The American Exceptionalism Movement

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty” (Kennedy 70). When President John F Kennedy took his oath of office assured liberty in America and throughout the world as his promise to the America. President Kennedy’s actions and words had an impact on the concept of American exceptionalism. During the 1960’s, racial segregation and the movement to stop it, along with the Cuban missile crisis consumed the nation. In an era in which American values were tested against racial injustice and tyrannical governments, President John F. Kennedy stood firm in his commitment to upholding liberty
and equality in civil rights, outer space, and in neighboring countries contributing positively to American exceptionalism.
American exceptionalism has its roots in America's unique character, its basis of democratic ideals and protection of personal liberties.
“American Exceptionalism refers to the uniqueness of the United States as a uniquely free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberties” (Tyrrell). America is a free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberty. "The United States is different. America was founded at a particular time, by a particular people, on the basis of particular principles about man, liberty, and constitutional government" (Spalding). The founding fathers shared a common basis of beliefs on man, liberty, and justice that they embodied in the heart of the nation through the Founding Documents. Which instill America's exceptionality through their emphasis on the principles of human liberty, principles of equality, and its protection of the inherent rights of man. The high ideals and values that makes America exceptional, are not only made a standard for the nation, but the same standards are also expected from other nations around the world. Part of American exceptionalism is the realization that America is like a city on a hill an example for all to see, and championing its standards in the world around the nation. American exceptionalism is found in the principles of freedom, equality, and liberty that runs deep in the veins of the nation and lies in America acting as a beacon for the world of its high ideals, which President Kennedy fully
embodied.
President Kennedy advocated for the Civil Rights Movement and fought to secure liberties for all Americans, upholding the Constitution and protecting human rights, furthering American exceptionalism. During the 1960’s, civil rights was an important and pressing issue in American that President Kennedy needed to address. Kennedy spoke out against discrimination in all facets of life and sought to unify America despite racial differences. “Today, we are committed to a worldwide struggle to promote and protect the rights of all who wish to be free… It ought to be possible, in short, for every American to enjoy the privileges of being American without regard to his race or his color” (Kennedy 79). Advocating for the equal rights of all Americans despite race or color, President Kennedy committed himself to protecting the founding fathers’ high ideals. Kennedy fought against racial injustices and discrimination by upholding the Constitution and enforcing legislation. “Kennedy appointed his brother, Robert as Attorney General and together they fought to enforce already passed civil rights legislation and the constitution in a fair manner for all Americans” (O’Brien 66). President John F. Kennedy and his administration held people accountable to the constitution for actions. President Kennedy not only fought for the liberties and freedoms of Americans, he also championed the constitutional values in dealing with the exploration of the new frontier.
During the 1960’s, the space race was underway and the U.S.S.R was leading the race, President Kennedy for the cause of liberty made it his mission to claim space for the free peoples. Kennedy knew the USSR was threatening to take control of outer space and use it for furthering their communist cause. "For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the moon and to the planets beyond, and we have vowed that we shall not see it governed by a hostile flag of conquest, but by a banner of freedom and peace “ (O’Brien 80). John F. Kennedy vowed to not let the U.S.S.R’s movement claim space and to further the cause of freedom and peace in a new frontier. President Kennedy wanted to use the new frontier for human exploration and for understanding the world around us, while the USSR wanted to use it for destruction. “We have vowed that we shall not see space filled with weapons of mass destruction, but with instruments of knowledge and understanding” (Kennedy 78). John F. Kennedy took a stand against the oppressive forces that threatened to fill a place of discovery with forces that could strip the human race of its freedom. Wishing to claim space for the free peoples, he urged congress for their full support. “He urged Congress to mobilize financial resources, insisting that America should go into space because whatever mankind must undertake, free men must fully share” (Gordon). Kennedy through his focus on the NASA Space Program committed the USA to bringing our unique values to space and claiming it for the free world. In 1962, the USSR threatened the very existence of the free peoples of the Americas with the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F.
Kennedy stood strong in our country’s commitment to liberty and equality through it all. On October 16, 1962, it was discovered that The USSR had robbed the Cuban people of their freedoms and now had their weapons of mass destruction set for America. With weapons and communist control in Cuba, Commander Khrushchev threatened the United States with nuclear war. President Kennedy sought to uphold liberty across the world, making a commitment to the Cuban people to not rest until all are free from the grips of communism. “I speak to you as a friend, as one who shares your aspirations for liberty and justice for all. Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free” (Kennedy 89). John F. Kennedy expressed his commitment to liberty and justice in his vision for all to be free from the communist regime. Kennedy just like the founding fathers before him vowed to pay the costs for all to be free and committed to staying strong against tyranny. "The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission” (Horan). President Kennedy vowed to never surrender and to stand up to those who challenge the founding principles of America, liberty and equality. Through his decision-making and personal convictions about the Cuban Missile Crisis,
President John F. Kennedy held true to American values and declarations.
“We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first Revolution” (Kennedy 50). In his efforts in Civil Rights, the Space exploration, and against the soviets, John F. Kennedy contributed positively to American exceptionalism through putting liberty and equality at the center of his decisions and convictions. John F. Kennedy unified the nation and upheld the constitution through his work in civil rights. President Kennedy took a stance against communism and tyranny in Cuba, showing the world that America stands for freedom and is courageous. Also Kennedy took American ideals and beliefs in a new frontier in space and prevented tyranny and oppression there. “ We must always consider… that we shall be as a city upon a hill an example for all to see” (Horan). John F. Kennedy understood that the founding fathers passed the torch to a new generation of Americans to uphold and promote the constitutional values and through that commitment to keep America exceptional.