British Exceptionalism in Adam Smith

Abstract

In numerous works, such as The Wealth of Nations and Lectures on Jurisprudence, Adam Smith provides examples of his support for British exceptionalism. Although The Wealth of Nations criticizes many of the protectionist policies adopted by Great Britain that hindered free trade, Adam Smith held Great Britain in high esteem. Smith describes Great Britain as unique with respect to geography, scientific innovations, language, and government. He suggests that a society in which people are trustworthy and engage in less crime is ultimately based on a nation’s geographic independence from other countries. Moreover, scientific innovations and progress in philosophy and literature blossom in a society in which there is greatest division of labor. If other countries followed suit, and Britain removed all the encumbrances that hinder free trade, then not only would Britain become more exceptional, but so would every other country if they decided to emulate Britain and embrace the free market. In other words, the greatness of a country can be as good as the policies of those countries let it be. The more liberty, independence, greater division of labor, and free trade, the more exceptional the country and its inhabitants can become.