Images of democracy : nineteenth century commentators on America

This thesis discusses a number of nineteenth century "images" of democracy which arose out of reflections on America. The writers in this study - Tocqueville, Martineau, Mathew Arnold, J.S. Mill, and Bryce - observed American government, society and "character" to describe and analyse "democracy". In re-examining their views on America this study focuses on the writers own social and political concerns and explores their attempt to fashion out of American material messages for their own countrymen. Comparisons are drawn between the views of these five liberal writers. Modern critics' views of each of these writers are also compared. One of the central claims of this thesis is that the writers desired "facts" about America. Yet equally important was the search for values and guidance. By looking at America these writers conducted a strenuous inquiry into the possible effects of becoming a "democratic society": For some of the writer this inquiry led them to reaffirm their democratic ideals. But for others it produced more elitist conclusions, especially from the debate over the need for leadership, authority and civilised values in America. The writers’ anxieties about America reflect some of the dilemmas which liberals faced in coming to terms with democracy. Tensions between their aspirations and reservations about democracy were evident in their criticisms of America. Frequently they provided an inaccurate or unfair picture of America. The attempt to produce a coherent picture of democracy was unsuccesful and unrealisable. But these "images'' contained imaginative and rewarding discussion of conflicts within the political deals the writers sought