Final answer:
Colonial standards of living in the 18th century rose due to the consumer revolution, the Great Awakening and Enlightenment thought, mercantilist economic gains, and sadly, the expansion of slavery, which together improved self-sufficiency, intellectual life, and economic prosperity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dramatic rise in colonial standards of living during the 18th century can be attributed to several key factors. One major factor was the consumer revolution, where an increased demand led to the import of a variety of consumer goods from England, such as tea sets and luxury items, elevating the lifestyle of the colonists. Additionally, economic growth facilitated the rise in living standards, which was further influenced by social, political, and intellectual maturation of the colonies.
Colonists began to acquire wealth, own land, and practice their faith openly—achieving a level of self-sufficiency under the mercantilist system. Furthermore, the eighteenth century welcomed the Great Awakening and the Enlightenment, which fostered a sense of unity and promoted reason and scientific thought, respectively. The economic ties with Great Britain and the shared ideas and commodities also played a crucial role in improving the quality of life.
Other significant developments included social mobility through the expansion of slavery, which, paradoxically, contributed to the economic foundation that supported the colonial lifestyle. While it created a dichotomy in society, it also solidified economic progress for the colonies. These factors collectively contributed to the remarkable enhancement of living standards during this period.