Final answer:
The legal age for marriage was historically influenced by societal needs, religious beliefs, and puberty. Dowry and economic considerations often played a significant role, especially for women. While some cultures practiced arranged marriages, others, like modern U.S. society, emphasize personal choice and love.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the past, the legal age at which people could marry was often influenced by a mix of factors including societal needs, religious beliefs, and biological maturity, such as puberty. For instance, traditionally, girls would marry at a young age, usually between fourteen to eighteen years old, often to an older man. The consideration of dowry and its implications to a woman's family and her marital choices also played a significant role in marriage arrangements, especially in terms of societal needs and class status. Cultures have varied beliefs about marriage; in some, marriages were arranged between families and could be influenced by societal norms and expectations, whereas in modern societies like the U.S., the concept of marriage is commonly based on mutual feelings of love between adults.
Different societies have had different practices regarding marriage, influenced by a variety of factors such as economic stability, religious doctrines, gender roles, and legal structures. These factors all played a role in shaping the marriage patterns within a specific time and place. Customs could differ widely, with arranged marriages common in some countries and cultures, while personal choice and love are the basis in others.