Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America ©2012, TESCCC

Biography: Alexis de Tocqueville Born in 1805 25 year old French intellectual Father taught him the importance of public service and was imprisoned during the French Revolution Practiced law and served as a judge http://faculty.frostburg.edu/phil/forum/Tocqueville.htm http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED419748.pdf ©2012, TESCCC

Journey to America Traveled to the United States in 1831 to study the American prison system with Gustave de Beaumont, his traveling partner. The two were given permission by the monarch King Louis Philippe, who wanted to reform the French prison system. Visited 17 of 24 states Interviewed 200 Americans, mostly elite men and women in society. Returned to France in 1832 and began writing Democracy in America Married an Englishwoman, Mary Mottley in 1835 Died in 1859 http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/TOUR/usx4.html http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED419748.pdf ©2012, TESCCC

Democracy in America Observations: liberty egalitarianism Values of American Success as a constitutional republic: Politics and society were very different in America than in Europe Impressed by the direct participation in New England town meetings Voluntary associations existed in every community for the purpose of political or social participation – particularly political parties Voters actively participated in elections Social manners were more casual than in Europe (i.e. shaking hands in place of the bow and curtsy) Recognized the competition of trade – merchants in the market liberty egalitarianism individualism populism laissez-faire http://www.teachushistory.org/detocqueville-visit-united-states/overview ©2012, TESCCC

5 values Liberty – Freedom to do as one wishes and make own choices. Egalitarianism – Equality of all people in social standing. Individualism – Emphasis on individual rights. Populism – Power from the many rather than the few. Laissez faire – No government interference in business.