Final answer:
Alexis de Tocqueville described the United States as a nation of joiners, noting Americans' propensity to form voluntary associations and their commitment to civic engagement and solving communal issues. His observations are a testament to the early American spirit of independence, community, and skepticism toward collectivism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alexis de Tocqueville, a French historian who traveled to the United States in the 1830s, described the United States as “a nation of joiners.” Tocqueville was struck by the tendency of Americans to form voluntary associations for the public good, reflecting a strong sense of community and a commitment to solving communal problems.
This observation was detailed in his seminal work, Democracy in America, where he also noted the propensity of Americans to exhibit civic virtue and to organize themselves without relying solely on government intervention.
In contrast to other countries where class divisions and a lack of economic mobility were more entrenched, many Americans in the 19th century believed that starting one's own business or farm and hiring others was a realistic goal. This spirit of independence and faith in economic opportunity was a core element of American Exceptionalism, contributing to a cultural environment that was often skeptical of collectivism and unionization, as exemplified by the hesitant relationship with organizations like the Knights of Labor.
Ultimately, Tocqueville's insights provide a window into the early American values of self-reliance, public-spiritedness, and an eagerness to collaborate for the common good characteristics that were deeply embedded in the fabric of American society.