History 1100 PURITAN UTOPIA: THE ORIGINS OF DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA? CENTRAL ARGUMENT: I. Religion as a Democratizing Force A. Protestantism and the Priesthood of All Believers B. Predestination and the Community of the Saints C. The Protestant Work EthicII. Economic Conditions as a Democratizing Force A. Widespread Availability of Land B. Increased Value of Labor C. Subsistence Family Economy and Class HomogeneityD. Improved Life Expectancy III. Political Structure as a Democratizing Force A. Decentralization: the Power of Local Politics B. One Man, One Vote: The Power of the FreemanTerms: Utopia: Subsistence Family Economy: Mayflower Compact: 1620:
View Full Document