the rest of this article.
This article contains 2,762 words
(approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page).
Order our American Dream Article
