The American Dream has been a central concept in the national ethos of the United States, encompassing ideas of success, social mobility, and personal freedom. While the concept has been idealized and celebrated throughout American history, it has also been the subject of significant criticism and debate. This essay will explore the historical development and definition of the American Dream, the ideal of success, social mobility, and the pursuit of happiness and freedom in the context of the American Dream. Additionally, it will examine challenges and criticisms of the traditional understanding of the American Dream in contemporary society. The American Dream is commonly defined as the belief that individuals can achieve prosperity and success through hard work, determination, and initiative. This notion has its roots in early American history, when Puritan belief in the virtues of hard work and the Protestant ethic influenced the development of the American dream. As the country expanded and industrialized, the concept of the American Dream evolved to include the idea of ​​the "self-made man," who could go from rags to riches through individual effort and merit. Key figures such as Horatio Alger, whose writings portrayed individuals who achieved success through hard work and determination, and movements such as westward expansion and the Gold Rush further popularized the American Dream. The concept has become deeply ingrained in American culture, shaping national identity and influencing public policy and social norms. Success is a central theme in the American Dream, representing the achievement of financial stability, upward social mobility, and personal fulfillment. The ideal of success varies across different cultural, historical and individual contexts, encompassing notions of prosperity, professional fulfillment and personal fulfillment. The American Dream emphasizes ambition, hard work, and opportunity as essential components to achieving success. Furthermore, social mobility is a key aspect of the American Dream, emphasizing the belief in upward social and economic progress through individual effort and merit. However, factors such as socioeconomic background, education, race, and access to resources can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to achieve social mobility. Studies have shown that the United States has lower social mobility than other developed countries, with children from low-income families having fewer opportunities for upward mobility. The pursuit of happiness and freedom is another fundamental element of the American dream, which reflects the values ​​of individual freedom and self-determination. This aspect of the American dream is closely linked to personal fulfillment, autonomy and the ability to pursue one's goals and aspirations. However, this ideal has been complicated by cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, as different groups within American society may have divergent interpretations of happiness and freedom based on their unique experiences and perspectives. Criticisms and challenges to the American Dream have emerged in response to issues such as economic inequality, discrimination, and systemic barriers. Economic inequality has been a particularly pressing concern, with studies showing a growing income gap and limited economic opportunities for many Americans. Discrimination based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status has also been identified as a significant barrier to achieving the American dream for marginalized communities. In conclusion, the American dream