Class in America (History)

One can define class as categorizing things that have common factors. It is a way to divide people based on social and economic standings. Even though it is not spoken about outright in present-day, throughout history, class has always been a defining factor when it pertains to economic and social standings. It has also played a part in the political standings in America. Class has been one of the defining factors in separating individuals and groups from everyone else first with the creation on currency.

Today, as a society we do not refer to classes. The most talked about class revolves around the Middle Class. We are aware of the categorization of class and social standing. Gregory Mantsios noted that while we do not explicitly use the term class when referring to ourselves or others (Mantsios, 2006). We refer to class differences utilizing other words. Class determined one's level of power in the 18th century. In 1690 notes bills were created. This creation was due to the lack of Mints from Britain. Barter and trade were the primary sources of exchange, followed by commodities that were too large to transport. Note reflecting the value of the goods was created, followed by paper bills, which made it easier to obtain goods. “This system of trade all existed to enrich Great Britain” (Locke & Wright, 2017). To ensure Great Britain was being enriched; they began taxing the colonies. With the ability to trade goods with currency, the consumer era begins and tries to colonial cities. After the revolution in 1787, individuals were struggling with debt and no answers or much help from the government. Shaysite, named after Daniel Shays; a veteran, created blockades around courthouse to prevent judges from issuing foreclosures (Locke & Wright, 2017). With the government in divide, Adams and Hamilton wanting to support American industry and Jefferson who wanted to preserve the economy in way of agriculture caused divisions within the government. Hamilton wanted to link the wealthiest economic interest into the country’s economic health. The repository of the rights of the wealthy along with other components to help the economy such as the creation of Bank of the United States were ways to help the colonies get out of debt.

As the colonies expanded from 1650 to 1750 one’s social standing affected their wealth. The elite were wealthy farmers and urban merchants (Social classes in the colonies., n.d.). One’s social standing determined how much wealth they had. In New England those who were high in their social standing were given larger portions of land. Those who were not bounded servants or criminals were able to obtain land. The colonies attempted to live their lives like their English counter parts. This was done by mirroring their house styles. Those who were poorer were indentured servants, slaves, and day laborers.

Class being a form of categorization for upper, middle and lower class. Even though it is not openly being said, class in our society exist. Throughout history class has been determined one’s wealth and social standing. Someone’s social standing in history appears to be a constant when determining one’s wealth.

References Locke, J., & Wright, B. (2017). The American Yawp. Retrieved from http://www.americanyawp.com. Mantsios, G. (2006). Class in America. In G. Mantsios, Class in America: Myths and Realities (pp. 182-196). Social classes in the colonies. (n.d.). Retrieved from Boundless US history.: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ushistory/chapter/social-class-in-the-colonies/