ABSTRACT
The role of the family was central to European society throughout the early modern period. For many people, self-identity and government were determined by their family rather than by their nation or country. Although national and religious differences had their impacts on family life, certain aspects of family structure were consistent among different countries and religions. These aspects were then transplanted to the North American colonies. While early settlement had some disruptive effects on the traditional European family structure, it still was predominantly intact at the time of the American Revolution.
