Chapter II: The Awakening of American Nationality Summary and Analysis

The first half of the eighteenth century was the golden age of American culture. It abandoned comfort for elegance. The new society mirrored that of western European culture. American cities like Boston and New York resembled London. Indians had been driven hundreds of miles west. Although the colonies were modeled after European society, an independent mentality was burgeoning.

1. Country Cousins

Arts and literature in the New World lagged far behind that of centuries old Europe. Architecture was one area in which American standards mirrored that of old Europe.

2. Material Foundations

The economic history of the US is also the history of the development of the capitalistic system. Economics was largely centered in agriculture during the eighteenth century. But the century also saw the rise of successful merchants. The colonies...