The Thirteen Colonies were shaped by different European ways of life. They took ideas from Europe but also changed them to fit their new home. Here’s a simple look at how European influences showed up in various parts of colonial life:

Social Hierarchies

1. Class Structures:

   • Just like in Europe, the colonies had clear social classes.
   • Rich landowners in places like Virginia were similar to the upper class in England.
   • The plantation system created a small group of wealthy people, like European lords, while most folks were farmers or workers.

2. Religious Influences:

   • European religions played a big role in the colonies.
   • For example, Puritanism in New England came from the Protestant Reformation in Europe.
   • People brought their religious beliefs with them, shaping community rules, laws, and everyday life.

Governance and Law

1. Political Ideals:

   • Colonists used many ideas from European thinkers, especially during the Enlightenment.
   • Ideas about individual rights and having representatives in government were influenced by Europe but were changed to fit the colonies.
   • This led to local assemblies that mixed British traditions with new democratic ideas.

2. Legal Systems:

   • The laws in the colonies were often based on English common law.
   • Colonial courts and laws looked a lot like those in England, though different areas had their own twists based on local needs.

Economic Practices

1. Mercantilism:

   • European economic ideas, especially mercantilism, greatly affected colonial economies.
   • Colonies were used for raw materials, which were sent back to Europe for processing.
   • This created a dependency, showing how colonial life reflected practices in Europe.

2. Trade Networks:

   • Trade routes in the colonies followed patterns seen in Europe.
   • The Triangular Trade, for example, connected Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, showing how European economic models worked on a global level.

Cultural Expressions

1. Architecture and Arts:

   • The design of homes and public buildings in the colonies was influenced by European styles.
   • Colonists changed European designs to fit their surroundings, but the main ideas—like balance and symmetry—were still European.

2. Customs and Traditions:

   • Festivals, cooking, and social manners were influenced by European customs.
   • Many traditions, like holidays and community celebrations, were carried over from various European cultures.

In summary, while the Thirteen Colonies created their own identities as time went on, they were significantly shaped by European societal norms. This influence affected everything from social classes to government and culture, helping to build a complex and evolving American identity.