Accidental and Providential Influences on American Democracy

Key Insight

The United States benefits from unique accidental or providential circumstances that ease the way for its democratic republic. Having no neighbors, Americans avoid major wars, financial crises, invasions, and heavy taxes, thereby escaping the corrupting influence of 'military glory' (e.g., General Jackson's election was largely due to a minor victory at New Orleans twenty years prior). The absence of a single great capital prevents the concentration of power, plotting, and direct popular imposition of will that proved dangerous to ancient republics.

The 'hazard of birth' also played a crucial role, as the forefathers imported equality of conditions and intelligence, from which democracy naturally sprang. Furthermore, a boundless continent provided the means to remain equal and free. This 'empty country' offers inexhaustible resources and opportunities, fostering a general material prosperity that is essential for a democratic government's stability, as the people must be content to avoid overthrowing the state.

The populating of this wilderness is driven by native-born Americans, not primarily European immigrants who tend to stay near the coast. This constant westward migration, characterized by an 'immoderate desire for wealth' and 'extreme love of independence,' becomes a social benefit. It naturally reinstates a form of primogeniture, where younger sons seek fortunes in the West (e.g., in 1830, 31 of 36 Connecticut-born congressmen represented new Western states), transforming potential 'dangerous citizens' into 'wealthy landowners' and useful legislators, thus channeling restless passions constructively.