Upward mobility has surely been an part of it, and yes there was some hint of "making it big" but it has always been more humble than you suggest. https://en.w

Upward mobility has surely been an part of it, and yes there was some hint of "making it big" but it has always been more humble than you suggest. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream >For many in both the working class and the middle class, upward mobility has served as the heart and soul of the American Dream, the prospect of "betterment" and to "improve one's lot" for oneself and one's children much of what this country is all about. "Work hard, save a little, send the kids to college so they can do better than you did, and retire happily to a warmer climate" has been the script we have all been handed. Essentially, the American Dream is the idea that hard work and dedication will result in a better life for yourself and your children. It has nothing really to do with "making it big."