This article analyzes Tocqueville's discussions of cultural "others" to illustrate Tocqueville's view on the qualifications of "civilization". I begin by arguing that Tocqueville's famous assertion on the "equality of social conditions" in America is a societal status that was unique to America at his time, and presumes a highly "civilized" standard in which those who are not "civilized" are not qualified to be fully equal. Tocqueville believes those more civilized nations or peoples have the duty to "elevate" those who fall behind on the path towards civilizational progress, and when "necessity" requires, can even justify the use of force. I argue that Tocqueville's assumption of civilizational progress can explain Tocqueville's seemingly contradictory positions in supporting the colonization project in Algeria while fighting against slavery in French colonies. The essay concludes that it is crucial to include Tocqueville's assumption of civilization when considering the full scope of his theory of democracy.