In Becoming America, author Jon Butler persuasively argues that the late American colonial period of 1680-1770 was one of monumental change, the end result being an essentially "modern- culture. He defeats the notion that the period was one of economic and cultural dependence on the English, and he proves that a uniquely American culture was forged not from the fire of the Revolution, but instead from the dynamic changes that occurred during this often-overlooked period. ... Largely, this was due to a shortage of European indentured servants, an end to the Royal African Company's monopoly...

• Word Count: 2312
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Graduate