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Tocqueville's Discovery of America: A Journey of Understanding and Admiration

Jerry Ward

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Alexis de Tocqueville was a French aristocrat and political thinker who visited the United States in 1831 and 1832. His book, Democracy in America, is a classic work of political science that provides a detailed and insightful account of American society and politics.

Tocqueville was deeply impressed by the United States. He admired its democratic institutions, its commitment to individual liberty, and its sense of equality. He also saw, however, that America was a country with its own unique set of problems and challenges.

Tocqueville's Discovery of America

by Leo Damrosch

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	306 pages
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One of the most important things that Tocqueville noticed about America was its strong sense of individualism. Americans, he wrote, were "accustomed to rely upon their own exertions, to work out their destiny alone." This individualism, Tocqueville believed, was a source of both strength and weakness for the United States. It gave Americans the drive to succeed, but it also made them less likely to work together for the common good.

Tocqueville also observed that America was a highly religious country. He believed that religion played a vital role in American society, providing a sense of morality and purpose to its citizens. However, Tocqueville also warned that religion could be a source of division and conflict in America.

Tocqueville's book, Democracy in America, was a major influence on the development of American political thought. His insights into American society and politics remain relevant today, and his work continues to be studied by scholars and policymakers alike.

Tocqueville's Journey to America

Tocqueville was born in Paris in 1805. He came from a noble family with a long history of service to the French government. Tocqueville studied law and political science, and he began his career as a magistrate.

In 1831, Tocqueville was appointed to a commission to study the American prison system. He and his fellow commissioner, Gustave de Beaumont, spent nine months in the United States, visiting prisons and interviewing inmates and prison officials.

Tocqueville was deeply impressed by what he saw in America. He was particularly struck by the country's democratic institutions and its commitment to individual liberty. He also saw, however, that America was a country with its own unique set of problems and challenges.

Tocqueville's book, Democracy in America, was published in 1835. The book was an instant success, and it quickly became a classic work of political science. Democracy in America provides a detailed and insightful account of American society and politics, and it remains one of the most important books ever written about the United States.

Tocqueville's Observations on American Society and Politics

Tocqueville's book, Democracy in America, is divided into four parts. The first part provides a general overview of American society and politics. The second part examines the American political system, including the Constitution, the presidency, and Congress. The third part discusses the relationship between religion and politics in America. The fourth part examines the future prospects of democracy in America.

In the first part of his book, Tocqueville argues that America is a unique country. He writes that America is "a new world, which is like no other that before it has been seen." Tocqueville attributes America's uniqueness to its democratic institutions, its commitment to individual liberty, and its sense of equality.

Tocqueville also observes that America is a highly religious country. He writes that "religion is the first of their institutions." Tocqueville believes that religion plays a vital role in American society, providing a sense of morality and purpose to its citizens. However, Tocqueville also warns that religion could be a source of division and conflict in America.

In the second part of his book, Tocqueville examines the American political system. He argues that the American Constitution is a "work of genius." Tocqueville also praises the American presidency, which he believes is a powerful and effective office. However, Tocqueville also criticizes Congress, which he believes is too often dominated by special interests.

In the third part of his book, Tocqueville discusses the relationship between religion and politics in America. He argues that religion is a powerful force in American life, but that it should not be used to justify political decisions. Tocqueville also warns that the separation of church and state is essential to the preservation of American democracy.

In the fourth part of his book, Tocqueville examines the future prospects of democracy in America. He argues that democracy is a fragile form of government, and that it is always at risk of being overthrown. Tocqueville also warns that the United States could face serious challenges in the future, including the rise of despotism and the decline of public morality.

Tocqueville's Legacy

Alexis de Tocqueville was a brilliant observer of American society and politics. His book, Democracy in America, is a classic work of political science that provides a detailed and insightful account of American society and politics. Tocqueville's insights into American society and politics remain relevant today, and his work continues to be studied by scholars and policymakers alike.

Tocqueville was a strong believer in democracy, but he also warned that democracy is a fragile form of government. He believed that democracy could only succeed if citizens were virtuous and public-spirited. Tocqueville's work is a reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires the active participation of citizens to succeed.

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