The Marshall Plan: American Exceptionalism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)

Quote #4

Furthermore, governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery in order to profit therefrom politically or otherwise will encounter the opposition of the United States. (6.9)

This is largely directed at the Soviet Union. Taken at face value, he is saying that any country who traffics in misery gets an enemy of the United States out of it. That's a pretty stunning statement as it can mean a whole lot of countries. This might scare off a lesser power, but not the U.S. Why? Exceptionalism.

Quote #5

With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome. (8.3)

This is a direct appeal to the concept of American Exceptionalism. He's talking about the responsibility history has placed on the country. We have the power to help Europe, and therefore the responsibility. Who gave us this? History. Yep, in short, America is awesome and it's time to get the awesome-train in motion.