Tocqueville’s depiction of American life and culture during his time has multiple aspects that share similarities with modern American life, however, the majority of the depictions have changed too heavily since the work was done to dictate it as currently relevant. This is due to the vast differences to the puritan way of life and the southern plantation system both socially and economically. Tocqueville’s analysis of both economic mobility as well as the relevance of religious influence in political structure has changed dramatically since the time of his visit.
The Puritan people lived a significantly different life than the modern American people do today. The vastly advanced structure of rights and liberties that the United States Constitution carries in the Bill of Rights is lacking in the political structure of Puritan society. Rather than adopt a more hands-off approach with this style of democracy the puritans used it to create a strict authoritarian style of governance which punishes countless crimes with death. As Tocqueville stated, “It must not be forgotten that these fantastic and oppressive laws were not imposed by authority, but that they were freely voted by all the persons interested in them”. In addition to this severe punishment, there was no separation of church and state in this society. The Puritan people heavily integrate their religious beliefs directly into their system of governance, it was even stated that “in America, religion is the road to knowledge, and the observance of the divine laws leads man to civil freedom” (Tocqueville). Every successful puritan in this depiction is viewed as one who heavily values and respects the Puritan religious code. Furthermore, in contrast to modern American society, Tocqueville had stated: “in America, it is the poor who make the law, and they usually reserve the greatest advantages of society to themselves”. This statement could not be further from the truth in 2019. Political giants dominate the government and financial based donations have much more pull then individual votes. Society has simply changed and not only socially.
Tocqueville has some rather noteworthy opinions and observations of the financial intricacies and patterns of the southern colonies of America. Most simply was the concept of financial movement where it appeared to him that there was a significantly large population of citizens with new money, it seemed as “In America, most of the rich men were formerly poor” (Tocqueville). Unfortunately, enough time has passed where large estates have gradually been built up and there is some serious income inequality in America that transcends generations and has heavily impacted the opportunities offered to citizens. This once again contrasts to Tocqueville’s view of American financial realities where “wealth circulates with inconceivable rapidity, and experience shows that it is rare to find two succeeding generations in the full enjoyment of it”. While America still has greater economic mobility than many other nations it is nowhere near the observation Tocqueville made all those years ago.
The American way of life has drastically altered itself through the power of time and while in many cases this is for its benefit, this is not always the case. Tocqueville’s view is one that should never be ceased to be studied however it should always be with a historical context and an understanding of the modern political world.
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