The American Dream is explored through a visual essay depicting iconic images that represent the settlement and expansion of America, from the landing of the Pilgrims to the development of the West and suburbs. Key themes shown include the pursuit of freedom and opportunity through westward expansion, immigration to find a new life, and achieving prosperity through home ownership in the growing post-war suburbs.

1. The American DreamA visual essay

3. Landing at Plymouth This 19th century engraving by Sarony and Major depicts the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620.

4. Edward Hicks, Peaceable Kingdom ca. 1833

5. Bierstadt, AlbertAmong the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

6. In American Progress, painted by John Gast in 1872, an allegorical female figure of America leads pioneers and railroads westward as Native Americans and buffalo flee

7. Western land for sale, Advertisement, late 1800’s

8. Washing and panning gold. Rockerville, Dak. Photograph by Grabill, 1889.

9. New York - Welcome to the land of freedom - An ocean steamer passing the Statue of Liberty: Scene on the steerage deck / from a sketch by a staff artist.

10. Immigrant transformation

13. An Early Family Poses in Front of their 1948 Cape Cod (type of house), Leavittown (early suburb)

14. Norman Rockwell, “Freedom From Want”

15. Theme1. The abstract concept explored in a literary work2. Frequently recurring ideas3. Repetition of a meaningful element in a work