The Wealth of Nations · Character

The Europeans

European peoples as collective economic actors.

minor

Also known as the Europeans, Europeans

First appearance: Of Colonies

The Europeans shows up with force in II: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford Rent. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referenced in the context of trade with North American hunting nations and the exchange of peltry for European goods.

In the storyII: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford RentOpen this moment free

The Europeans first appears in 0057 vii of colonies.

In II: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford Rent: Referenced in the context of trade with North American hunting nations and the exchange of peltry for European goods.

Later, in Second Sort: European settlers in North America whose arrival led to changes in land use and cattle husbandry.

See The Europeans in II: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford Rent Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how The Europeans sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Colonial observers and Europeans
Ancient authorities and examples
Diverse authorities and generic roles

+1 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Smi…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

The Europeans appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford Rent
Referenced in the context of trade with North American hunting nations and the exchange of peltry for European goods.
Second Sort
European settlers in North America whose arrival led to changes in land use and cattle husbandry.
Book III: Of the different progress of opulence in different nations
Discussed in the context of their economic progress compared to other nations.
I: Of the Natural Progress of Opulence
Modern European states where the natural order of opulence has been inverted.
Of Colonies
Referenced in the context of regulations sent to colonies and the general system of colonial governance.
Of the Motives for Establishing New Colonies
European colonizers in general are described as being animated by chimerical views of gold and silver, though most were unsuccessful compared to the Spanish.
I: Of the Expenses of the Sovereign or Commonwealth
Referenced in the context of governments founded by German and Scythian nations that overturned the Roman empire, where the administration of justice was a source of revenue.
I: Of the Expense of Defence
Modern European nations contrasted with ancient states in terms of military proportion and expense.
III: Of the Expense of Public Works and Public Institutions
Mentioned in the context of the custom of keeping ambassadors resident in neighbouring countries during peacetime, originating from commercial interests.
Article I
Referenced in the discussion of tax systems and their effects on different economies.
Taxes Upon the Profit of Particular Employments
Mentioned in the historical context of feudal government and the emancipation of bondmen across Europe.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Europeans unlock in the free preview.

See The Europeans in Of Colonies

See The Europeans in II: Of the Produce of Land Which Sometimes Does, and Sometimes Does Not, Afford Rent