Democracy in America, Volume 3

Name: Democracy in America, Volume 3
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville

The third volume of Democracy in America examines the relationship between democracy and equality. It argues that democratic societies inevitably lead to a leveling of social classes and a focus on material comfort. The author critiques the idea of equality, suggesting it can lead to mediocrity and a lack of individual achievement. The book also explores the role of education in a democratic society, arguing that it should be accessible to all but not necessarily free. Tocqueville believes that education is essential for maintaining social order and preventing the rise of tyranny. Furthermore, the author discusses the impact of democracy on family life and relationships. He notes that democratic societies often lead to a decline in traditional values and a focus on individualism over community. The final section of the book examines the relationship between democracy and religion. Tocqueville argues that democracy can lead to a decline in religious faith, as individuals become more focused on material pursuits than spiritual ones. Throughout the volume, the author emphasizes the importance of balancing individual freedom with social order and tradition. He warns against the dangers of unchecked democracy and the potential for it to devolve into tyranny.

By Alexis de Tocqueville · First published 1835 · Genre: Political Science, Sociology, History · 26 chapters

CHAPTER I: That Manners Are Softened As Social Conditions Become More Equal
CHAPTER II: That Democracy Renders The Habitual Intercourse Of The Americans Simple And Easy
CHAPTER III: Why The Americans Show So Little Sensitiveness In Their Own Country, And Are So Sensitive In Europe
CHAPTER IV: Consequences Of The Three Preceding Chapters
CHAPTER V: How Democracy Affects the Relation Of Masters And Servants
CHAPTER VI: That Democratic Institutions And Manners Tend To Raise Rents And Shorten The Terms Of Leases
CHAPTER VII: Influence Of Democracy On Wages
CHAPTER VIII: Influence Of Democracy On Kindred
CHAPTER IX: Education Of Young Women In The United States
CHAPTER X: The Young Woman In The Character Of A Wife
CHAPTER XI: That The Equality Of Conditions Contributes To The Maintenance Of Good Morals In America
CHAPTER XII: How The Americans Understand The Equality Of The Sexes
CHAPTER XIII: That The Principle Of Equality Naturally Divides The Americans Into A Number Of Small Private Circles
CHAPTER XIV: Some Reflections On American Manners
CHAPTER XV: Of The Gravity Of The Americans, And Why It Does Not Prevent Them From Often Committing Inconsiderate Actions
CHAPTER XVI: Why The National Vanity Of The Americans Is More Restless And Captious Than That Of The English
CHAPTER XVII: That The Aspect Of Society In The United States Is At Once Excited And Monotonous
CHAPTER XVIII: Of Honor In The United States And In Democratic Communities
CHAPTER XIX: Why So Many Ambitious Men And So Little Lofty Ambition Are To Be Found In The United States
CHAPTER XX: The Trade Of Place-Hunting In Certain Democratic Countries
CHAPTER XXI: Why Great Revolutions Will Become More Rare
CHAPTER XXII: Why Democratic Nations Are Naturally Desirous Of Peace, And Democratic Armies Of War
CHAPTER XXIII: Which Is The Most Warlike And Most Revolutionary Class In Democratic Armies?
CHAPTER XXIV: Causes Which Render Democratic Armies Weaker Than Other Armies At The Outset Of A Campaign, And More Formidable In Protracted Warfare
CHAPTER XXV: Of Discipline In Democratic Armies
CHAPTER XXVI: Some Considerations On War In Democratic Communities

Democracy in America, Volume 3

Contents

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