The “American Dream,” a promise of the ability to transform your life from rags to riches if you commit to the United States of America, was the definition of what it meant to be an American. But over time the American dream has changed and its pursuit is perhaps more feasible than ever. This is due to the simple fact that America as a nation has evolved over time and the core values ​​that its people embody are a reflection of the times. So, as Americans, how do we define ourselves and our nation outside of the American Dream? America has been known throughout time as a “big brother” – protector of humanity. Yet many of our citizens did not have equal rights until the 1960s and it took the Fourteenth Amendment to give all citizens equal protection under the law. So should America, a country that has neglected the rights of its people for many years, be remembered as a land of freedom for its works abroad? Or are we doomed to realize that throughout history America has been a nation that has fostered nationwide racism, sexism, and inequality for its people? America has been involved in international politics since its founding, starting with its involvement in the War of 1812 over Britain's control of international waters. During the 1900s America began increasing involvement in European affairs. In 1914, during World War I, America joined the Allied Forces to stop a war that began with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and many tangled alliances. After the war ended, America began lending money to countries that had accumulated debts as a result of fighting alongside the Allies. The bailout helped countries like France after a costly war but, more importantly, also... middle of paper... where African Americans overseas were forced to fight in black regiments like the 394th Regiment of infantry. These all-black regiments were often placed on the front lines before any “white” man sacrificed his life. As a result during this war they often had a higher casualty rate than traditional regiments. Those who survived the war returned home with no change regarding the fight for civil equality. They were still treated as less than equal and denied jobs and even proper recognition. Although many of these men risked their lives during the war, this changed nothing nationally. Yet America chose to embark on a thirty-plus year war with the Soviet Union instead of solving its problems at home. Thereafter the fight for equality intensified and reached its peak in the 1960s. While America fought African Americans in Vietnam