American exceptionalism - the idea that America is fundamentally distinct from other nations - is a philosophy that has dominated American economics, politics, religion and culture for two centuries. Although many early colonists understood themselves to be part of a unique venture - with abundant natural resources, equality of citizens and religions - it was not until the Revolution that exceptionalism took on overt political connotations. The rhetoric of the new democratic government was often linked with expansionist arguments. This shaped a foreign policy which rested on the belief that to spread American democracy was both justifiable and inevitable.This collection of primary source material seeks to understand how this belief began, how it developed, and why it remains popular. Volumes are organized thematically and deal with land and economy, the American Revolution, the Protestant millennial redemption, and criticisms of the exceptionalist stance. Documents largely consist of pamphlets, sermons, newspaper and periodical articles. The wide chronological spread covers the colonial period to the late nineteenth century.

Editorial apparatus includes a substantial general introduction, volume introductions, headnotes, endnotes and a consolidated index.