Chp. 21, pgs 634-636

Chapter 21, Tocqueville explains “why great revolutions will become rare.”  His introducing thoughts explain why, although democracy is an ever changing entity, it does not mean radical changes.  Tocqueville explains that because each man has the ability to choose his path, the need for revolution becomes less necessary.  He says “almost every revolution which has changed the shape of nations has been made to consolidate or destroy inequality.”  Our nation’s history proves Tocqueville’s thinking was right on target.   It made me reflect on the events leading up to the Civil War.  In order for American’s to have this quintessential democracy Tocqueville speaks of, segregation needed to be abolished.  Our nation changed because of the Civil War, and it was sparked because of the desire to demolish the inequality between blacks and whites.  Tocqueville concludes his opening thoughts in saying there will always be the poor, rich, and somewhere in between.  The ability for every average person to better their circumstances will prevent the “great revolution” from beginning.