American Studies 2200E Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Low Culture, Alexis De Tocqueville, Meritocracy

• School: Western University
• Department: American Studies
• Course: American Studies 2200E
• Professor: Anna Zuschlag

Document Summary

Comes to the us at 25 in 1831. French historian, political writer, connection to the crown. Came over to look at the american penal system. Studied the political and social system of the united states. Believed liberty could be maintained in an organized democratic society. Noticed american liberties were starting to be restricted by the government. Would lead to a move away from individualism (conformity) Comes to the united states at 27. Concludes that life in the united states is joyless and that work has become the. American passion (a lack of beauty and art) The countries health was determined by business and overrun by stress. Did not like american commercialism and vulgarity (low culture) Hector st. jean de crevecoeur (1735 1812): Born in france, moved to new france then new york. Began writing down observations of the united states. Believes in hard work, industriousness and the yeoman ideal. Believes in claiming the land, taming the land.