American gentry

American gentry refers to a group of people who were rich and powerful in the United States during the 1700s and 1800s. They were typically born into wealthy families and inherited their wealth from their parents or grandparents.

These wealthy individuals were often landowners who had large estates, which they used to grow crops or raise livestock. Many of them also owned slaves, who worked on their farms or performed other tasks for them.

The American gentry were generally educated and cultured. They enjoyed reading, music, and the arts, and they often traveled to Europe to learn more about these subjects. They also had a lot of political power and influence, and many of them served in government positions or were involved in local politics.

Despite their wealth and power, the American gentry were not necessarily loved by everyone. Some people viewed them as arrogant and out of touch with regular people. Others resented them for their wealth and privilege and wanted to see them brought down.

Today, the term “American gentry” is often used to refer to any wealthy, influential, and privileged group in the United States, not just those who lived in the 1700s and 1800s.