American Exceptionalism - Essay Example

? 3. What is American Exceptionalism? How has American Exceptionalism influenced US domestic policies and US international policies (for example how has American Exceptionalism influenced westward expansion, US-Indian Relations, North-South relations, US-world relations, US democracy, etc.)? The famous saying that American roads are paved with gold is an ideology that is supported and believed by many. American Exceptionalism refers to America’s identity of being unique in all facets compared to other nations. Every nation has a purpose of its creation and independence. The untold story of America is bit different as America was founded upon the principles of freedom. America’s tradition to build upon opportunity has been the pinnacle point that has made it exceptional over the years. Undoubtedly, it is also one of the key characteristics that has made individuals all across the world to migrate to America. A country where opportunities are prevalent and individualism is propagated is truly an element that makes this country exceptional. It is clear that USA has played a major role in many elements, both domestically and internationally that has allowed it to be an influential country. Issues such as westward expanionism, racism, reformation, industrial revolution are just few aspects that resulted because of American Exceptionalism. Hence, America continues to be exceptional because of the opportunities, firm belief in changing status quo, and diversity that it has celebrated over the centuries. One of the key reasons why America is exceptional is because America is perceived as the “Golden land of opportunity,” many immigrants come to America for a better future. Without a doubt, many individuals immigrate to America because it allows them to harness their growth. The idea of obtaining their own version of American dream through “life, liberty and property” is a concept that makes America so unique. The true version of living the American dream can certainly become a reality for these individuals. Individuals are motivated to work hard for themselves to progress further in life. This mutual symbiotic relationship between the citizen and the nation itself is truly exceptional. Unlike other countries which continue to emphasize the well-being of the nation, Americans pride themselves in being “individualistic.” This theology has been the pinnacle point of what makes America truly unique and fueled westward expansion. America became the symbolism of pure individualism chasing the “green power.” In addition, the expansionst movement also represents that of the quest for the “American Dream” that the new immigrants desired when they reached the “promise land” In essence, Looking at America back in the 1800’s, the westward expansionism was because of the young nation’s desire to expand its horizons. It was an accumulation of greed, individualistic American dreams, and a young nation’s desire to be in conquest. It was evident that this was attained within the American mentality at that time. American Exceptionalism influenced US domestic policies in many ways. First and foremost, it has made America a true super power because it has allowed America to focus within itself. Because of the US involvement in world affairs, the crackdown on terrorism has been a very provocative one1.Without the American involvement, the birth of United Nations would have never been initiated. This itself is a huge testament to how American involvement has been a focal point in world affairs. The initiation of the United Nations is just one example of American influence in world affairs. The United Nations is a collaborative effort that has allowed the nations to put aside their differences and come up with a joint body of resolution. Although the United Nations was an anti-measure of American principles during the 1930’s, it showed that American mentality was flexible and circumstantial. America was ready to change its philosophy based on the circumstances it faced with. This mentality was a unique quality that Americans contained that it made it purely distinguished than other nation such as Soviet Union and Japan. The second example of American exceptionalism can be witnessed through the war of terror. Since 1990, American exceptionalism has allowed it to be a provocative player against the war in terror which began with the Gulf war and continues in Afghanistan and Iraq today. This has what made America a key player as it has enforced statutory laws and taken legal action against terrorism to protect Democracy and capitalism. America realized that it cannot always be an isolationist and was a leader against dictatorships that possessed these weapons2. Although nations such as Great Britain and France have been acknowledged of this situation, it has always been the United States of America that has realized its leadership in issues such as this. This is due to American exceptionlaism that oozes from the principles that Americans adhere. Another huge attribute that enables America to be exceptional is the fact that it can change the status quo and world relations. Unlike other countries that continue to be dictated with status quo, Americans are quick to embed rapid changes to accommodate their country. Throughout history, America is known to embed these changes with the age of progressivism and revolution. For instance, John Locke once stated in his writing Second Treatise of Government, “Where there is no law, there is no freedom.” Every society makes and enforces laws that govern the individuals, businesses, and other organizations that function within. Since the American revolution, individuals have celebrated and enjoyed their God-given rights3. Both of these laws are essential in the American court system, and will be thoroughly discussed in this paper. America throughout the years, even in isolationism has managed to maintain its focus in domestic affairs to propel itself against other nations. This itself is a huge quality that other nations lack in which dictators still rule with their cruel regime. America’s firm belief in its capitalism democratic principles has propelled it compared to other nations. Because of the cons tuition, America is exceptional as the people possess the right to dictate the government. Without democracy as the foundation that serves as the law, American’s uniqueness will be greatly diminished. One of the major attributes that enables America to be exceptional is the freedom is the diversity that it enjoys due to blend of cultures it possesses. America has been known as the “melting pot” of assimilation of cultures and has given new opportunities to immigrants throughout history. America has a long history and spirit to welcome immigration that has harnessed its growth. With immigration, America has become exceptional because it has cultivated new ideas and innovation. As different ideas continued to blossom, the United States has become a nation in which culture and diversity is embraced. It would allow the market to be more diversified and allow individuals to be more tolerant of new cultures, ideas, and innovations. This characteristic itself is a testament to why America is an exceptional country. This has also lead to reformation within America for centuries. For instance, the industrial era was one of the earliest focal points in which reform was conducted. It allowed blue collars to gain leverage as the war for labor wages raged4. This was also the first movement in which the question of gender inequality was addressed as women left the “cult of domesticity” . It is quite pivotal to understand that American political movements were key catalyst to channel social reform as well5. In the modern day, women are independent and have the liberty to work in corporate American6. Many males who have hard time finding employment are “stay home” dads who raise children and take care of the house. The idea of gender discourse was so prevalent throughout America that it sparked a cry for reformation. The ideology of the Republican Motherhood, was one of the original groups, that challenged the lack of development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset. Since the Republican motherhood revolved around the concept of liberty, independence, and democracy; the primary focus revolved around making women independent. This was because of the industrial era and American political issues that forced the nation itself to modify its perspective on social issues. Although this was one example of social reform, Americans once again witnessed a reform era during the 1950s. The civil rights era was a testament to American exceptionalism, and its quest to conduct reform. America has been a pivotal player in understanding the immigration issue7. Although the battle rages in the domestic front about immigration, American Exceptionalism has allowed it to concentrate on its own issues. Immigration was a direct result American Exceptionalism because it opened a new perspective of ongoing issues in American politics. Without a doubt, America is an exceptional country that was founded upon the principles of freedom. It was created by individuals that wanted to embed and practice freedom that their mother nation had denied time. America from the past and the future will continue to be nation that justifies liberty and embraces innovation. This universal standard had stood the test of times and will continue to make this nation exceptional. Works Cited "American Civil War at eHistory.com." eHistory at OSU | Welcome to eHistory. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2011. http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/in. Date accessed 11 November 2013. 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