Elite Colonial Society

Definition

Elite Colonial Society refers to the upper echelons of colonial life in America, characterized by wealthy landowners, merchants, and influential families who held significant political, economic, and social power. This group played a crucial role in shaping colonial governance and culture, creating a distinct social hierarchy that mirrored European aristocracy and contributed to the development of a unique American identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The elite colonial class included wealthy plantation owners, successful merchants, and prominent political figures who influenced colonial legislation and governance.
2. This society was predominantly white and male, reinforcing social stratification based on wealth and land ownership.
3. The elite used their wealth to establish cultural institutions, such as colleges and libraries, which helped to promote Enlightenment ideals in colonial America.
4. As tensions grew with Great Britain leading up to the American Revolution, members of Elite Colonial Society often played key roles in revolutionary activities, advocating for independence.
5. The existence of an elite class contributed to regional differences within the colonies, with different areas developing distinct social structures based on local economies.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of Elite Colonial Society influence political decisions in the colonies?
  • Elite Colonial Society had a significant influence on political decisions due to the concentration of wealth and power among its members. Wealthy landowners and merchants often held key positions in colonial assemblies and councils, enabling them to shape laws and policies that favored their economic interests. Their ability to leverage resources allowed them to sway public opinion and mobilize support for initiatives that maintained their status and control over colonial governance.
• In what ways did Elite Colonial Society reflect European aristocracy, and how did it contribute to the development of American identity?
  • Elite Colonial Society reflected European aristocracy through its emphasis on wealth, land ownership, and inherited social status. The members adopted European customs, education, and manners, establishing a cultural elite that mirrored European norms. However, this society also contributed to a distinctly American identity by fostering a sense of independence from Europe; as colonists began to challenge British authority, they embraced ideals of equality and self-governance that were less prominent among European aristocrats.
• Evaluate the impact of Elite Colonial Society on social stratification and economic development in colonial America.
  • Elite Colonial Society had a profound impact on social stratification by creating clear distinctions between classes based on wealth and land ownership. This hierarchy influenced economic development by prioritizing certain industries, such as agriculture and trade, which were controlled by elite landowners and merchants. As these elites sought to protect their interests through mercantilist policies, they shaped the colonial economy in ways that often disadvantaged lower classes, leading to tensions that would eventually contribute to broader calls for change during the revolutionary period.

Related terms

Gentry: The class of landowners and wealthy individuals in colonial society who held power and influence, often involved in politics and local governance.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonies, influencing the policies of European powers regarding their colonies.

Indentured Servitude:

A labor system where individuals worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America, often used by the elite to maintain their labor force without the costs of slavery.