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The American Creed was imagined and defined by men of the land-owning, educated, upper-class aristocracy of colonial
America in order to attain consensus among the people for a fight for Independence from Britain. July 4th, 1776 "America" won its fight
for an independant nation, free from British taxation, since then theAmerican Creed has been firmly postioned in the minds of citizens
and immigrants upon American soil, and it continues to embody the American Dream.
The creed essentially emphasizes the idea that America was founded upon, and stands for, liberty and equality for every citizen.
The ubiquitous belief that anyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic class can, through determinationand hard work, achieve upward
mobility is problematic when you look at the history of the United States. For example, where does slavery fit in the creed, or the Native Americans'
struggle to maintain their land, culture and freedoms?
In more recent years the creed has a more specific outcome; If one is honest, optimistic and hopeful they
will gain enough finaicial power to own a home and support their children while leaving a better world behind for the next generation.
These two philosophies are bound to each other in American political, social, and economic theory, and are thought to act as a
system of checks and balances in Legislative and Judicial branches of the United States government. Thomas Jefferson's
Declaration of Independence is the touchstone of the American Creed, boasting the ideologies that, "All men are created equal"
and the promise of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
as a way to united and liberate New England from Britain.
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