Over the centuries, the separation of classes has been the origin of many societies throughout the world. When the English first began colonizing the New World, however, separation of classes was not on their minds. The colonists were trying to survive the hardships of the New World; therefore they didn't have time to distinguish themselves from one another. As the colonies began to grow and develop, they became more distinctive and compound. When the 17th century drew to a close, the gap between the upper and lower classes broadened. This was due to the First Families of Virginia's struggle for property between the landowners (common farmer) and the freed indentured servants, as well as the new way of life for the African slaves that were being compared to the previous indentured servants.

At the crown of the ladder of social status were the first families of Virginia, otherwise...