The years between 1800 and 1825 were distinguished, so far as our domestic development was concerned, by the growth of the Western pioneer Democracy in power and self-consciousness. Herbert Croly More Quotes by Herbert Croly More Quotes From Herbert Croly The only fruitful promise of which the life of any individual or any nation can be possessed, is a promise determined by an ideal. Herbert Croly determined literature promise The Constitution was the expression not only of a political faith, but also of political fears. It was wrought both as the organ of the national interest and as the bulwark of certain individual and local rights. Herbert Croly political expression rights American history contains much matter for pride and congratulation, and much matter for regret and humiliation. Herbert Croly congratulations regret pride Had it not been for the Atlantic Ocean and the virgin wilderness, the United States would never have been the Land of Promise. Herbert Croly ocean land promise In Jefferson's mind democracy was tantamount to extreme individualism. Herbert Croly democracy literature mind The more consciously democratic Americans became, however, the less they were satisfied with a conception of the Promised Land, which went no farther than a pervasive economic prosperity guaranteed by free institutions. Herbert Croly prosperity land literature Let it be immediately added, however, that this economic independence and prosperity has always been absolutely associated in the American mind with free political institutions. Herbert Croly independence political mind Of course, Americans have no monopoly of patriotic enthusiasm and good faith. Herbert Croly monopoly patriotic enthusiasm So far I, at least, have no fault to find with implications of Hamilton's Federalism, but unfortunately his policy was in certain other respects tainted with a more doubtful tendency. Herbert Croly federalism faults literature The adoption by Jefferson and the Republicans of the political structure of their opponents is of an importance hardly inferior to that of the adoption of the Constitution by the states. Herbert Croly opponents adoption political The American economic, political, and social organization has given to its citizens the benefits of material prosperity, political liberty, and a wholesome natural equality; and this achievement is a gain, not only to Americans, but to the world and to civilization. Herbert Croly equality organization civilization The interest which lay behind Federalism was that of well-to-do citizens in a stable political and social order, and this interest aroused them to favor and to seek some form of political organization which was capable of protecting their property and promoting its interest. Herbert Croly political organization order The average American is nothing if not patriotic. Herbert Croly memorial-day uplifting native-american Women ... are completely alone, though they were born and bred upon this soil, as if they belonged to another class in creation. Herbert Croly soil creation class The combination of Federalism and Republicanism which formed the substance of the system, did not constitute a progressive and formative political principle, but it pointed in the direction of a constructive formula. Herbert Croly political substance principles
