Question: In what ways did American colonists attempt to imitate British society in the 18th century?

Expert answer

In the 18th century, American colonists attempted to imitate British society in a variety of ways. This period was a time of great change for the colonies and their inhabitants. The American Revolution had yet to take place, and the colonists were still under British rule. Therefore, it was natural for them to look to the British as a model of how to live and govern themselves. This imitation of British society can be seen in many aspects of the colonial period, including politics, religion, economics, and education.

Politically, the American colonists adopted many of the same systems that the British had implemented. The colonists followed a similar system of governance, with a governor and legislature, as well as a court system and other local government officials. They also adopted the “English Bill of Rights,” which gave them certain rights, such as the right to a fair trial. This system of government served as a template for the eventual American Constitution.

Religiously, the colonists were heavily influenced by the Church of England, which had been established in the early 17th century. The Church of England was the official religion of the British Empire and its teachings were widely accepted by colonists. The colonies also adopted many of the same religious practices and rituals, such as baptisms and communion.

Economically, the colonies followed the same mercantile system that the British had established. This system was based on the idea that the colonies should produce goods that were needed by the mother country. The colonies exported raw materials to Britain, which were then transformed into finished goods and sold back to the colonies at a much higher price. This system was beneficial for the British, but not for the colonies, as it prevented them from developing their own industries.

In terms of education, the colonists imitated the British system in many ways. The most prominent example of this was the founding of Harvard College in 1636. Harvard was modeled after British universities and sought to provide a classical education for the colonists. The curriculum was largely based on the British model, with a focus on Latin and Greek.

The 18th century was a time of great change for the American colonies. They were still under the influence of the British, and it was natural for them to look to the British as a model of how to live and govern themselves. This imitation of British society can be seen in many aspects of the colonial period, including politics, religion, economics, and education. Despite the eventual independence of the United States, the influence of the British is still evident today in many aspects of American culture.