DE TOCQUEVILLE

World War III selected this era because it showed America’s power and

independence and separated their way of life from other countries.

VIEW OF AMERICA

Alexis de Tocqueville was a citizen of France, sent to observe

American prisons, by the French government in the 1830’s.

While in America, he began a journal, commenting on the

“exceptionalism” of America and its citizens.

He focused on the five characteristics: Liberty, Equality,

Individualism, Popular Sovereignty and Laissez-Faire.

Our class assignment was to select an era of American history

after the Civil War, and look at through de Tocqueville’s eyes.

LIBERTY

In de Tocqueville’s eyes, Liberty is the protection

against a tyrannical government and the devotion to

the rule of law. The biggest danger was the tyranny

of the majority.

LIBERTY

EGALITARIANISM

According to de Tocqueville America was a country of

equals and could control there own life. In European

countries their class was hereditary which means that if

their parents were not wealthy they were not either.

Anyone was able to buy and own land and that they

believed in equality.

In World War II woman were finally allowed to work in the

factories and contribute to the war effort.

EGALITARIANISM

INDIVIDUALISM

De Tocqueville’s view on individualism was that the

people were free to flourish without having to worry

about hereditary distinctions and the rise of “The

American Dream”. People voluntarily organized

private charities and were able to pursue their goals.

People during World War II were able to start

private companies and donate $ to the war efforts.

INDIVIDUALISM

POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

Alexis de Tocqueville’s view on Popular

Sovereignty was that all people participated in

political life and gave the people peace and

prosperity knowing that they had a say on what they

country does.

In World War II the people chose to go to war due

to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and pride for their

own country.

POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

LAISSEZ-FAIRE

According to de Tocqueville, the main purpose of

Laissez-Faire was for the government to “keep their

hands off” economics and let each individual be the

judge of their own interest.

The government controlled how much of an item

will be sold but the citizens grew victory gardens in

order to feed US troops.

LAISSEZ-FAIRE