America at 250: The American Dream Fades as Younger Generations Fall Behind

As the United States turns 250, experts argue the American Dream is slipping from reach: median wages have stagnated since the 1970s, costs for housing, health care, and education have surged, and younger generations are expected to earn less than their parents on average. Upward mobility has slowed, and satisfaction with personal freedom has declined, suggesting the dream is losing its hold and may need a renewed public commitment to keep it alive for future generations.