The American Dream. The American Dream is the idea that in coming to or living in America, one can, with hard-work, become successful, despite starting at rock bottom. It is the idea that in America, freedom, prosperity, and happiness can be found for all. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were two rationalist writers who contributed to the notion of the American Dream. In The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson set the standard for American freedoms. He established that “all men are created equal,” and that in America, no matter who you are or where you come from, you are equal to your fellow man. In America, the government was created to protect one’s rights as a man, among these the rights of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit
