Alexis De Tocqueville French political scientist, historian and statesman. Date of Birth: 29.07.1805 Country: France

1. Alexis de Tocqueville: A French Political Philosopher and Historian
2. Political Views and Contributions
3. Early Life and Education
4. Political Career
5. Legacy and Death

Alexis de Tocqueville: A French Political Philosopher and Historian

Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville was a French political activist, thinker, and historian of the 19th century. He is best known for his two-volume work "Democracy in America" and the book "The Old Regime and the Revolution." In both works, Tocqueville analyzed the improvement of living standards and social conditions, as well as the attitudes towards markets and the state in Western societies. "Democracy in America" was published after Tocqueville's trip to the United States and is considered one of the first works in sociology and political science. He actively participated in French politics during both the July Monarchy and the Second Republic but left political life after the coup of December 2, 1851, which led to Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte becoming emperor. He dedicated his final years to working on "The Old Regime" and other works.

Political Views and Contributions

Tocqueville claimed that the significance of the French Revolution lay in its continuation of the modernization and centralization process of the French state, which began under King Louis XIV. He believed that the failure of the revolution stemmed from the inexperience of the deputies, who were too devoted to the abstract ideals of the Enlightenment. Tocqueville was a classical liberal who advocated for parliamentary forms of government but remained skeptical of the extremes of democracy. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and believed that religion could coexist with equality and the celebration of individualism. He argued that religion's position would be strengthened by separating it from politics.

Early Life and Education

Alexis de Tocqueville, a descendant of an old Norman aristocratic family, was born on July 29, 1805. His ancestors had participated in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. His monarchist parents, the Count and Countess de Tocqueville, narrowly escaped the guillotine due to Maximilien de Robespierre's fall in 1794. Unfortunately, many of their relatives were not as fortunate. After living in exile in England, they returned to France during Napoleon's rule, and during the Bourbon Restoration, Alexis' father became a peer of France and a prefect. Alexis was the third and youngest child in the family. He studied at a Jesuit college in Metz, completed his education at the college in 1823, and obtained a degree in law. While working as an auditor at the Versailles Tribunal, Tocqueville met Gustave de Beaumont, with whom he later embarked on a journey across the ocean.

Political Career

Disdaining the July Monarchy, Tocqueville began his political career in 1830 and served as a deputy for the Manche department in Lower Normandy from then until 1851. In parliament, he advocated for abolitionist views and supported free trade and the colonization of Algeria. In 1842, Tocqueville was elected as a councilor in Manche and served as the president of the department's general council from 1849 to 1851. Additionally, from June 3 to October 31, 1849, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France. After this, he concluded his political career as he did not trust either the left or the right wing and sought a reason to leave France.

Legacy and Death

Suffering from tuberculosis for a long time, Tocqueville lost his battle with the disease and passed away on April 16, 1859. He is buried in the family cemetery in Normandy. His most significant and well-known work, "Democracy in America," which was referred to as both the "best book about America" and the "best book about democracy," was the result of Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont's journey to the United States. The young men embarked on their journey in 1831, supposedly to study the American penitentiary system. While they did visit several correctional institutions, Tocqueville also extensively traveled throughout America and recorded his observations and reflections on the structure of American government. He returned to France almost two years later and published a report on the penitentiary system, but the true outcome of his journey was "Democracy in America," with the first volume being published in 1835 and the second in 1840. In addition to the United States, Tocqueville visited and studied the life and structure of England, Ireland, and Algeria.