American Exceptionalism: An Experiment In History

American exceptionalism, even though it sounds complicated, is actually something many people have grown up learning. Exceptionalism is used to describe something as extraordinary, unique, or does not need to conform to the rules. In many ways this does describe how early Americans looked at themselves, as in they didn’t want to follow the rules of other nations or be similar in any way. The people of America broke away in hopes of being different, separate or exceptional. They wanted to be exceptional in a few areas: Ideologically, Politically, and Morally. Many Americans, and as many are taught as young children, believe that American was a good type of exceptionalism, but was that true?

1. — America is now a land of freedom and opportunity for the poor. —Americans are portrayed as ambitious, hardworking people to make a better nation by being loyal and opening to new ideas.

American Exceptionalism is a term used to define the ideal that America is far superior to all other countries. It has been used to justify unfair actions and used to cover up flaws. Children are taught from a young age that America is the model country, and the people living there can do no wrong. In school, each bad thing that America has done in history is skimmed over, yet the accomplishments and victories are taught in great detail. For years, Americans have hid behind the phrase American exceptionalism as a way to not only avoid taking responsibility for their actions but to not push themselves to be better, as they already consider themselves perfect. The concept of this exceptionalism impedes the progress and evolution of mankind as they give up caring and trying to better themselves.

American Exceptionalism explained by David Barton is the longevity of the American U.S. Constitution compared to other nations form of government. America has had an exceptional record of accomplishment of stability because it has not gone through a Revolution over the pass 20-30 years. Alexis DeTocqueville created the term American Exceptionalism. DeTocqueville observation of America lead him to believe that America is an exceptional democratic type of people.

The American colonies had been under the rule of their mother country, Britain, for many years. During this time, they were burdened with excessive taxation, unlawful soldiers, and little to no representation in parliament. The colonist had had enough, so they decided to revolt against the king through a document entitled The Declaration of Independence. In these pages, they stated that all men were created equal and were given inalienable rights at birth. Then the colonists began to address all the wrongdoings of King George III, which they described as establishing “an absolute Tyranny over these States”. In 1776, America was liberated from England’s rule, while all of Europe

“ All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”(Using APA, 1776, paragraph two., The Declaration of Independence) The document goes on to say “ That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its power in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”(Using APA, 1776, paragraph two., The Declaration of Independence) The document is referring to Great Britain becoming destructive to the certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Colonists have the right to try an alter the government or abolish it altogether. “ But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their security.”(Using APA, 1776, paragraph two., The Declaration of Independence) Great Britain had abused their power and made the colonists suffer for quite a long time. Finally the colonists could no longer put up with the pointless abuse, and so

Conclusion: American exceptionalism is a term used throughout history. Although many leaders and groups believe that America does stand out, the idea of American exceptionalism is proved to be false throughout America's racist and violent history and is still causing issues today, for example the Charlottesville protest. That is why it is important for Americans to not only know the term, but to also understand its meaning and its impact on not only the past but also the future of

The book “Founding Brothers” by Joseph Ellis is a nonfictional historical novel focusing on the lives, achievements and the interesting situations of the founding fathers that came up and occurred, while also the description of how America came to be American (revolution of America). Founding members of the revolutionary generation secured their legacies through battle and later through legislation, but many were unaware of what happened behind the scenes of the hardships and dedication it took to do the things that needed to be done. The book reminds me that Americans today take our freedom for granted, but our founding fathers had to fight to separate us from the British and their tyrant's ways. Revolutionaries like Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine suggested that colonial independence from England was not only plausible but was meant to be. No other colony at that time in history had ever successfully won its independence to form a lasting republic. The United States remains the oldest surviving republic in history, but the steps needed to get there were mind boggling, and I

Most U.S citizen views America as a country spiraling out of control. There is a sense of fear and prevailing doom as the country faces serious issues such as a growing debt and uncontrolled spending. In the article, “America remains the world's beacon of success, Tim Roemer begs to differ otherwise. Roemer points out that America has a lot going for it, for example,” The United States has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world. It is a country full of accomplishments, hope and worth fighting for. This is why America is admired by many and attracts immigrants from all around the world.

In the article “The Myth of American Exceptionalism” written by Stephen M. Walt, he writes about how, in its most basic form, America is not as exceptional as its citizens perceive it to be. He breaks down the article into smaller, albeit, rather unpalatable chunks ranging from, how what we may see as “exceptionalism” is not quite unlike what many other countries feel about themselves in their own patriotic views, to the belief that America is somehow a nation ordained and led by God. Being mindful that this is just a minute blurb of the entire meat of this article, I would like to begin by saying, for the most part, I agree.

Throughout American history, idealists and materialists have changed the theme of exceptionalism. In our readings, we see the idea of american exceptionalism come to life from the writings of John Winthrop, Juan Jose Arevalo, and George W. Bush. Exceptionalism is when one depicts something, especially a nation, as unique and different from others. Winthrop expresses exceptionalism to his Puritan followers as the belief that they are special and above all others, while Arevalo, being a part of Latin America, offers an outsider’s perspective on the greed and corruption that comes with the idea of exceptionalism in the United States. Then Bush gives off the idea that America is exceptional and others were out to get

America is blessed and God has destined America to have a positive role in the world. Americans believe in some form of American Exceptionalism. Many are unsure of the phrase but know a wide-ranging assumption of the core feeling of national pride and confidence. For example, any candidate can draw his opponent’s commitment into question and have a great advantage. Many assume that America is blessed and above other countries.

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.

American exceptionalism has been historically referred to as the belief that the United States differs qualitatively from other developed nations because of its national credo, historical evolution, or distinctive political and religious institutions. (New) The eschatological belief

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