why did the aristocracy of the West have greater faith in the common man?
West -- do you mean the U.S. West -- or the West including Europe?
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US West, Era of Andrew Jackson
Westerners tended to be more liberal and value a man's work rather than his family connections.
The belief that the aristocracy of the West had greater faith in the common man can be attributed to several factors:
1. Enlightenment ideals: During the Enlightenment period in the 18th century, there was a growing emphasis on reason, individual rights, and equality. This ideological shift influenced many aristocrats to view the common man as capable of rationality and deserving of equal rights.
2. Social contract theory: Philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed the idea of a social contract, where society is based on an implicit agreement between individuals and the government. This theory emphasized the inherent worth and agency of every individual, regardless of their social status.
3. Economic changes: The rise of capitalism and industrialization brought about increased social mobility, allowing individuals from lower social classes to accumulate wealth and improve their social standing. This challenged traditional beliefs that assigned value solely based on one's birthright, leading some aristocrats to recognize the potential and capabilities of the common man.
4. Political pressure: Revolutionary events, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, challenged the entrenched power of the aristocracy. This pressured some aristocrats to embrace reforms and acknowledge the importance of the common man in shaping society.
While these factors contributed to the greater faith aristocrats placed in the common man, it is important to note that this belief was not universally held and varied across different regions and historical periods.