The figures · Thinkers

Alexis de Tocqueville

Tocqueville gave liberalism a subtle account of democratic society and its risks.

BORN 1805 CE · Paris, FranceDIED 1859 CE · Cannes, FranceERA Nineteenth-century liberalism

NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION

Analyzed democracy's promise and dangers, especially equality, association, religion, and majority power.

THE RECORD

Democracy in America studied institutions, habits, religion, and associations in the United States.
He warned that democratic equality could produce conformity or soft despotism.
His work remains important for liberals thinking about freedom inside mass democracy.