Both groups were perceived as being sub-human as a result of their completely non-European origins. Their mistreatment, therefore, was rationalized. Africans were brought to America solely for the purpose of bolstering the wealth of their white masters. Similarly, the Indians were seen only as sources of trade, and as useful allies during times of war with other Europeans. While many Americans consider slavery and the indirect genocide of the Indians to be regrettable, but concluded chapters of American history, the ethnocentrism that spawned those two phenomena is still alive in modern culture. The most pronounced example of this is seen in American foreign policy, which remains centered around the principle of defending and expanding national economic interests and markets, often at the expense of foreign peoples. Indeed, Butler paints a picture of a late colonial culture not only radically reshaped by immigration, but essentially the same as modern American culture. .
For better of for worse, our culture places tremendous importance upon the acquisition of wealth. America prides itself on its national wealth and the professional talent of its populace. Butler proves that these characteristics of American culture and the American people have their origins in the late colonial era. The only difference is the character of the economy. While today's American economy is geared primarily towards the service sector and advanced manufacturing, the economy of the late colonial era centered on agriculture. During the period of 1680-1770, fully 75-85% of all people owned or worked on farms. Initially, most farmers produced crops only for self-consumption or local sale. However, the rise of slavery and the increased demand for food among the burgeoning colonial population spurred a shift in emphasis from sustenance to commercial agriculture. Slaves were a free source of labor and allowed the white farmers to increase their agricultural production with very little corresponding increase in overhead costs.
