In regards to The Great Gatsby, what exactly is the definition of "The American Dream"?

The "American Dream" concept springs from the early start
of America, a new world filled with the promise of hope, opportunity, and freedom from
persecution and oppression. It has evolved to mean that, as Americans, we are given a
wealth of opportunity. We are constantly told that, with hard work and perseverance, we
can do or become anything that we want to do or become. The sad reality, however, is
that there are and have always been obstacles in the path to success. Many people, such
as Gatsby, have found ways around those obstacles. He wanted to be powerful, to be
successful, and he did what it took to have what he wanted. However, in the end, what he
wanted is what made him a tragic figure. He achieved wealth and power, but Daisy was
never going to leave Tom for him. She was willing to use him for what he had to offer
her - love and material wealth - but he was still nothing more than a poor soldier in
her eyes. This is the tragic flaw that is most commonly associated with the American
Dream. People believe in it so strongly that they are willing to sacrifice morality in
order to achieve it, only to find that once they have whatever it is they thought that
they wanted, it isn;t all that it seemed it would be.