American Exceptionalism

Every nation began its development with a certain expectation, or ideal in mind. The Romans conquered their empire through force and brutality, a method similarly used by the Ottomans, who used conflict as a way to expand their iron fist. Many nations began in a way that appears most unsettling to people today, but it was thought that once conquered, equality in law would follow. This was not always the case, and one of the most prevalent examples of this is the expansion of the British Empire in North America. Although the U.S. was settled not conquered, it was very evident that its mother country Britain had no interest in bringing equality between the two countries. It was easier for Britain to impose harsh taxes, tariffs, and commissions

Thomas Paine, one of the United States’ greatest minds behind the American Revolution, published Common Sense in 1776 with intent on persuading the colonies to pursue a war already bound to happen. His simple gripping prose promoted the premise that the rebellion was not about subjects wronged by their monarch, but a group of independent people being oppressed by a foreign government. Common Sense played a drastic part in the American Revolution, as its use of rhetoric and vigor assisted him in stating that war has already began, that now is the time to fight, and demonizing Great Britain as a brute, one of which has no respect for other people. Paine sets the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by attempting

Thomas Paine most effectively altered Americans’ perception of Britain by writing many essays and pamphlets, such as “The Age of Reason” and “Rights of Man.” However, his most influential piece was “Common Sense.” Published in

After receiving a charter from the British Massachusetts Bay Company to settle across the lands of current-day Massachusetts, and abandoning his manor lordship in English, John Winthrop would declare towards those settles of the Massachusetts Colony that "We shall be as a city upon a hill,". The idea of American exceptionalism is an idea that has been dated back towards the time of settlement, and that could be traced into the current twenty-first century. When we trace this idea from beginning to end, one is able to see that American exceptionalism was a good thing for the world as a whole. By analyzing the spreading of the American political ideas into the European nations, and how American acted as the defense against tyranny, one will be able to understand the reasons why American exceptionalism has created good in the world. Additionally, there will be discussion of the pro-team of the team, the process of their research, the reason why they lost, and what could be improved.

During the revolutionary period, new thoughts and ideas were being presented. These ideas ultimately formulated into an American political ideology. Questions were being asked and it was during this time that a new experiment in government would take place. However, before that could occur, great thinkers had to present their ideas and argue for a change in government. Thomas Paine argued for lofty ideals such as freedom, security, and equality. It was through these arguments that he encapsulated the American ideology during this period. Therefore, for the purpose of this paper, I will argue that Thomas Paine’s Common Sense best represents the formulating ideology found during this period. I will first discuss Paine’s argument for

Thomas Paine published Common Sense in January of 1776, and was a motive that pushed for America to gain freedom from British rule. Paine used Common Sense as way to explain to the Colonist just what Britain was doing to the colonies and what they were stopping them from achieving. Paine used language that colonist used in everyday life so that it was more appealing to them. Being that it was wrote in an easy to understand language and stated what colonist wanted to hear it appealed to everyone such as soldiers, laborers, and all common people of the colonies.

The political pamphlet known as Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in 1776. This pamphlet contributed in promoting the independence of America. In the pamphlet Thomas Paine challenged the American colonists to separate from England and create a democratic and independent society. Along with challenging the American colonists, he hinted at his own opinions about a democratic government that America should plan towards if they seek to separate from England. Thomas Paine also bluntly proposed that the monarchy was useless to the government in Britain. He defined government as the opposite of society and that America, who arguably been said to have flourished, because of connections with Britain, would have “flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European power had anything to do with her”(Thomas Paine). This pamphlet is what motivated many American colonist to become more patriotic which led them to take action on getting independence.

People that choose to fight for their independence often times are influenced by their family, friends, and even a political pamphlet. The start of the American revolution Thomas Paine wrote “Common Sense” that shows his opinions on how to obtain American independence from the British government. What Paine explains throughout his writing and the different subjects he brings to the table is the government and also religion. Eventually, Paine begins to explain what the American colonies current state and what they are going through as a whole.

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues for American independence from Britain. Paine explains why being free from Britain would help America in the long run and how American independence could affect people’s lives for the better. Also, Paine addresses the problems of current government and the relations with other countries in Europe. Paine responses to the arguments that suggest that America needs to stay under Britain by insisting that America has evolved, and does not need Britain's help anymore. Moreover, Paine reinforces his vision of America through his description of Britain, which shows that Britain failed to protect America as a parent country, and they actually seek only their own profit. As a great supporter of the American Revolution,

Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, is a persuasive essay, originally distributed as a small pamphlet, written to the American people calling for independence from Britain. The work was published on January 10, 1776 and was originally distributed in Philadelphia. The pamphlet is divided into four parts that discuss government in general, the issues with monarchy, the state of American affairs, and America’s abilities or what the future potentially holds for America and its citizens. Paine provides many arguments in each major theme that all try to persuade the American public to side with the concept of American independence.

While some find us arrogant, condescending and imperialistic, those who have come to join us in America find that there is some truth in the notion that our country is unique. Nowhere else is the freedom to express and improve yourself so widespread, and no other country welcomes those seeking that freedom so openly. Assimilation to our culture is not forced, but it is the rare individual who does not welcome it once they are here. Many people consider themselves to be the best humans on the planet, or maybe the only ones chosen by their god to succeed, but nobody can claim to be as powerful and prosperous as Americans are. To us the idea of American Exceptionalism is not propaganda or a myth; it is the understanding that the only way to the make the most of oneself is to have the freedom to do so.

The United States is one of the most industrialized nations and is viewed as unparalleled in many ways. What sets America apart is the concept of American Exceptionalism. This unique concept sets the country as a model for other nations to follow. American Exceptionalism explains why this rural area has been referred to as “a city on a hill that cannot be hidden”. This concept has been persistent in America’s history and many believe it is unfading. Despite the strong opinion of the American people that exceptionalism is enduring, some would argue that this concept is one of the past, only regarded in our history books. This paper will analyze the concept of American Exceptionalism, the importance of American exceptionalism, and the key

Coming to America in 1774 right before the American Revolution and starting into radical journalism assuredly set the stage for Paine. However, Paine could not have known the attention Common Sense would garner among Americans. Especially considering the political climate of the time; in 1775 Congress extended the “Olive Branch Petition” to try and reconcile and even late into 1776 George Washington was backtracking while claiming “there was not a moment during the revolution when I would not have given everything I ever possessed for a restoration to the state of things before the contest began.” Despite all of this, Thomas Paine published Common Sense in January of 1776 touting the much different idea of independence, not just independence, but also a complete denouncement of England and their tyrannical ways.

The ideals of American Exceptionalism have been on display and ever-changing since the United States became a country. American Exceptionalism, is a historical attitude differentiating both the American regime and its citizens from the rest of the world. Historically, the difference also implies being better; this can be exemplified by much of what we regard as patriotism. In 1764, amongst a brewing revolution, John Adams formulates a critique of the connection between canon and feudal law, or church and state, which had long been in cahoots to oppress common people (CITE). Thus, America would be a nation to offer freedom of religion which was almost unheard of; therefore

Americans through the years of existence have adapted well to the radical changes throughout the world. Technology, independence and social equality are some of the diverse concepts the United States have adapted to and developed in order to become a more unified country. Our nation believes that it is exceptional when it comes to other countries worldwide. As can be shown through the popular reference to America as the ‘shining city on a hill’. The term “American exceptionalism” is derived from ideals held by many Americans throughout history. Different people have analyzed American exceptionalism through multiple literary devices. Works such as A Model of Christian Charity, What is an American and Acres of Diamonds illustrate the