The Roots Of American Exceptionalism - 1055 Words

It is important to examine the roots of American exceptionalism. French philosopher and social scientist, Alexis de Tocqueville was recognized to be the first writer to promote the theory of exceptionalism via his document Democracy in America. However, his use of exceptionalism does not match the true concept. Tocqueville reveals that â€Å"Americans have no aptitude or taste for science, literature, or art, but argues that this is due to the particular American experience, and is no natural concomitant to democracy† (Gordon). Communist leader Jay Lovestone stated that everyone was in the revolution of communism with the exception of the United States. In response, soviet leader Joseph Stalin expresses that he wants to end this â€Å"heresy of American exceptionalism.† Since then, Stalin has been recognized for coining the phrase. Stalin and Tocqueville’s definition of American exceptionalism was not meant as a compliment as Americans make it out to be. It is ironic to know that a communist branded American exceptionalism and the United States turned it into a form of endearment. President Barack Obama once said â€Å"I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism (Ceaser). His remark reflects how all nations have pride and believe that they have a quality that makes them unique. There are numerous qualities that make America exceptional. One of them being that theShow MoreRelatedThe Evolution of American Exceptionalism Essay726 Words   |  3 Pagesof American exceptionalism has evolved, but the era of American exceptionalism as a providential mission is drawing to a close. The meaning of American exceptionalism has evolved from the two definitions of â€Å"unique† and â€Å"special† to include an appointed mission and has been used to justify action and consolidate people around ideas. The U.S. went from identifying itself as an exemplar nation for the world to emulate, to creating an interventionist mission of exceptionalism. Today â€Å"American exceptionalism†Read MoreDid American Exceptionalism Cause Irreparable Damage or Spell Success1699 Words   |  7 Pagesmany facets that every piece of history possesses. In the evaluation of American exceptionalism it is essential to consider what exceptionalism is and how it has been integral in production of the modern day United States of America. As a result of exceptionalism and indeed expansionism in America it is also of supreme importance to look into the effects of such a radical policy, in particular the plight of the native Americans, how their lives were changed and in many cases destroyed because of Anglo-SaxonRead MoreGovernment s Military Interventions Toward Native Peoples Overlooked Violence Essay1306 Words   |  6 Pagesexpansion in the 19th century is one of triumph because it doubled the nation’s territory and increased trade. However, the Old West during the 19th century was characterized by America’s brutal obsession with expansion and the concept of American exceptionalism. In Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, Judge Holden celebrates the human nature of violence and its necessity to find order in chaos. Blinded by the greed for control, he refuses to acknowledge the norms of civilized behavior. Similarly, underRead MoreReview : New Western History1720 Words   |  7 PagesTom Nowakowski 10/16/14 HI 324 Dr. Schandler Midterm Essay #1 â€Å"New Western History† entails a fundamentally different approach to looking at the history of the American West. Whereas the old narrative deemphasized the contributions of others, the new interpretative paradigm is now more inclusive of the roles of women, minority groups, the Federal Government, corporate capitalism, urbanization, and Spain too. In addition, a new environmental narrative has emerged as well. Prior to the implementationRead MoreThe French Enlightenment Vs British Enlightenment Essay1813 Words   |  8 Pagescomes to American exceptionalism. The belief that America has been, and still is, the greatest and most important ally to have in the world, and has been for centuries. Based on the resources, allies, its place in the world, and its government, The United States has been noted as one of the most, if not the most, exceptional countries in the world. Along with the individuals who are likely to agree with this idea, there are some that oppose it. Beyond the fight between whether American ExceptionalismRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Last Of The Mohicans Essay1813 Words   |  8 PagesAmerican exceptionalism refers to the United States as unique or a different form of democracy from other governments; described as a free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberties. This term stems from its political, intellectual, and religious, and from its’ en during exceptional differences. The aftermath of the â€Å"revolution†, freeing the American colonies from British control are key aspects of the belief from where American exceptionalism came about. In addition, Thomas Paine makesRead MoreTocqueville : American Exceptionalism?1581 Words   |  7 PagesTocqueville: American Exceptionalism Alexis de Tocqueville was born on July 29, 1805, in Paris, France. He was a historian, political scientist, and a politician, but he is best known as the author of Democracy in America. He began his political career as an apprentice magistrate, a role he was easily able to enter into due to his father’s role in French government. In the role of apprentice magistrate, Tocqueville witnessed the constitutional upheaval between the conservatives and liberals inRead MorePresident Obam A New Era Of Responsibility Essay1277 Words   |  6 Pagesyear was ushered in, so was the chance at a new start. In January 2009, the first African American president, Barack Obama took his oath and delivered his inaugural address, â€Å"A New Era of Responsibility.† In this speech, President Obama, in an attempt to unify the nation under a common idea, echoed countless former presidents in his description of the ideal American. He reminds the audience of their common roots and history by no ting the great accomplishments of our founding fathers and the undeniableRead MoreBiography Of Catherine Ceniza Choy s Empire Of Care1702 Words   |  7 PagesCatherine Ceniza Choy, author of the book Empire of Care, is currently an Asian American Studies professor and department chair of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. With a Ph.D in history from the University of California, Los Angeles, her research interest is on the impact of United States‟ global presence, particularly in Asian countries. In Empire of Care: Nursing and Migration in Filipino American History (2003), Choy question the reasons underlying the massive exports ofRead MoreThe Limits Of Power : Bacevich Essay1377 Words   |  6 Pagesdissatisfaction. He composed a few books such as American Empire: The Realities and Consequences of U.S. Strategy and Washington Rules. Summary Andrew J. Bacevich, exceptionally regarded over the political range, offers an authentic point of view about the dreams represented American approach as from 1945. The authenticity he suggests incorporates respect for supremacy and the limits; affect the ability for unintended outcomes; antipathy for cases of exceptionalism; wariness of simple arrangements, particularly