Summary Of Democracy In America By Alexis De Tocqueville

Written by Alexis De Tocqueville, Democracy in America critiques American customs through observations. (reword) Tocqueville examines the vast differences between his own, French, culture and the new, unrefined culture that is fostering in America. He observes in mystified awe at racial relations between not only the Native Americans and the Europeans, but the Africans that were recently brought to America. The race relations which present themselves in America are inconsistent with that in Europe. Slavery in America has developed “naturally with the society to which it belongs,” it has manifested into every household and taken over the whole country, but what Tocqueville finds fascinating is the lack of economic betterment that comes from the use of slaves in everyday labor (288). To further this argument, Tocqueville employs the use of logos and effectively describes the injurious consequences
He shows progressive paths of logic to create the persuasive argument that slavery has no economic or labor benefits. Those who still support slavery are “ignorant and unknown” whereas those who accept freedom are able to “work without dishonor” (293). Tocqueville contrasts Ohio, a state which has abolished slavery, and Kentucky, a slave rich area. He describes the great growth Ohio has experienced due to the fact that they can practice freely, they can cultivate new, inventive ideas and thrive. Whereas Kentucky is bound to oldfashioned ideas that hinder growth. Slavery’s only outcome is now an inhibitor towards modern day success. The line between “liberty and servitude” is no longer just a river, but a gap which grows between culture and creates a separation towards the future and the past (292). The future is a world of freedom, a world of prosperity, and as Tocqueville clearly highlights in his book, a successful future is one in which slavery is abolished because it has no true net