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American Exceptionalism Essay

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Earlier this year I had to write an essay on “American Exceptionalism”, this term was coined by was coined by Alexis de Tocqueville, the French historian and author of Democracy in America. For this essay the purpose was to critically think about the term “American Exceptionalism and determine for ourselves whether America was exceptional or not. I came to the conclusion that America is exceptional, but my America is not the America others see. I can appreciate everything this country has done for me, whereas others have a hard time appreciating America. These people aren’t anti-America, they’re America’s marginalized. The same opportunities that have awarded to me have not given to them. Before I can praise all the good this country has accomplished …show more content…

From the colonists to the abolishments, and the suffragettes the reforms that these groups have pushed through set the foundation for modern America. The greatest achievement this country wa the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It was through these two important pieces of American history that the words written by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence could be fully enacted. James Madison echoed the words “ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that 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” in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The freedom Jefferson so eloquently expressed have been reflected through the acts of reformers. The suffragettes paved the path for women's rights, abolishing set the long path towards racial equality, and the colonists established a country that allows equality to reign, because to have equality you must first have freedom. Though milestones have been made there is still an unbalance in how that equality is distributed. There are groups of people in this country, whether it be because of economic or social reasons feel disenfranchised. The poor family feels lost in a system that is overwhelmed, people of color feel a target on their backs, and the child struggling in an urban school feels uncared

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() The declaration of Independence written in 1776 was known to be one Jefferson best work. Why because predominately paved the path for the American people the power to govern for themselves. Jefferson vehemently believed in strong natural proponent of rights of all people. Which he exclaimed and I quote: “ We hold these truth to be self evident, that 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. (Textbook).

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In the declaration it stated the essential human rights in everyday like for the people in society. With Jefferson having a huge role in that he become to be known as one of the nation’s remarkable founding fathers alongside George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Benjamin

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Exceptionalism of America can actually be dated back to the 1830s when United States and the citizens were first described as "Exceptional" by Alex de Tocqueville. He was the first to use the term in his Democracy in America class work. Tocqueville observed egalitarianism in the American society and stressed individualism which he indicated differed from "group ties" emphasis which characterizes Europe. The notion of American Exceptionalism sets America as having a distinct as well as special destiny that other nations do not posses, the notion has been persistent al all times in the American history. This special character, American Exceptionalism, is sometimes inferred from the 1776-89 period founded American political institutions.

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Once upon a time, being American was the greatest honor in the world. With heads held up, people could proudly declare their heritage and feel their hearts swell at the sight of a billowing striped flag. Soldiers’ boots could touch foreign earth knowing the blood spilled would be for a nation that was more than deserving. But that was years ago; now, what does this country have worthy of a human life? Next to nothing.

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