StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...

The Origins of American Exceptionalism - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
Professor Date The Origins of American Exceptionalism Exceptionalism refers to the perception that a society, country, institution or a movement is exceptional, and therefore does not need to follow the normal general principles or rules. Exceptional country considers itself distinct from and often superior to others in vital ways…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER95.4% of users find it useful
The Origins of American Exceptionalism
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Origins of American Exceptionalism"

Download file to see previous pages

There are a number of arguments that have been developed that aims at explaining the history of the exceptionalism in America (Holland 53). Hector, a renowned historian, claims that the idea of exceptionalism in America did not occur because of power that America had. According to his view, America started from a very humble background. He claimed the history of America is very ironic as compared to that of the Europe. He claims that America had no great lords who possess everything, no great manufacturers employing thousands, and no great refinements of luxury.

Principally, according to Hector, America did not had the kind of power it possess in the present time. However, because of its spirit of industry and work, America began to expand and grow economically, socially and other aspects of life began improving. According to hector, the phenomenon of exceptionalism came about due to the ability of America to accept the emigrants from other countries. Their elusively commercial habits seem to divert the pursuit of science, proximity to Europe, literature, and arts, which allows them to neglect these pursuit without even relapsing into barbarism.

American education, wants, and everything about him unites in drawing the native of the United States earthward. Farming was the initial economic activity that enabled most of the Americans to develop (Holland 63). Franklin is another great historian who made great effort towards finding out the source or history of exceptionalism. Most of his arguments were because the increase in the population of America is one of the main reasons making an American exceptionalism. He attributed the concept of exceptionalism to the fact that plenty of cheap land encourages people to have children and hence enhances the population of people.

Franklin summarizes his argument by concluding that employment and better crop production techniques were some of the main factors that made America reach the current level (Ignatieff 13). He further states that there were extra foods that could b used to feed Americans and hence resulting in a strong nation that can rely on its own. Idea of diversification is also another element of exceptionalism. Franklin argues that prospect of good subsistence is another factor that played a role in making America an exceptional state as far as power is concerned.

It is clear that most of the arguments made by Franklin are inclined to the means of earning a living. This means that the ability to provide for the children and the family is directly proportional to the power of the America. This is justified by the quote he made that state that America would not improve unless the new comers are more industrious and have mid frugality than the native. This statement means the main source of power in America is the hard work and industrious nature of the American.

Unlike Hector, Franklin believed that increase in population compounded by hard work is the main source of exceptionalism (Holland 53). Drummer, another historian claims that the principle of exceptionalism can be traced back to the time of charter colonies. the reason why drummer fought for the charter colonies to remain is the fact that this colonies were from New England, which despite the fact that it didn’t produce sugar, it helps other islands that do, and without their assistance they could not make it to produce sufficient quantities and cheap enough to answer the markets in Europe. They was

...Download file to see next pages Read More
Tags
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“The Origins of American Exceptionalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/history/1435405-the-origins-of-american-exceptionalism
(The Origins of American Exceptionalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words)
https://studentshare.org/history/1435405-the-origins-of-american-exceptionalism.
“The Origins of American Exceptionalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/history/1435405-the-origins-of-american-exceptionalism.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Origins of American Exceptionalism

American Exceptionalism

Issues such as westward expanionism, racism, reformation, industrial revolution are just few aspects that resulted because of american exceptionalism.... The paper gives detailed information about american exceptionalism and the way it has influenced US domestic policies and US international policies.... american exceptionalism refers to America's identity of being unique in all facets compared to other nations.... american exceptionalism influenced US domestic policies in many ways....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

The American Cultural Myth, America - the Land of Freedom and Equality

nbsp;The question about the reality of american equality is rather controversial.... This work "The american Cultural Myth, America - the Land of Freedom and Equality" focuses on the american myth and reality.... It is clear about the american Dream in the works of different authors.... This controversy comes from the miscomprehension of what is meant by equality and freedom and how it is realized in american society....
6 Pages (1500 words) Coursework

System of American Exceptionalism

The paper 'System of american exceptionalism' presents exceptionalism which has both the good side and the bad side.... Enthusiasts of the myth of american exceptionalism need a radical change on the conception of the nation and the world around if any efforts against racism, human rights violation, and other ills are to bear fruit.... These descriptions constitute the concept of american exceptionalism.... Harold Hongju Koh presents a very strong argument on the four faces of the american exceptionalism faulting the exceptional views of the nation as contributing factors....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study

The Main Causes of the First World War

The war began in August 1914 having been directly triggered by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, an Austrian archduke by Bosnian revolutionary (Foner 26).... Mutual… Over time, countries allover Europe made mutual defense treaties that would pull them on battle.... Thus, when one nation got attacked, allied nations remained bound to support them....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Texas Exceptionalism

The author of the "Texas exceptionalism" paper states that the people of Texas have always viewed themselves as superior to other people.... They believe that they are exceptional people who have amazing powers and were intended to establish an original country.... hellip; The word exceptional is normally defined as unusual or outstanding....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

The book Idea of America by Gordan Wood

In addition, Wood explains the origins of the American Revolution, the main idea behind the revolution, and what Americans sought to achieve through the revolution.... In the conversation, Wood has provided a comprehensive overview of the ideas of exceptionalism as depicted in his book.... In the conversation, Wood has provided a comprehensive overview of the ideas of exceptionalism as depicted in his book.... In addition, Wood explains… Based on the video clip, it is evident that the american Revolution played a pivotal role with regard to the american dream....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

The Essence of American Exceptionalism

The essay "The Essence of american exceptionalism" critically assesses existing arguments supporting the thesis of american exceptionalism and those presented by critics of the notion to determine whether the thesis is valid based on the historical context of the United States.... Proponents of the theory that the United States of America possesses numerous factors that sets the nation apart from the rest in the world base the thesis of american exceptionalism on the belief....
9 Pages (2250 words) Essay

Positive and Negative Aspects of American Exceptionalism

The author agrees that the aspect of american exceptionalism is the most important in the determination of the differences that exist between America and other countries.... The author agrees that the aspect of american exceptionalism is the most important in the determination of the differences that exist between America and other countries.... Therefore, it is necessary for Americans to defend, make an effort, and sacrifice for the growth of american exceptionalism....
7 Pages (1750 words) Literature review
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us