Colonial elites were greatly influenced by British styles and cultures. They believed that the manners and styles of the English gentry would set them apart from colonial commoners so they tried in vain to copy a British lifestyle. An example of this is with their houses. Prosperous colonists built grand houses reflecting homes in Britain including George Washington. I actually went to Mount Vernon this summer and can totally support this statement. Mount Vernon was in one word, grand. The elite also tried to adapt European manners. Some would order and read British magazines such as the Tatler and the Spectator. Even women were impacted because they were sent to schools which would teach them skills that would prepare them for marriage. At
