Final answer:
Potlatches became more extravagant and frequent in the 19th century as a result of abundant resources, with wealth being showcased through gift-giving. The competitive nature of these events fostered increased social stature and community ties among Pacific Northwest groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potlatches became more extravagant and frequent in the 19th century due to several factors. Resources were abundant along the Pacific Northwest, enabling societies like the Haida, Kwakiutl, and Tlingit to accumulate significant wealth. This wealth was displayed not through accumulation but through a culture of gift-giving and sharing — a principle deeply engrained in their society. Because wealth in these cultures was equated with how much one could give away rather than hold, potlatches became a competitive display of abundance.
A successful potlatch often meant an increase in the host's status and position, encouraging leaders to host lavish ceremonies. It became a competitive event where chiefs challenged each other through generosity, further solidifying social ties and the distribution of goods across different communities. The competition to host a more abundant potlatch was a means of asserting dominance and social structure among these groups.