The Marshall Plan Theme of American Exceptionalism

American Exceptionalism isn't just the belief that America is awesome…but that's definitely part of it.

It's a belief system that takes the idea that America is awesome as its basis. Awesome because of the U.S.A.'s commitment to stuff like democracy and freedom, and possibly apple pie, baseball, and hot dogs, depending on how you feel about those.

With America's greatness assumed, it then goes a step further. If America is so fantastic, what does that mean? It means that the U.S. has a duty to the world at large that other, less awesome countries do not have. For the Marshall Plan, this was the rebuilding of Europe. It can be used in a lot of other ways too…but that's how Marshall meant it.

1. Does America have the moral authority to impose its values on other areas of the world? All of it? Some of it? None of it? Why or why not?
2. If the concept of American Exceptionalism is accurate, what are America's rights and responsibilities to the world at large?
3. Did American Exceptionalism give the U.S. the moral authority to enact the Marshall Plan? Could it have gone further? Not as far? Why or why not?
4. If American Exceptionalism is governed by specific qualities, could another country have those same qualities and then become exceptional? How would the two countries then relate? Would they be automatic allies? Enemies? Rivals? Frenemies?

The Marshall Plan is an example of American Exceptionalism used to the benefit of the world at large. It should be a model for future leaders on how our great nation can positively impact other nations.

The Marshall Plan was an arrogant overreach spurred on by the delusional concept of American Exceptionalism. It was imperialist and served only to foment conflict with the other superpower.