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 embraced that general idea, but different aspects of it have evolved during specific periods of time. 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 haven to escape political, religious, and economic problems. For foreigners, the American dream was to live better than before, that through hard work and perseverance one could achieve greatness. However, the onset of the Industrial Revolution demonstrated that the American dream would be difficult to achieve. Life became extremely exhausting, especially due to the new difficulties that immigrants faced in a foreign country. Immigrants faced language barriers and were forced to learn English. Furthermore, working conditions were unsafe and usually accompanied by low income. Living conditions were no better as immigrant families were generally crammed into cold, dirty, cramped apartments. Corruption was inevitable as people wanted to reach the top. Matthew Warshauer, author of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Changing the Concept of the American Dream,” writes: “The emphasis on good luck rather than industry 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 in acquiring wealth changed completely with the introduction of factories and manufacturing. Even though immigrants experienced these hardships, 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. “The American Dream Does Not Exist.” Is the American dream a myth? Ed. Kate Burns. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. In question. Rpt. from "The 'American Dream': An Illusion?" www.sunfell.com. 2001. Storm Power Research. Network. March 21, 2014. Ray H. Abrams, “The Concept of Family Stability,” Annals of Amer. It happens. 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. In question. Rpt. from "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Changing the Concept of the American Dream." American Studies Online Today. 2003. Storm Power Research. Network. March 21. 2014.