"In eighteenth-century Britain, France and the Netherlands especially, material goods appeared with increasing frequency at cheaper prices among far more consumer than ever before" -Broner, page 154
Reflecting a bit on the previous excersie whre I listed my entire dorm room inventory, it is without question that I own more than probably the most elite of the early American colonists. However, as stated in the quote, people back in Europe were experiencing a new wave of consumerism, and the early Americans wanting to be like the Europeans, imported many goods.
It seems ridiculous to me that colonists would import impractical luxury goods from England while they were living on the frontier. I guess it comes as no surprise that modern day people are also consumed with the same status seeking mindset, regardless of practicality.
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