During the "Roaring Twenties," Americans experienced luxury in exorbitant ways. The 1920s were full of alcohol, parties, and material items, which for many was seen as the time where the American Dream was at its peak. At that time, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, many hidden metaphors in The Great Gatsby foreshadow a crash after the Great Depression, a negative connotation. Back then, The American Dream took the form of materialism and financial security. The Dream, an individual's success equated with fortune and fantasy, continues today to have constant aspirations with monetary success. Stability in the 1920s was not important due to extreme obsession with monetary success, not factoring in health, and stability. Although during the 1920s was, "that dream of a land life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement through hard work" (Odyssey Online), doesn't mean that today there is no motivation. Satisfaction and success contrast the meaning in the 1920s.

During the 1930's, the Great Depression occured and The American Dream was at its greatest fame. Many Americans lost their jobs and the economy was at its worst. Everyone was suffering but what kept them going was the thought of The American Dream. Many Americans used their own definition of The Dream as a goal to achieve that and never give up during those horrible times. In the 1930's a families definition of The American Dream was to feed one's family just like today.

Between 1939 and 1945 World War II occurs changing America in different ways. During World War 2 families were separated leaving men overseas and women home working. This was the first step to the American Dream for many woman. Women were being sent to factories to work and not stay home which was the first wave of feminism in the United States. They seeked the opportunity of having a job, getting paid for their own work and not their husbands. For some women, this was the dream they always wanted aside from having a family, a home and a husband it was the opportunity for them.

Today it has changed to embody new opportunities for a changing society. The American Dream has been passed through history and is changing to fit the needs of the people by advancing in finances and happiness as a whole. The Dream, an individual's success equated with fortune and fantasy, continues today to have constant aspirations with monetary success. Today it not only is fame and fortune, but also comfort, stability, and happiness. A percentage has changed to positively impact Americans by focusing on more important aspects of life than having the most materials. After seeing the cause and effect of being blindsided by money, Americans today have focused on achieving happiness through a balance of money and comfort. The American Dream success could mean an abundance of various aspects of life. For some, fancy cars and luxury items are what success is, but having food and being financially stable, is also viewed as a success. By establishing the difference between the old and new meaning of the American Dream and seeking the different outcomes, as a whole it changed to better the society. The experience of Americans today has influenced change. With the focus on health and stability, Americans have changed the way they perceive money from the common; wealth equals happiness instability, and health equals happiness.