1805

Alexis Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville was born on July 29 to a distinguished aristocratic family with roots in Normandy. The family had two other sons: Hippolyte, born in 1797, and Édouard, born in 1800. Tocqueville's great grandfather was Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes, who became famous as a minister during the reign of Louis XVI and defender of the King during his trial. Tocqueville's family suffered during the Revolution and his parents, Hervé and Louise-Madeleine, were imprisoned during the Terror, narrowly escaping the guillotine.

1812

In Paris, Tocqueville begins his education under the tutelage of Abbé Lesueur who became an important person in his life.

1814

The Tocqueville family endorses the return of the Bourbons to the throne of France. Louis XVIII arrives in Paris on May 3.

1820

Enrolls in a high school in Metz where his father moved after being appointed prefect of the Moselle. Graduates in 1823.

1823–1826

Tocqueville studies law at the University of Paris.

1826

In December, Tocqueville travels to Italy and Sicily, accompanied by his brother Édouard.

1827

Tocqueville is appointed juge auditeur at the tribunal in Versailles, a position that he will hold until 1830. In November, his father is appointed member of the Chamber of Peers.

1828

Tocqueville meets Gustave de Beaumont, who will accompany him to America three years later. The same year, he also meets Mary Mottley, an English Protestant, whom he was later to marry.