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Summary of “Origin of the Anglo-Americans”

Tocqueville focuses his main topic on the development and history of America. He begins his conversation by comparing the growth of America, similar to the growth of humans. Tocqueville establishes that America has been one of the only countries that has been clearly observed from the beginning. Tocqueville states, “America is the only country in which it has been possible to witness the natural and tranquil growth of society.” America has been established from others such as French, English, the Spaniards, and all Europeans. With these citizens coming from other countries they each brought their views, opinions, and statuses. Most immigrants came to the coast of New England, therefore began to establish political views and classes. America was supposed to be land that was freed from classes and politics, but the English government views became relevant as America grew. Bringing these ideas, classes and riches, from England created a fatal delusion and greater impoverish. When thinking about these laws, they were not created by a government however by the persons interested in them. They grew from the customs of the community and the views from their government before. The customs that have been influenced when America first began has grown into the same views America has today. In the end, Tocqueville focuses this chapter on the growth of views and customs of America, how American politics began. He mentions that one can view America’s growth and views from the beginning, which today these views are continued. “Fantastic and oppressive” laws are enforced by those who are interested in them. Classes and wealth plays a key part in one’s everyday life. Therefore being able to read and see how America has developed, my question is “Why do American citizens have the same views and customs as they did when this country first began? Haven’t they realized that the people who live in America have changed their views and ways of life?”

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