American Exceptionalism: A Chimera

In July our entire country celebrated the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the achievement of independence from King George III,1 whose subjects we had been. Leading up to this historic event, the Trump Administration launched an initiative called “Freedom 250.” President Trump’s fundamental reflection was as follows: “With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history.”This sentiment is thoroughly American. For better or worse — we consistently have argued the latter in our Journal — our country has always viewed itself as unique in its animating spirit, principles, form of government and founding philosophy. This is the vaunted “American Exceptionalism” we hear so much about; a designation in which we would take no issue, were the qualities in question actually exceptional.

Originally published in The Journal of American Reform. Read original article