American Exceptionalism

The presentation traces the development of American exceptionalism, the long‑standing belief that the United States has a special mission, character, or destiny that sets it apart from other nations.

We begin with Winthrop’s 1630 vision of America as a “city upon a hill.”

Next, we look at the thinkers who broadened the concept as the young nation developed: Crèvecœur, who imagined America as a place where old European divisions disappeared; Jefferson, who argued that the nation’s commitment to liberty and self‑government made it unlike any other country; and Tocqueville, who observed how everyday practices—from civic participation to local governance—created a uniquely American democratic culture.

We then examine how exceptionalist thinking intensified in the late 19th century through the writings of Strong and Fiske, who were influenced by Social Darwinism, a popular belief that applied Darwin’s theories of evolution to human societies.

From there, we turn to the leaders who adapted the idea to new global realities. President Wilson framed American exceptionalism as a moral responsibility to spread democracy abroad, while Franklin D. Roosevelt linked it to the nation’s ability to lead during a crisis and defend freedom worldwide.

Moving into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, we look at how figures such as Gingrich, W. Bush, Obama, and Donald Trump each used the concept differently—sometimes to

justify military action, sometimes to inspire unity, and sometimes to question whether America was still living up to its ideals.

Throughout the session, we will examine historical texts, speeches, and media reactions to see how American exceptionalism has been constructed, challenged, and wielded as a powerful political tool across the centuries.