The Transformation of European Society

The Transformation of European Society, by Gary B. Nash, analyzed the British colonies in North America. By highlighting major changes that took place in the colonies in the eighteenth century, Nash showed how the European mind was transformed from the rigid, hierarchal society of Europe, to the democratic, individualist of America. Nash's first point was about how economic change affected people's views. Since there was so much land in the colonies, it was easier for people to "get rich quick" and climb the social ladder. This was one difference between American and European societies. In Europe, there was a large disparity between the rich and the poor. If you were born a blacksmith's son, you would die a blacksmith. But in America, the abundance of land meant that there were opportunities for growth and change. Poor farmers could become rich businessmen, seemingly. …