In 1776, the country had a thriving middle class. The thirteen colonies had the highest per capita income in the world with low taxes. There was a great disparity in acquired wealth, but that isn't surprising considering slavery existed. The have nots were on the outer frontiers, where things were primitive and risk high.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424...EditorialPage_h

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. H. L. Mencken