American Exceptionalism

Definition

American exceptionalism is the belief that the United States is inherently different from other nations, often emphasizing its unique political, social, and economic systems as a model for others. This concept has been closely tied to ideas of manifest destiny and territorial expansion, as well as the belief in the nation's role as a global leader after conflicts like the Spanish-American War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of American exceptionalism emerged in the early 19th century, driven by the nation's rapid territorial expansion and the belief in a unique American identity.
2. During the era of manifest destiny, many Americans believed it was their divine right to expand westward, which reflected a sense of superiority over other nations and cultures.
3. Following the Spanish-American War, American exceptionalism was used to justify overseas expansion, portraying the U.S. as a liberator bringing democracy and civilization to colonized territories.
4. Critics of American exceptionalism argue that it can lead to an overly simplistic view of history and ignore the complexities and contradictions within U.S. actions on the global stage.
5. The idea has influenced U.S. foreign policy by fostering a sense of moral obligation to promote democracy and human rights around the world, often leading to interventionist policies.

Review Questions

• How did the idea of American exceptionalism influence public perception during the period of territorial expansion in the 19th century?
  • American exceptionalism shaped public perception by fostering a belief that the United States had a unique destiny to expand across North America. This idea encouraged support for policies like manifest destiny, where many viewed westward expansion not only as a right but a duty. The notion that Americans were destined to spread democracy and civilization reinforced their justification for displacing Native populations and claiming new territories.
• In what ways did American exceptionalism impact U.S. foreign policy after the Spanish-American War?
  • After the Spanish-American War, American exceptionalism justified an expansionist foreign policy that framed U.S. actions as benevolent interventions meant to liberate oppressed peoples. The U.S. took control of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines under the guise of bringing democracy and modernization. This mindset led to debates about imperialism versus altruistic governance, influencing how America interacted with newly acquired territories.
• Evaluate the implications of American exceptionalism on domestic and international perspectives regarding U.S. actions throughout history.
  • The implications of American exceptionalism have been significant both domestically and internationally. Domestically, it has fostered a sense of pride but can also create divisions when faced with critiques of U.S. policies or actions that contradict its foundational values. Internationally, this belief often leads to unilateral actions based on moral grounds, impacting how other nations view U.S. interventions—either as necessary liberations or as forms of neo-colonialism. The complexity of these perspectives highlights ongoing debates about America's role in global affairs.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Isolationism: A foreign policy principle that advocates for a nation to avoid alliances and engagements with other countries to focus on its own affairs.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.