1. DE TOCQUEVILLE World War II I selected this era because it showed America’s power and independence and separated their way of life from other countries.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. LIBERTY

5. 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.

6. EGALITARIANISM

7. 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.

8. INDIVIDUALISM

9. 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.

10. POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

11. 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.

12. LAISSEZ-FAIRE