"No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country"

This quote by Alexis de Tocqueville is an alerting about the threats of prolonged war for democratic countries. He is suggesting that a long war can have a detrimental effect on the flexibility of a democratic nation. He is implying that a prolonged war can result in a decrease in civil liberties, as the federal government might be required to take drastic measures to make sure triumph. This might include restricting the freedom of speech, restricting the press, and increasing surveillance of people. Furthermore, a long war can cause a reduction in economic freedom, as the federal government may be required to increase taxes and provision resources. Furthermore, an extended war can lead to a decrease in political liberty, as the government may be required to suspend elections and restrict the power of the legislature. Eventually, de Tocqueville is cautioning that a long war can have a disastrous result on the freedom of a democratic country.