The American Colonies
nNorth American colonial societies developed following European patterns.
nBritish colonies formed assemblies based on broad male participation.
nThe colonists also avidly consumed Enlightenment political ideas.
nTrade and manufacturing developed widely, and a strong merchant class appeared.
nThe colonists retained vigorous cultural ties with Europe; an unusual percentage of the settlers were literate.
nThe importation of African slaves and slavery separated the North America experience from European patterns.
