American culture exhibits a unique blend of materialism tempered by generosity and philanthropy, highlighting a strong ethos of mutual aid among individuals. The historical connection between freedom and religion significantly shapes societal values, as many sought refuge from religious persecution, embedding liberty into the fabric of belief systems. Education emerges as a crucial factor in fostering the construction of liberty, yet its discussion is sometimes insufficiently emphasized. The role of women in America is noteworthy; they enjoy greater autonomy and are legally protected, demonstrating a departure from patriarchal norms prevalent in other cultures. Furthermore, the narrative surrounding historical issues such as slavery and Native American treatment reflects a complex and sometimes contradictory understanding, influenced by the ideologies of the time, including the concept of the 'noble savage.' This understanding underscores America's identity as a colonization society, shaping interactions and societal structures.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) and his examination of the American democratic system. He wrote De La Démocratie en Amérique in two parts, published in 1835 and 1840, when France was ruled by the July Monarchy of Louis-Philippe. Tocqueville was interested in how aspects of American democracy, in the age of President Andrew Jackson, could be applied to Europe as it moved away from rule by monarchs and aristocrats. His work has been revisited by politicians ever since, particularly in America, with its analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of direct democracy and its warnings of mediocrity and the tyranny of the majority.
With
Robert Gildea
Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford
Susan-Mary Grant
Professor of American History at Newcastle University
and
Jeremy Jennings
Professor of Political Theory and Head of the School of Politics & Economics at King's College London
Producer: Simon Tillotson
In Our Time is a BBC Sounds Audio Production